A trend I see in Adult education, especially in airport operations, is that learning is becoming more flexible and increasingly focused on real-world experience. Since most airports are open 24/7, that means shift work is necessary. Like many people, I work rotating shifts, night shifts and weekends, which makes traditional classroom learning difficult. Adult learners want training that fits their schedule and relates to their job.
Article – https://www.wgu.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles2004.html
I found an interesting article from Park University which explains that adults learn best when learning is self-directed, practical and based on real-life experience. The emphasis on adults needing to understand why they are learning something is what stood out to me the most. This connects with me and is true in airport operations, where procedures are followed for safety reasons, not just because they are rules. The article also states that adult learners bring prior experience into the learning process, which is relevant in aviation, since most learners already have hands-on knowledge from their jobs. Another interesting point the article raises is that adults prefer problem-centred learning over theory-heavy instruction. In aviation, learning is more effective when based on real operational scenarios.
I will need to deliver training in a more flexible way that accommodates rotating shifts, night shifts, and rotating schedules. I will try to focus less on long lectures and more on the real-world scenarios. Using blended learning will allow more in-person time and hands-on training. To prepare for this trend, I will need to continue to adapt how learning is delivered. Training must be relevant and connected to day-to-day operations while maintaining standards.
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