Adult learning/id
7. Some important features of adult learning
Adult learners have a lot of other things going on in their lives at the same time as being involved in learning or training.
- Don’t assume that participants want to be in training or want to learn.
- They are not a blank slate: they may already have different levels of experience with the course content.
- They will have very different feelings about being in the course.
- They will have needs for practical information about timing, breaks etc.
Trainers have to understand these conflicts/motivations/challenges and get people in a receptive state for learning. Showing your respect for their concerns and needs will help them to feel more comfortable, relaxed and trusting.