How Adults Learn

You’ve probably noticed that adults learn differently from kids. Ron and Susan Zemke write in Training magazine about how the adult learning process is unique…

For adults, learning isn’t its own reward. They want to learn so they can use what’s being taught.

Adult learners prefer single-concept training that focuses on solutions to problems.

Adults must be able to integrate new information with what they already know or they’ll quickly forget the new stuff.

Adults compensate for psychomotor slowness by being more precise in other ways.

Adults often take errors more personally and let mistakes affect their self-esteem; therefore, they take fewer risks and use proven solutions.

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1996-97" issue of "The Herald.")