Principles of Adult Learners. It is important for both technical and non-technical trainers, facilitators, and presenters to keep in mind that adult learners learn different than children. On the surface this seems obvious. However, it is necessary to reinforce this concept to the training community. The principles of adult learning apply across industries and sectors. Fourth Dimension Technologies Inc. is a provider of Microsoft Instructional Skills Certification. We have included data that is of interest to the IT community, since this is our area of expertise. The IT Training sector is expected to grow by 6.2% through 2022-2027 particularly in the space of Big Data, Cybersecurity, and IT Infrastructure.
Today we will touch on a few of these principles
When adults enter your classrooms, they are bringing their life experiences, attitudes about learning, motivations, and fears. Adult learners are:
- Voluntary Learners
- Problem-Centered
- Self- Directed
- Experienced Learners
Voluntary learners are individuals that are seeking new information or opportunities and are motivated to learn. They are generally looking for career advancement or a need to gain additional skills in their current profession. They may be transitioning from one career to another, as we are seeing with the influx of career changers into the IT space.
Adult learners are unlike teaching children. No one mandates that adults attend school. Aside from this, children are a captive audience, they are subject -centered learners, and are dependent on adults to learn new material. Adult learners are not captive, they get out what they put in. They are seeking to solve problems and are self-motivated.
Problem-Centered learning is central to adult learning. Though there are various learning styles for adults, which we will cover in another article, adults learn best by doing. Many IT training providers promise hands-on training. The challenge is having the time to provide students with the freedom to explore solutions to IT problems. Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) should be comfortable with thinking outside the box by providing students with problems within a discipline like cybersecurity and allowing for the expansion of skills by using tools that are learned through labs, white papers, and case studies.
Self-Directed learners are adults that are voluntary learners and are motivated to gain new skills. Remember children are dependent on adults to teach them in a controlled subject-based environment. Trainers, and facilitators must encourage adult learners to become more self-directed in the approach to learning. Adults learn best by doing. Retention of skills increases when students challenge information. This allows for critical thinking and self-assessment, which leads to increased confidence leading to additional research and knowledge.
Experienced Learners are adults that have been in different learning environments over many years. They are likely to participate in their success by bringing their overall life experience to the learning process. A word of caution here to trainers, facilitators, and presenters. Adult students with experience can be a challenge because they bring their bad habits with them. Unlike children that are in-experienced learners, you need to establish expectations here that are firm. When training professionals keep in mind that there may be more then one path to get to an outcome. Microsoft Certified Trainers need to help experienced students understand you are looking for the industry standard path. You should be comfortable knowing that there will always be a student that believes they know more than you do. This can be flushed out in the student introduction process. This will be covered in another article.
Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts in Microsoft technologies. Join this exclusive group of worldwide Microsoft technical training professionals and reap the benefits of MCT training certification and membership.
Steps to MCT Certification
Over the years we have had many questions on how to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer. There are many opinions on how to get this coveted certification. We will layout the facts on obtaining MCT Certification.
Step # 1
If you are seeking to become a MCT the first step is to Obtain A Qualifying Microsoft Certification. Click for list certifications that Microsoft accepts to qualify for MCT Certification.
Okay, now that you are clear on the certifications that qualify for MCT status, you will need to.
Step # 2
attend an Instructional Skills course from an approved provider of MCT Instructional Skills Certification. Be aware that you only need one of the qualifying certifications that you verified on the qualifying course list. The reason we want to clarify is, that many times we have students ask if they need all the certifications on the list. Remember you only need one qualifying certification.
Steps # 3
Next you must attend a Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. Instructional Skills Course. We have 3 paths to choose from. The first and most popular path is our self-study course. This course is designed for active or working adults. Active adults do not always have the time to take a traditional class. They lack the time to take a class that requires 2-3 days to complete. Our self-study course allows you to take the course at your own pace. This course can be completed in a few days. You could also take a month or more to complete the course. Since we designed this course for working adults, we added some things for your convenience. First we have added a final exam. The final exam must be completed in 2 hours. You can take it multiple times at no additional cost if you do not pass on your first attempt. You need 65% for a passing score. The exam consists of 50 questions.
If you desire a more traditional experience, you should choose our Virtual Instructor-Led online delivery method. This course has proven an excellent choice for Microsoft professionals that are in different regions of the world. This course is scheduled to run on U.S Eastern Standard Time and European time. The course is designed to be completed in 2-3 days. There is no final exam required for this course.
Lastly, if you desire an in-person course this is the offering for you. This course is not offered regularly due to the recent covid-19 pandemic. We also limit the class side with this offering. Students will not exceed 10 per session. This course is delivered in a brick-and-mortar environment. The course is designed to complete over 2-3 days.
So now that you know that you must follow 2-3 steps to qualify for the MCT Certification. A qualifying Microsoft Certification. And Attend a Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. approved Instructional Skills course. You will be issued a Certificate of Completion from Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. You must Provide Microsoft a copy of our Certificate of Completion. This is done by uploading your certificate through the MCT enrollment tool. You must go to the online application which is accessed through the MCT Enrollment tool. Use the online tool for the following: Review the MCT program requirements and sign the MCT Program Guide and Agreement. Your electronic signature validates your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of the MCT Agreement. May sure you follow this step.
We have discussed the 2 critical steps to MCT Certification. We have touched on what should have first after you receive your certificate of completion.
Step # 4
The next step is simply to update your profile information. The contact information that you provide is used for MCT communications. The MCT Program team are Microsoft personal dedicated to the MCT community. It is important that you provide current information to take up to date on newsletters, events, and discounts. We will discuss some of the benefits of MCT certification in another article.
Step # 5
During the enrollment process, specify your employment status. If you are employed by a Learning Partner or a Microsoft Imagine Academy, you need your employer’s Learning Partner or Microsoft Imagine Academy ID number. Providing your employer MCID allows for discount on MCT enrollment fees if your organization qualifies.
Step # 6
You then select your payment method. Program fees vary, depending on your country/region and employment status. To find the MCT and MCT Alumni membership fees for your country/region. Click here If you are a do not have a Microsoft Certification ID (MCID), you can get one first by contacting customerservices@certiport.com
Let’s talk about the MCT Application fees. You must pay the any Microsoft fees associated with the processing and activation of your MCT.
In summary we have discussed the 2 steps you need to become an MCT. We then walked through the steps of activation. How to update your profile. The process of payment of MCT fees.
We are a Microsoft Approved Provider of MCT Certification. You may visit us here.
Professionals with Microsoft certifications can increase their incomes, gain access to outstanding job opportunities, and travel the world while teaching Microsoft technologies. Microsoft Certified Trainers.