Learner Motivation Worksheet

Instructions:
Use this worksheet to evaluate how well a training course aligns with the six adult learning principles
developed by Malcolm Knowles.

Principle Key Question Tips

Need to Know • How will the training • Share learning objectives
help the learners do • Ensure each activity has a clear
their jobs better? purpose

Experience • How does the content • Create a preclass survey to

build on what learners identify learner experience.
already know? • Link content to learners’ real-life
situations.

Self-Concept • Are participants • Ask participants to use their own

given choices about examples for activities.
how they learn? • Design flexible activities that can
adapt to learners’ needs

Readiness • What immediate • Link content to learners’ real-life

problem does the situations.
training solve? • Ask learners to create their own
goals for the training

Problem • What specific • Link content to learners’ real-life

Orientation problem does the situations.
training solve? • Customize activities to focus on
learners’ specific needs.

Intrinsic • How does the training • Clearly connect content to on-

Motivation tap into learners’ inner the-job application.
passion? • Have learners create action
plans to apply their learning.

Instructional Design Essentials: Adult Learners with Jeff Toister