Adult learners are qualitatively different than younger learners. You certainly can “teach an old dog new tricks” by understanding the cognitive and social characteristics of adult learners. Using the right instructional strategies to maximize the learning advantages and address the learning challenges of adult learners can make all the difference in their success.
Adult Learner Cognitive Characteristics
There are many adults who want or need to further their education. When you do you will need to either go to a college or you will need to join an online adult education class. However, there are some things that you need to realize before you decide which option would be better for you. Online adult education may be your best choice but you have to have certain characteristics if you are going to pursue this option.
First, let me explain why most adults need to either go to college or get the online education.
All you have to do is pay attention to literature, the media, movies, pop culture and the internet to notice that the English language is quickly becoming something of a universal language. Business transactions across borders and over the internet are largely conducted in English. International relations and policy are also commonly carried out in the English language. For these reasons and many others, it is highly beneficial to have at least a somewhat operating knowledge of English. In fact, English is widely taught as a second language in countries all over the world, including but not limited to:
- Asia
- Middle East
- Europe
- Latin America
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