Outline:

1. Defining the Adult Learner

   • Typically refers to learners over the age of 30.

   • Instructional methods must adjust to cognitive, motivational, and lifestyle factors as age increases.

2. Decade-Based Learning Shifts

   • 30s: Strong cognition, life distractions (career, family).

   • 40s: Slight cognitive decline; vision or minor health changes begin.

   • 50s: Slower processing, more health/mobility limitations.

   • 60s: Careful, step-by-step reasoning; hearing/night vision issues.

   • 70s+: Delayed cognitive responses, yet more time and motivation.

3. Common Traits of Adult Learners

   • Goal-Oriented: Learning is a means to an end.

   • Motivated by Usefulness: Only engage if knowledge is practical or needed.

   • Experience-Driven: Draw on past events to process and apply knowledge.

   • Self-Directed: Prefer independence, control over pace and content.

   • Relevancy-Oriented: Immediate application is crucial.

   • Problem-Solvers: Thrive on real-world scenarios, case studies.

   • Respect Matters: They expect mutual respect and adult-level communication.

   • Self-Esteem Conscious: Learning helps maintain or boost confidence.

4. Instructional Best Practices

   • Use clearly defined objectives in a structured syllabus.

   • Integrate new concepts with prior knowledge for retention.

   • Clarify mutual expectations early on in the training.

   • Respect learners’ pace, time constraints, and autonomy.

   • Use scenario-based learning to promote self-directed progress.

   • Remember: Self-directed doesn’t mean isolated—group learning is still valuable.

   • Include modern tools: books, eLearning, tablets, and apps.

   • Avoid spoon-feeding—challenge them appropriately.

   • Foster a cooperative and respectful learning environment.

5. Supporting Programs from CFI Bootcamp

   • Teach Brief-Fly: Scenario-based visual briefings:Teach Brief-Fly

   • Smart Study Pro: Audio, video, and PDF tools for ACS and oral prep: Smart Study Pro

   • Full CFI Program:

     • 42-hour online or in-person ground school

     • 1-week flight instruction

     • Prescheduled checkrides CFI Bootcamp

   • Membership Access: Over 230+ Power Hour archivesSee All Power Hours