Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning (CFAL) is a comprehensive 20-hour online course designed for participants to create their own training courses, programs, or workshops. A holistic view of adult learning helps integrate knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and feelings which are emphasized in every stage of course design. CFAL delves into the art and science of effective adult learning, providing tools to enhance participants’ competence and confidence, resulting in becoming a Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning, CFAL.
GOAL of Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning, CFAL
The goal of CFAL is to enhance active, holistic learner-centered education globally by cultivating a group of Certified Facilitators of Adult Learning.
PURPOSE of Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning, CFAL
The purpose of CFAL’s online training is to equip educators of adults in diverse environments with the skills to organize, facilitate, and assess their training programs using Adult Learning Theories and Active Teaching Strategies.
Learner Centered Objectives
Module 1 – TEACHING
Objective #1. After engaging with the CFAL material, you will have the ability to compare your current teaching methods with the Basic Characteristics of Adult Learning and describe how you could organize a session using those practices.
Objective #2. CFAL will enable you to write Cognitive, Affective and Psychomotor (if applicable) Behavioral Objectives for your course based on the content and processes you wish to teach in the format of Objective, Topic, Content and Rationale or Purpose for Content as it relates to each objective.
Module 2 – LEARNING
Objective # 3. By identifying your own personal style and becoming aware of the different styles of others, you will be able to appreciate how your style may affect your teaching and how to integrate different learning styles in your teaching activities.
Objective # 4. As a result of this training, you will be able to differentiate Resources from Active learning experiences and determine the time frames that will enable your learners to meet your own course objectives.
Objective # 5. Through this course, you will develop skills to write meaningful learner facilitation questions for each step of the Experiential Learning Cycle to use with your own learning content
Module 3 – EVALUATING
Objective # 6. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify the use of formal and informal evaluation and feedback in facilitating adult learning.
Objective # 7. CFAL will enable you to design and develop a written and/or performance pre-test/post-test to determine initial and ongoing progress towards competence for each of your objectives.
Objective # 8 As a result of this training, you will be able to design a participant evaluation form for your course that will assess the learner’s understanding of your course and provide you with feedback for future courses.
Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning (CFAL) Contact Hour Course Outline.
CFAL is a self-paced course. Resource Time is calculated using Mergener formula for online study involving reading and testing. Activity Time is the beta tested average time it takes a person to prepare and receive expert feedback on each assignment. Please keep in mind that you may find yourself completing some assignments in less time and some in more time. Overall CFAL is calculated to require 20 contact hours, hours you are studying or preparing assignments or modifying your materials based on the feedback you receive. CFAL is a 20 hour self-paced course. Completion is recommended within 2 months. Should the need arise a one month extension is available upon request giving a total of 3 months to complete the course for certification.
It is as important to enjoy the journey as it is to reach the destination. The only pressure you have is the pressure you place on yourself. A side benefit of self-paced learning is learning how to pace yourself without stress or judgment. The more you are able to enjoy your step-by-step accomplishments in CFAL, the more you will pass on that joy to those you teach.
This activity has been submitted to the American Holistic Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. The American Holistic Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Module 1 – Teaching
Objective #1. After engaging with the CFAL material, you will have the ability to compare your current teaching methods with the Basic Characteristics of Adult Learning and describe how you could organize a session using those practices. 1.9 contact hours
Content:
- Adult Learning and Development: This module explores the history and differences in adult learning, fostering a shift from authoritative teaching to facilitation.
- Resource Time 1.4 hours reading and quizzes.
- Activity Time .5 hour each guided writing on the following topics: Andragogy Assignment And Feedback On Google Docs, and Adult Learning Practice Assignment And Feedback On Google Docs
Objective #2. CFAL will enable you to write Cognitive, Affective and Psychomotor (if applicable) Behavioral Objectives for your course based on the content and processes you wish to teach in the format of Objective, Topic, Content and Rationale or Purpose for Content as it relates to each objective. 4.4 contact hours
Content:
- Creating Learner Centered Objectives: It includes an in-depth study of Cognitive Objectives for teaching Knowledge and Thinking, Affective Objectives for teaching Attitudes and Feelings, and Psychomotor Objectives for teaching Doing and Being.
- Resource Time 2.4 hours reading and quizzes
- Activity Time 2 hours writing Objectives Assignment and Feedback on Google Docs
Module 2 – Learning
Objective # 3. By identifying your own personal style and becoming aware of the different styles of others, you will be able to appreciate how your style may affect your teaching and how to integrate different learning styles in your teaching activities. 2.24 contact hours.
Content:
- Determining Personal Style: This module helps participants understand their teaching and learning styles based on well-known personality types.
- Resource Time 2.24 hours reading and exploring personality types in relation to learning styles
Objective # 4. As a result of this training, you will be able to differentiate Resources from Active learning experiences and determine the time frames that will enable your learners to meet your own course objectives. 3.5 contact hours
Content
- Strategies for Teaching and Learning: It explores methods of instruction and designing courses based on both objectives and active learning preferences.
