They participate in dialogue, ask questions, discuss options and practice skills. While education and skill building is considered a low impact strategy, active participation increases impact beyond the strategy of information and community awareness. The educational message needs to be culturally sensitive and appropriate. In addition, Malcolm Knowles' pioneering work in adult learning has taught us that there are several factors to keep in mind when designing educational programs for adults. Adult learners are competency-based and they wish to apply their knowledge.
Adult learners learn best when they make connections to their life experiences.
Education and Skill Building in Action In Connecticut, a collaborative effort of gambling prevention providers resulted in offering several introductory trainings throughout the state to service providers. The fact that the trainings were hosted by Regional Action Councils served to increase attendance and build alliances for future trainings. These efforts are being followed by more in-depth regional trainings to build the capacity of service providers to address gambling issues. Future plans include offering educational opportunities in high schools for both students and staff. In Massachusetts, success in reaching hundreds of professionals was achieved by designing the training according to the needs of the audience, both in terms of content and length.