Characteristics of Adult Learners

When it comes to learning, adults are more efficient than children. Maturity comes with new and unique characteristics of adult learners that show that adults are very keen to learn. By alluring the unique abilities of adult learners, we can be more effective and encouraging.

Here are some general characteristics that are very common in most of the adult learners.

• Autonomy- Adults need a sense of control and self-direction  in their training. They like options in their learning atmosphere. Even adults who feel anxious to self-direct can learn to appreciate this method with proper support.
• Goal-oriented- Most of the adults have certain goals that they want to achieve. They prefer to impart learning activities that can help them to achieve their goals.
  
• Practical- Adults in the workplace need practical knowledge that can help them to provide essential skills. In short, adults prefer personal relevance in their training.

 

• Competence and mastery- Adults need to gain competence in their skills to boost their confidence and to enhance the self-esteem.
• Wealth of Knowledge- People gather a lot of experiences and knowledge with the increase in their age and experiences. With the help of these experiences they handle the learning situations effectively.
• Purposeful- Workplace training is provided to enhance the areas that need improvements. Adults need to know the purpose of training and objectives of an organization.
• Results-oriented- Adults have certain expectations for what they will get out of training and can drop out of training if their expectations are not met.
• Potential physical limitations- Depending on the age and physical conditions, adult learners gather psycho motor skills slowly than the young learners. They even face problems to read small texts and looking at small images on the computer. While young students are less likely to face all of these issues.

 

 

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