12 principles for effective adult earning

1. Needs Assessment: Participation of the learner in naming what is to be learned.
2. Safety in the environment between teacher and learner for learning and development.
3. A sound relationship between teacher and learner for learning and development.
4. Careful attention to sequence of content and reinforcement.
5. Praxis: Action with reflection or learning by doing.
6. Respect for learners as subjects of their own learning.
7. Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects: ideas, feelings, actions.
8. Immediacy of the learning.
9. Clear roles and role development.
10. Teamwork: Using small groups.
11. Engagement of the learners in what they are learning.
12. Accountability: How do they know they know?

Source:  Vella, J. (1994). Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 3-22.