Understanding The Adult Learner

Understanding the Adult Learner S.Vijay Kumar Asst.Professor HR&OB GITAM INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT GITAM UNIVERSITY

Management Education …..

MBA Diversity – Different Strokes for Different Folks • Influencing the ‘mindset’– Build competencies that build character • Architecting, Articulating and Accomplishing Change for better • Exciting, Enticing, Energizing, Empowering people

Management Education Context specific • Purpose – “To acquire Qualification” vs. “Competency Enhancement” • Objective Diversity • Technology - In class, Out class (OBT), Virtual/Digital; Limited Reach vs. Unlimited Reach (Dial-ins, Webinars) • Relevant for Future: Immediate & Distant

Mgt. Education aims @ • • • • • • • •

Character Compatibility Competence Conviction Courage Composure Confidence; and above all, Contextual Sensitivity (Behavioral, Organizational and Cultural)

Learner Perspectives! • People who just watch things happen • People who do not allow others to watch what’s happening • People who just want “things to happen” only to themselves • People who make things happen when opportunity comes • People who make things happen even when odds are against them

Learners levels of Ambition Knowing the Unknowing

• Uninformed (diversity in UG Background) • Uninformed but Ambitious • Ambitious but not “Adequately Equipped with Knowledge ” • Adequately Equipped but lack Opportunities to show case their “Talent” • Appropriately Experienced but want to get compensated even for their “learning period” • Experienced but not willing to learn any further

Diversity in Learner personality • Loud Linguist • Kite Flyer • Literate Youngster • Silent Observer • Alienated Ass • Experienced Elder • Omnipotent • Intellectualizer

Facilitator Traits • Go beyond the individual learner • Build “Emotional Relationships” • Link outside classroom learning with inside class teaching • Provide “Conditional Freedom” • Enhance Tolerance for Ambiguities, Disagreements and Dissents • Build value for Transparency and Trust

THANK YOU Management education means building an “Inclusive Society” Spl thanks to Prof. Ravi Kumar IIMB

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