Laura Meyer and Courtney Freng1

Achieving Success with Adult LearnersAs more mature adults purse career changes, educators must be ready!

Article by Letha Barnes, Director of the Career Institute

Laura Meyer and Courtney Freng2

Young VS Adult learners

Adult learners

Self-directed

Learn the value

Life experiences Adult learners learn

better because they have on hands experiences already.

Young Learners

Directed by others

Learn what they are told

Limited experiences Young leaner have not

had a lot of life experiences.

Laura Meyer and Courtney Freng3

Educators need to understand learners to engage the learners

• Thing to look for

Attitudes

Past experience

Habits

Opinions

Cultures

Laura Meyer and Courtney Freng4

The Ten factors Motivation

Control

Experience

Diversity

Aging

Goal

Relevance

Habits

Change

Respect

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The motivation Factor

Most adult learning is voluntary it is a choice

Adults are more motivated to learn

Adults are interested in the improvement of the community

Want more knowledge

Adult learner are already motivated to get it done

Laura Meyer and Courtney Freng6

The control factor

Needs to have control over their lives

Take an active role rather than passive role

Need more choices

Varity of ways to show that they learn

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The experience factor

Adult learns have already experienced it

They evaluate new ideas with the past

They bring experience to the classroom

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The diversity factor

Adult learners vary greatly

Can enhance the learning

They benefit from shared experiences

Adult learners share perspectives

Need more time to share

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The age factor

Speed of learning decreases

Deeper level of learning increases

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The goal factor

Goals in mind

Well organized

Need to classify objectives because it means success

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The relevance factor

Must be able to identify

Reason for learning

Must be applicable

Let adults learn their own interests

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The habits factor

Behavior pattern

Less flexible

Harder to persuade then younger learners

Feel threatened

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The change factor

Tend to resist

Learning involves change

Small changes will be better received Not harmful

Hope for the future

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The respect factor

All deserve respect

Treat as equals and allow them a voice

Must be recognize

They all so are peers

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