- Resource Time 1.5 hours reading and quizzes
- Activity Time 2 hours Designing Your Course Assignment and Feedback on Google Docs.
Objective # 5. Through this course, you will develop skills to write meaningful learner facilitation questions for each step of the Experiential Learning Cycle to use with your own learning content2.4 contact hours
Content
- Experiential Learning: This module introduces the experiential learning cycle and provides instruction on its use for every teaching environment.
- Resource Time 1.4 hours reading and quizzes
- Activity Time 1 hour writing Facilitation Questions Assignment and Feedback on Google Docs
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Module 3 – Evaluating
Objective # 6. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify the use of formal and informal evaluation and feedback in facilitating adult learning. 1.25 contact hours
Content
- Feedback and Evaluation: This module examines the appropriate use of feedback and evaluation in adult learning.
- Resource Time 25 hours reading and quizzes
Objective # 7. CFAL will enable you to design and develop a written and/or performance pre-test/post-test to determine initial and ongoing progress towards competence for each of your objectives. 2.25 contact hours
Content
- Developing Objective Testing Methods: It guides participants in developing pre-tests and post-tests to enhance their learners’ experience.
- Resource time .75 hours reading and quizzes.
- Activity Time 1.5 hours writing Pre-Post Test Assignment and Feedback on Google Docs –
Objective # 8 As a result of this training, you will be able to design a participant evaluation form for your course that will assess the learner’s understanding of your course and provide you with feedback for future courses. 1.5 contact hours
Content
- Developing Participant Course Evaluations: This module covers the how and why of developing evaluations for participants’ own courses.
- Resource Time .5 hours reading
- Activity Time 1 hour designing and writing the participant Evaluation Of Your Course Assignment And Feedback On Google Docs
Module 4 – Endings and Beginnings
- Endings and Beginnings: This module reviews the CFAL message of facilitation for participants.
- CFAL Course Evaluation: Participants complete the CFAL course evaluation.
This comprehensive breakdown of CFAL ensures participants gain a thorough understanding of adult learning principles, teaching strategies, evaluation methods, and self-awareness in facilitating effective learning experiences.
CFAL is a 20 hour self-paced course. Completion is recommended within 2 months. Should the need arise a one month extension is available upon request giving a total of 3 months to complete the course for certification.
How to become Certified
Step 1: Enroll in CFAL
Embarking on the journey to become a Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning (CFAL) begins with a simple yet crucial step – enrolling in the CFAL course. By signing up, you open the door to a transformative learning experience that will equip you with the skills needed to guide others in their educational journeys.
Step 2: Navigate the Initial Emails
After signing up for CFAL, you will receive three important emails:
- Order Confirmation: Confirms your enrollment in the course.
- CFALpro Account Access: Provides details on how to access your new CFALpro account.
- Google Drive Worksheet Page: Guides you to your dedicated Google Drive page for course-related materials.
Step 3: Explore CFAL
Upon entering CFAL, the first page serves as your orientation, explaining how the course operates and offering insights into maximizing the course information. This initial guidance sets the stage for your journey towards becoming a Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning.
Step 4: Utilize Course Information and Self-Tests
The heart of CFAL lies in your active engagement with the course content. Use the provided course information, engage in self-tests, and delve into the assignments for feedback. This process is designed to empower you to develop your own courses using adult learning and facilitation principles.
Step 5: Individualized Learning Experience
CFAL recognizes that everyone learns differently. You are never asked to do something that doesn’t make sense to you. The emphasis is on studying the materials, attempting assignments, and seeking feedback. If you find yourself lost, communicate it through your assignment submissions, and collaborative solutions will be explored to guide you back on track.
Step 6: Course Design and Objectives
The ultimate goal of CFAL is to help you design courses that meet the specified criteria outlined in the CFAL course objectives. For instance, if your course is as simple as teaching how to change a light bulb, the objective must go beyond mere information. CFAL encourages you to think deeper, ensuring your course design is tailored to your audience’s needs and fosters meaningful learning experiences.
Step 7: Tailoring Learning Experiences
A key aspect of CFAL is recognizing the diverse needs of learners. Whether you’re instructing electricians on changing light bulbs in various scenarios, or guiding individuals with different learning styles, your objectives and learning experiences should be tailored for maximum impact.
Step 8: Showcasing Understanding and Application
The culmination of CFAL is evident when you can showcase your understanding of the principles learned and apply them to develop courses that resonate with your audience. This demonstration of applying adult learning and facilitation principles is the hallmark of a Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning.
A Note from Dr. Jill Henry
As you navigate through the steps of becoming a Certified Facilitator of Adult Learning, remember that success is not just about acquiring knowledge but about applying it in a way that truly benefits your learners. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out. Here’s to your success in your journey with CFAL!
To Your Success,
Dr. Jill Henry
5 Steps in Dynamic Course Design
Sign up below for our newsletter and receive 5 sequential emails outlining the steps you can take right now to help your learners learn. They are the same steps you will use within CFAL to design your own course or workshop. Within CFAL are many more resources available to you, including one-on-one feedback from and collaboration with an adult learning expert.
