What Are Adult Learning Theories and Principles?

The adult learning theory focuses on characteristics that are specific to adult learners and how their experiences play an active role in how they engage in their own learning experiences.

It is one of the many learning theories that teachers can implement into their instructional design when forming a learning style and developing teaching strategies for adult education.

What Is Adult Learning Theory?

The adult learning theory is based on how adults approach learning about their life experiences. The adult learning theory notes that adults are self-directed learners who benefit from taking control of their learning. Their life experiences shape their learning styles and their intrinsic motivation to learn is influenced by these experiences.

Adult Learning Theory Principles

Several principles of adult learning help facilitate collaborative and effective learning environments.

Self-Directed Learning

Adult learners need to be given responsibility for their own learning experience. They benefit from having control of what they are learning and how they are learning it.

Life Experience

Adult learners bring life experience to the classroom which enhances their engagement and brings together diverse perspectives.

Interactive Learning

Interactive learning actively engages adults with hands-on activities to deepen their overall understanding and help them reach learning goals.

Intrinsic Motivation

Adult learners are motivated intrinsically. They set their own goals and have a desire to learn for personal growth.

Relevance

Adult education needs to be relevant to the learners' personal lives so they can apply their new knowledge for problem-solving in real-world situations

Why Is Adult Learning Theory Important?

The adult learning theory is important for effectively engaging adult learners in an educational environment. It emphasizes the way adults learn most productively and recognizes that strategies need to differ from those of a children's classroom. The concepts of adult learning theory help teachers implement strategies to engage adult students. This education theory increases positive learning outcomes in adult education.

Adult learning theories can be used in:

• classrooms
• workplaces
• e-learning for corporate training programs
• certification courses
• degree programs

Having an understanding of adult learning theories helps teachers create more relevant and effective learning strategies. They can help adult students reach learning goals and meet learning outcomes in a supportive learning environment.

What Makes Adult Learners Different?

Adult learners are different because they need to be taught using adragogy, an adult learning process, rather than pedagogy, which is used when teaching children. Their specific characteristics and learning needs, which are not the same as children's, heavily influence their learning style.

Adult learners often choose to learn for their fulfillment. They want to reach personal goals and gain new knowledge. They benefit from collaborative learning and interactive activities to learn new skills that are relevant to their lives.

What Are the Major Adult Learning Theories?

Andragogy

Andragogy is the most common adult learning concept. It is a framework based on the ways that adults learn differently than children do, which is referred to as pedagogy. The principles of andragogy focus on life experiences and intrinsic motivation. This adult learning theory emphasizes problem-solving and real-world application to promote active engagement.

Project-Based Learning

When project-based learning is used for adult education, adults participate in projects that have real-life relevancy and are designed with clear learning outcomes.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is an adult learning theory that focuses on hands-on learning and critical reflection for a deeper understanding of the material. It was developed by David Kolb who believed that the learning process has four stages:

• concrete experience
• reflective observation
• abstract conceptualization
• active experimentation

Through these stages, adult learners engage with the material through hands-on experiences and use critical thinking to reflect on what they learned. They then apply their insight to develop new ideas, resulting in an experience that reaches learning goals and develops new skills.

Transformational Learning

Jack Meziro developed transformational learning theory as a way to facilitate a more meaningful fun learning experience. It encourages learners to engage and self-reflect to promote personal growth.

The transformational learning theory focuses on critical thinking and challenging an individual's current assumptions and beliefs to shift their understanding. It involves self-awareness and can often be a profound learning experience when used in adult education.

Action Learning

Using action learning when teaching adults involves working in small groups to complete a problem-centered project. They are encouraged to research, take action, and reflect on their strategies.

Where Did Adult Learning Theory Come From?

Malcolm Knowles developed the adult learning theory by differentiating between pedagogy, and the method of teaching children. He highlighted the importance of self-directed learning and the life experience that adults bring to learning environments. Knowles based the theory on experiential learning concepts and theories that suggested the importance of real-world relevance in adult education.

What Are the Benefits of Embracing Adult Learning Theories?

There are many benefits to embracing adult learning theories when teaching adults.

Practical Application

By embracing adult learning theories, educators can provide hands-on learning activities that promote the practical application of new knowledge. It allows adult learners to learn by doing and apply what they learned to their own lives.

Self-Concept

Using adult learning theories when educating adults promotes a positive self-concept. Adults are given autonomy with self-directed learning which gives them control over their learning.

Personal Growth

The adult learning theory uses intrinsic motivation to encourage adults to set personal goals. It leans on their desire to learn.