Self-Directed Learning

Recently read a list of strengths and weaknesses of adult learning in terms of self-directed learning. I recently wrote a blog post discussing Blanchard's Situational Leadership model and Grow's Stages of Self-Directed Learning (SSDL) model (see here). Grow's Four Stages of a Self-Directed Learning Model (SSDL) espouses a theory of adult development from Dependent, to Interested, then Involved, and finally Self-Directed (2020). Several things about your post in comparison to Grow's SSDL caught my eye.

First, I really liked that almost all of the strengths were balanced with weaknesses. It's an acknowledgment that there are no absolutes and that these statements are not as clear cut as they might seem. However, the strengths that caught my eye were a quote that stated, "Adults are more inclined to seek and acquire knowledge," which was immediately counterbalanced by the weakness "not all adults are ready to learn" among others.

The other strength I read was, "Adults are generally self-directed, life-long learners who have a unique concept of self." This one is where I would argue that Grow's SSDL comes into play. Not all adults are or will make it to that stage of Self-Directed learning. It's incumbent on us as teachers, trainers, and facilitators to model our styles to meet their specific needs at the stage they happen to be in.

It's important as trainers that we model our training to the needs of the student. Just as we as writers need to change our writing based on the type and needs of the reader, and we need to model our leadership based on our employee's needs. If we don't do these things, then we risk not being as effective as necessary.

Teach Thought Staff. (2020). Four Stages of a Self-Directed Learning Model. Teach Thought. https://www.teachthought.com/learning/the-four-stages-of-the-self-directed-learning-model/