Basic Needs of Adult Learners

You will not find a list of basic principles about adult education, however there is a great deal of agreement in the field about what constitutes good practice in training and education of adults. Recent research has shown that adults learners have a common set of characteristics or needs. Here are just a few of the characteristics adults possess:

1. They have a variety of background or life experiences and prior learning or educational experiences

2. They must be part of a respectful environment in which all individuals and their ideas are valued

3. Adults believe in the value of the lifelong learning process

4. They need to participate voluntarily in the educational learning process

5. Adults learn best and are more satisfied with their results if they feel they have control over the learning environment

6. The learning environment must include practical parallels and applications

7. Adults seek and enjoy collaboration

8. Adults act as change agents for all generations

9. They need to integrate new learning concepts or skills with their background, life experiences and existing knowledge

Trainers or providers of adult learning activities should create a learning environment that focuses on the personal goals and needs of the adult learner. They must build on the individuals previous life experience and the individuals value and contribution to the process by promoting positive self-worth and self-esteem. Whether you are a trainer, provider of training services, or an individual seeking learning opportunities, you can use the list above as a checklist to help you select the service or environment that will best suit your needs and application.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michele is a Netpreneur with five websites, several blogs (see margin to this blog for other links) and affiliate sites. She has successfully created an online learning center that provides basic and advanced learning for Cancer Registrars, healthcare professionals and many other practical applications.

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