Integrating adult learning principles into training for public health practice

Providing training and planned learning experiences to practitioners and community partners is fundamental to effective public health. The extent to which principles of adult learning currently guide such training is unknown and likely varies widely. The purpose of this article is to introduce five principles of adult learning and discuss how each can be applied in assessing trainee needs, planning and delivering training, and evaluating training processes and outcomes. Training guided by these principles should facilitate adult learning, collaborative efforts, and mutual respect between agencies, practitioners, and community partners.