What is a key characteristic of adult learners?

A key characteristic of adult learners is their tendency to be self-directed and to incorporate their prior experiences into the learning process. This approach acknowledges that adults often have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that they can leverage to enhance their understanding of new concepts.

Being self-directed means that adult learners take initiative in their educational pursuits, setting their own goals and managing their own learning. They tend to be motivated by personal or professional growth and prefer learning activities that are relevant to their lives. This characteristic enables them to actively engage with the material, ask questions, and apply what they’ve learned in practical settings, leading to deeper comprehension and retention.

In contrast, options that emphasize strict structure without consideration of prior knowledge or dependence on rote memorization do not align with the needs and learning styles of adult learners. Additionally, while feedback is valuable, adult learners typically appreciate guidance that enables their independence rather than requiring heavy reliance on instructor input at every step.