What is Adult Learning Theory?
Adult learning theory refers to the study of how adults acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It focuses on understanding the unique characteristics of adult learners and how they differ from child or adolescent learners.
This theory offers valuable insights for instructors and learning designers on creating impactful learning experiences for adult learners and effectively teaching them.
Adult Learning Principles
To explore the guiding principles of adult learning theory, click each tab below.
Principle One: Self-directed Learning
Adult learners are self-directed and prefer setting their own goals. They respond positively to being in control of their own learning journey. They are more prone to plan, carry out, and evaluate their own learning experiences. Setting clear and achievable professional goals gives them a sense of direction and purpose.
Application
- Let learners identify their own learning needs, plot how to achieve their goals, find resources, and then assess their own progress.
- Give learners an achievable goal in the form of a problem that they must solve.
- Use an online learning platform like Canvas to deliver flexible learning paths—allowing learners to progress at their own pace, on their own schedule, and from their preferred environment.
Principle Two: Drawing on Life Experiences
Adult learners have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that can be leveraged in their learning. It's important to tap into what adult learners already know and have experienced. Adults can bring real-world examples and perspectives to the learning environment. This can make the material more engaging and relevant to them, and can also provide valuable insights for other learners.
Application
- Develop course materials that draw heavily on scenarios that learners will face in their day-to-day roles.
- Bring in practical examples – best practices and lessons learned – specific to the job.
- Include collaborative activities that let learners share experiences, work together, and create a shared understanding.
- Activities can include small group assignments, case studies, peer reviews, problem based scenarios, role play, debates, simulations, and group discussions.
Principle Three: Collaborative Learning Experiences
Adult learners desire hands-on, collaborative experiences. They are more likely to feel motivated when they are active participants in the learning process, as opposed to passive recipients of information (e.g., listening to a lecture or reading a textbook). They prefer learning in a more informal, collaborative environment.
Application
- Include hands-on activities, group discussions, and problem-based learning exercises in the course that mimic on-the-job responsibilities, making the learning experience more applicable to their careers.
- Deliver knowledge and develop skills that can immediately be applied in the learner’s day-to-day role.
- Explore Active Learning Strategies and Techniques.
Principle Four: Relevance and Application of Knowledge
Adult learners are more likely to be motivated to learn when they can see how it impacts their professional and personal lives. They are more likely to engage in the learning process when they have a clear understanding of:
- Why they're learning something.
- Why it's relevant to their lives.
- How it will benefit them.
- Whether they can immediately apply what they're learning to real-life situations.
Application
- Use learning outcomes to demonstrate the value and short and long-term benefits of the learning material.
- Provide a variety of content, letting learners engage with the types they feel are most relevant to them.
- Use real-world examples and exercises that apply course content to the job.
Principle Five: Intrinsic Motivation
Adult learners value intrinsic motivation. By fostering internal motivation, adult learners are more likely to engage in the learning process and feel fulfilled by their accomplishments.
Application
- Recognize their achievements.
- Build up their self-esteem.
- Boost their confidence.
Principle Six: Ongoing Support and Guidance
Adult learners benefit from ongoing support and guidance. They tend to seek help and mentorship throughout their learning journey, and they want to feel comfortable asking questions and collaborating with others in the field. For adult learners, there is a strong desire to combine their own knowledge and experiences with others.
Application
- Develop ways to connect learners with mentors within the field.
- Plan for guest lectures.
- Provide follow-up resources and opportunities for feedback after activities.
- Include links to resources, make yourself available to students, and promote collaborative peer problem-solving in discussion forums.
Adult learning theory provides valuable insights on how to create engaging courses for adults, but it is important to keep in mind that every group of learners is unique. Ongoing review and experimentation are key to finding the approach that works best for your learners. Your approach to learning and development should be a dynamic and evolving process.