Adult Learning Theory

Principles to guide learning design decisions

Malcolm Knowles adult learning theory indicates that adults are more likely to learn if certain principles are embedded throughout their learning experience. The principles include the following:

• Allow autonomy or self-reliance
• Focuse on practical and/or purposeful learning
• Motivate through being goal or results-oriented
• Lead to competence and mastery
• Promote learning by doing
• Add value through a wealth of knowledge
• Anticipate emotional barriers from previous learning challenges
• Acknowledge and honor outside responsibililities
• Accomodate potential physical limitations
• Share the big picture to orient learners
• Build in a community component

Content source: Connie Malamed
Image source: Gucci Vault Land

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