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Cal State Los Angeles

Teacher Induction Program

Mentor Training Module 2:

Best Practices in Adult Learning

Adapted from Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California Department of Education

Formative Assessment for California Teachers (FACT) -Pilot Documents 2009-10 Skill Building Twelve

Induction Coordinator & Faculty: Erica Hamilton, PhD

Link to Screencast (7.5 minutes)

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In this training module, mentors will:

  • learn how to support candidates as adult learners
  • gain access to mentoring tools

Module 2 Objectives

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults experience a dip in their sense of self-efficacy when new skills and language are introduced.

Recommendation: Be clear about any potentially new terminology or site-specific strategies with which the candidate may be unfamiliar, and create a space to check for understanding and allow for questions.

Mentoring Tool: Educational Acronyms

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults need to be validated for what they already know and do.

Recommendation: Get to know the teacher so you are familiar with the experiences they bring and capitalize on those experiences.

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults value choice, freedom, and power.

Recommendation: Make it clear that there will be a structured learning process during the induction program and review the options for learning (observations, planning sessions, analysis of student work, professional development, etc).

Mentoring Tool: Topics for Mentor Meetings & Individual Learning Plan

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults engage when they are asked what they would like to know about the topic.

Recommendation: Use informal conversations, structured interviews, and self-assessments as tools for gathering data about what new teachers think they need to know.

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults want to know why and how the mentor is qualified to lead their learning, and what their experiences in teaching have been.

Recommendation: Be clear about your purpose for telling a given story. Check for understanding and meaning-making to ensure that the new teachers heard the key points to be gleaned from the story. When sharing a story, always include the self-doubts, the alternatives considered, the rationale for the actions taken, and a focus on lessons learned from the experience.

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Adult Learning Theory: Adults expect feedback on work they do.

Recommendation: Develop the skills for providing appropriate feedback in ways to keep lines of communication open and promote professional growth in new teachers.

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Please take this quick survey to confirm completion of this module and to provide feedback.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/Vejrvpm8cU4DS8xC8

Thank you!!!

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Contact

Questions? Concerns? Thoughts?

Please contact Erica Hamilton (Induction Coordinator)

Text

213-864-9417

Email (preferred)