Adult Learners
There are distinct differences in the learning styles of adult learners and the younger college population. You should keep these differences in mind when designing or teaching a course with adult students.
Younger Learners are… | Adult Learners are… |
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Subject-oriented, seeking to successfully complete each course, regardless of how the course relates to their own goals. | Problem-centered and seek educational solutions that will take them from where they are to where they want to be in their life or profession. |
Future-oriented, since they are often in a stage of life when education is a mandatory or expected activity and designed for their future. | Results-oriented, with specific results in mind for education. Because their participation is often voluntary, adults may drop out if the education they are receiving does not lead to those results |
Often dependent on others for direction. | Self-directed, and typically do not depend on others for direction. |
Usually accepting of new information without seriously questioning it or trying it out. | Often skeptical about new information, preferring to try it out before accepting it. |
Seeking education that prepares them for an often unclear future so may not look for immediate application of learning. | Looking for education that relates or applies directly to perceived needs, and is timely and appropriate for their current lives. |
Dependent on others to design their learning and sometimes reluctant to accept responsibility for their own learning. | Willing to accept responsibility for their own learning, as long as they see that learning as timely and appropriate. |
Certain teaching strategies can be more effective with adult learners.
Adult Learner Characteristics | Teaching Strategies |
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Adults have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge |
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Adults have established values, beliefs, and opinions |
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Adults expect to be treated as adults |
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Adults need to feel self-directed |
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Adults often have a problem-centered approach to learning |
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Adults tend to be more interested in straightforward how-to than in survey type courses |
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Adults have increased variation in learning styles, since individual differences increase with age |
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Remember that adults…
- Are more self-guided in their learning.
- Bring more, and expect to bring more, to a learning situation because of their wider experience.
- Can also take more away because of their greater experience.
- Require learning "to make sense," and may not participate in a learning activity just because the instructor says to do it
Instruction designed for adults tends to be more effective if it is learner-centered. Maintain a careful balance between the presentation of new material and its applications, discussion and participation among students, and the academic calendar.