This document discusses adult learning and how adult learners learn best. It defines adult learners as typically ages 25 and older who bring life experiences and established beliefs to learning. Adult learning theory suggests adults learn best in problem-based and collaborative environments. Characteristics of adult learners are that they are self-directed, goal-oriented, and want learning to be relevant. Adult learners learn best when their experiences are valued, learning is active and fills immediate needs, and when new material relates to their existing knowledge.

1. HOW DO ADULT
LEARNERS
LEARN?
Group 3
Ilagan, Mharlotte Mira, Mark Luigi
Lagac, Jeremiah Ocampo, Patricia
Madrid, Mirasol Perez, Jessica
Maigue, Czarina

2. WHAT IS ADULT LEARNING?
The entire range of formal,
non- formal and informal learning
activities which are undertaken by
adults after a break since leaving
initial education and training, and
which results in the acquisition of
new knowledge and skills

3. WHO IS AN ADULT LEARNER?
 Typically ages 25 and older
 Has a wide range of abilities, educational and
cultural background, responsibilities and job
experiences
 Have accumulated life experiences and knowledge
in diverse areas
 Has established opinions, values, and beliefs which
have been built up over time and arrived at
following experiences of families, relationships,
work, community, politics etc. These views cannot
be dismissed and must be respected

4. ADULT LEARNING THEORY
Malcolm Knowles (1980-1984), a
pioneer of Adult Learning
It suggests that adults have particular
requirements as learners and that they
learn best in an environment that is
problem based and collaborative.

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT LEARNERS
 Autonomous and self-directed
 An adult learner prefers to be actively involved in their own
learning, and in directing their own learning goals.
 Bring life experiences and knowledge
 An adult leaner will have past experiences, knowledge,
opinions and learning that they bring to the placement.
 Goal-oriented
 Students are motivated to learn when they can see the need
to acquire knowledge to address a real life problem or
situation
 Relevancy-oriented
 An adult learner will learn best when they can relate the
learning task to their own goals and what they want to
achieve.

6. ADULT LEARNERS LEARN BEST WHEN
 They feel valued and respected for the experiences
and perspectives they bring to the training situation
 The learning experience is active rather than
passive.
 The learning experience actually fills their
immediate needs
 They accept responsibility for their own learning
 Their learning is self-directed and meaningful to
them
 Their learning experience addresses ideas,
feelings, and actions.

7. ADULT LEARNERS LEARN BEST WHEN
 New material relates to what participants
already know
 The learning environment is conducive to
learning.
 Learning is applied immediately.
 Learning is reinforced.
 Learning occurs in small groups
 The trainer values participants’ contributions
as both learners and teachers.

8. ADULT LEARNERS LEARN BEST THROUGH
abstract concepts and lectures (case
studies and discussion about theories
and researches)
observing others (demonstration and
videos)
exercises (role playing and other
experimental activities
visual means (videos, images, slides)