Summyia Haq , A Student of Master Education Semester 4.

Topic: understanding Adult learner & Difference Between adult Learner And
Child learner.

Introduction
Adult learners are a diverse group typically age 25and older with a wide range of
cultural and educational backgrounds, abilities, responsibilities and experiences.
Adult Learners return to education for personal or professional reasons.

The center for adult Learning &Professional Development offers adult learners
flexible, part time courses in a wide range of areas through many different modes
of study.

People often confuse an adult learner with a mature student. The mature students
entry router to full-time undergraduate students only.

Characteristics
 Adults typically prefer a sense of control and self-direction. They like options
and choice in their learning environment.
 Many adults have specific goals they are trying to achieve. They prefer to
partake in learning activities that help them reach their goals.
 Adults are results-oriented. They have specific expectations for what they will
get out of learning activities and will often drop out of voluntary learning if
their expectations aren’t met.
 Most adult learners have numerous responsibilities and commitments to
family, friends, community and work. So, they manage all things along with
their studies
 Adults require the big picture view of what they’re learning. They need to
know how the small parts fit into the larger landscape.
 Adult learners often take responsibility for their own success or failure at
learning.
Difference between Adult Learner And Child learner

 School is a child’s job. For adults, classes are secondary to their real life.
 Children are forced to learn what someone chooses to teach them. Adults
may be required to attend class, but they can’t be forced to learn.

 If kids don’t pay attention, they will be punished by parents or teachers.

Adult learners are only punished by their own failure.

 Kids follow levels of instruction in order to progress to a higher level of

learning. Again, they rely on their teacher who decides for them if they
are ready to take on more challenging tasks or not. Adults are guided by
their own need to learn. As they recognize their worth and obligations,
they can assess and see if there’s something lacking in their lives. If there
are gaps that need to be filled, they look for ways to develop their inner
selves.

 Grown-ups are driven mostly by emotions and an aspiration to be better

versions of themselves; from self-esteem to self-actualization, adults act
upon internal motivators. For children, it is often by external factors like
competition, peer pressure or consequences of failure.

 The role of experience is another point of comparison between children

versus adult learning. Kids bring little experience when they are faced
with a learning activity. This makes them listen more and be influenced
by their teachers. In this stage, kids are likely to have role models like
their parents or older siblings. On the other hand, adults have a wealth of
resources owing to their experiences, which form a large part of their
identity.