Factors Influencing Learning and Teaching Readiness to Learn (subdivided in PEEK framework as cited in Bastable) Emotional Readiness (p.

109) y Learner must be emotionally ready to learn

*Close your eyes and imagine a long snake or big, hairy spider on your desk. How do you think that would affect your learning?* y Developmental level (p.112) o Adults can build on meaningful past experiences o Adults are driven to learn information that allows them to cope with everyday situations or tasks o Learning is relevant and facilitates enhanced problem solving and reasoning skills  Children: learn for the sake of learning  Seek out experiences that give them pleasure and comfort o Erickson s theory of psychosocial learning is relevant to the concept of emotional readiness (see Table 5-2, p.158 in Bastable) Cognitive level o Extent to which information can be processed is indicative of learner s capabilities o Teacher must constantly be mindful of the learner s cognitive level in order to enhance learning (see spectrum below) o Individuals with impaired cognitive functioning may require step-by-step instructions that are frequently repeated in order to learn

Higher cognitive functioning

(Problem solving, concept formation & application of information)

Lower cognitive functioning

(Memorizing, recalling & recognizing)

Motivation : willingness to take action, teacher should assist learner s motivation to determine their readiness to learn o There exists a correlation between the learner s level of motivation and what they perceive to be expected of themselves or others o Teacher recognizes motivation when an individual asks questions and shows a willingness to participate o Prior learning experiences may influence the current level of motivation