Adult learners are driven by clear specific goals. No time to waste since they have more responsibilities and limited time compare to the younger students.
I've learned that adult learners are more motivated when they see how it will affect their day to day outcomes. That they want to be able to tackle it at their own pace.
Adult learners don't want to waste time, they want measurable results. This informs their motivations and desire for practical learning.
Adult learners bring a level of experience that younger learners typically won't have. Part of understanding this is realizing that learners are motivated in different ways. It's important to meet the student where they are at. Also, understanding that adult learners value purposeful and practical instruction.
I learned the importance of understanding how our students are motivated, while also being mindful of their personal needs being met (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) in order for ultimate success.
Adult learners usually have a clear understanding of why they are going to school. They don't have time to mess around because of work and family commitments. Content must be on point and with purpose.
Connecting assignments to real-world applications can increase a student's motivation.
I have learned that adult learners expect their time to be respected while craving curriculum that directly relates to real-world and lived experiences. Ideally, the practical application of information presented should be included so that the adult learner feels like they have invested their time wisely and are getting closed to their desired goals.
Adult learners often have a purpose attached to their learning. They have other responsibilities and don't want to waste time on something that is not going to impact their lives.
Adults want to understand why they are learning something before they commit to it.
Adult learners have more time-based obligations and need to see the relevance of their learning - how they can use it to further their specific life/career goals.
Adult learners often need different viewpoints and tend to excel when the content is presented well and the instructor is engaging and provides availability.
Adult Learners can be highly motivated but seek course content that is relevant to their goals and connects practically to real world applications. As Adult Learners seek clear directions due to busy lifestyle, I will check that assignment instructions/course goals are concise and direct.
This module reminded me that adult learners are motivated in different ways, and it's important to understand what drives each student. I want to continue to find ways to connect what my students are learning to real-world experiences and feedback and encourage my students to take ownership of their learning and growth.
I learned there are many differences when it comes to teaching adult learners as opposed to teaching children. Adult learners use more related past experiences in order to absorb the information they are learning, while everything is still new to children and absorbing information can be more overwhelming.
I learned that adult learners value purposeful, concise instruction, flexibility, respect for their life experience, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Engaging discussions and personalized feedback that acknowledge their experiences also support positive learning outcomes. I intend to apply this by facilitating and encouraging more classroom discussions, drawing on my adult learners’ experiences, and finding ways to connect those experiences to the learning outcomes of my classes.
This module is a great reminder that adult learners bring unique life goals and experiences to the classroom. As instructors, supporting their learning desires and helping them see the direct relevance of the material is key to keeping them engaged and successful.
To summarize the module, instructional behaviors support and motivate adult learners. Most adult learners need to know why they are learning what they are learning. They also look at real world scenarios to figure out their outcomes. Active listening opens up communication and builds trust. They also want to be in a learning environment that respects their need for understanding.
This is a great section that defines adult learning theories and concepts in contrast to secondary education. Motivation for adult learners are very much tied into a cost benefit analysis. The cost is both time and financial resources, and the gain is knowledge and a degree that will be applied in real life, with the hopes of improving ones quality of life; thus motivating others to pursue and attain life goals.
This section is a good reminder that adults are different learners than children, that they have chosen to be in school with specific goals and as their instructors we want to support their learning desires/needs.
