Adults are Learners, Too: Personalizing Professional Learning for Educators

Too often, adults are sent to professional learning in which they have little interest, and the method of delivery for the professional learning does not honor the spirit of andragogy: adult learning. As we age, though we are older, we are still learners, and research, quantitative and anecdotal, shows that adults benefit from professional learning that is grounded in andragogical principles. This session will present research, both present in the body of literature as well as specific examples gathered from Dunn's action research, to ground the theoretical basis. From there, Dunn will present strategies to personalize learning for educators at a school and district level, sharing her experience as an administrator bringing personalized learning to educators in her school and district. Dunn will engage the audience, taking them through the story of her journey as a learner and leader researching and building a strong approach to this work. Adults are learners, too, and it is time we model best practice in our professional learning opportunities for educators in our care.