EHRD 616 - Methods of Teaching Adults
EHRD 616 - Methods of Teaching Adults
EHRD 616 focused on the principles, methods, and philosophies of teaching adult learners. The course emphasized instructional design, facilitation techniques, learner engagement, and the power dynamics inherent in adult education. Through readings, discussions, and applied assignments, I examined my personal teaching philosophy and designed a comprehensive lesson plan grounded in adult learning theory.
Discussion Leadership & Facilitation Reflection
This discussion leadership reflection demonstrates my ability to facilitate adult learning conversations, design engaging prompts, and analyze group dynamics. Leading a discussion on Brookfield’s work and Parker Palmer’s reflections allowed me to explore themes of power, self-directed learning, and instructional tone. This artifact highlights my developing skills in fostering dialogue while balancing clarity, challenge, and approachability.
Teaching Portfolio: Philosophy & Lesson Plan
This teaching portfolio represents the culmination of my learning in EHRD 616. It includes my articulated teaching philosophy, a detailed diversity and inclusion lesson plan, instructional methods, assessment strategies, and course reflection. The portfolio demonstrates my ability to design learner-centered experiences grounded in adult learning theory and to integrate evaluation and engagement techniques.
Professional Reflection
EHRD 616 significantly shaped how I understand adult learning as both a psychological and relational process. Prior to this course, I viewed training primarily as information delivery. Through studying adult learning theory, power dynamics, and self-directed learning, I began to see teaching as the facilitation of growth rather than the transfer of content.
Developing my teaching philosophy required me to examine how power operates between educator and learner, particularly in professional environments. As someone working in HR within a manufacturing organization, this awareness directly impacts how I design training, communicate expectations, and provide feedback.
Creating a full lesson plan and instructional strategy strengthened my ability to:
Align learning objectives with instructional methods
Incorporate interactive and experiential techniques
Design formative evaluation tools
Balance structure with learner autonomy
This course expanded my confidence in leading adult learning environments and reinforced the importance of clarity, organization, and psychological safety in instructional settings.