Adults often come into a learning situation with fear and apprehension, following a long history of failure. It takes a great deal of courage to admit their needs and ask for assistance. Once in a program, some may exhibit negative attitudes because of their past failures.
Each adult learner has unique talents and has succeeded in some area of life: church, neighbourhood, family, job, hobbies, sports or as part of a network of friends. They are mature people who deserve to be treated as such.
Adults sometimes are tired when they attend classes, as a result of their other responsibilities. They may be working fulltime, looking after a family and attending classes.
Adult learners usually have definite goals when starting an educational program. These goals may include self-improvement, getting a driver’s licence, reading to their children, improving job skills, getting a job or a promotion and getting a high school diploma or equivalent.
Different people have different styles of learning. Some will learn best if they can see or feel what is to be learned, while others may have to hear it to know it. Most adult learners know how they learn best if you help them to think about it.
Adults have a wealth of personal, family, work and life experiences that provide unlimited possibilities for the creation and understanding of lessons.
Adult learners are usually highly motivated when they begin. Their motivation can quickly diminish if they become discouraged, if progress is slow, or as time passes and other responsibilities affect the amount of time and energy they can give to their learning.
Adults often attend classes with a mixed set of motives: educational, social and recreational. Sometimes they attend from a sense of duty, or because they are required to by their employer or to receive certain benefits.