Adult learning theories are founded on the principle that adults learn in a different way than

children. Whereas child-oriented learning is in the domain of pedagogy, learning in later life
is under the view of andragogy, in a broad sense (Colman, 2022). Given that adults differ
from children and have certain emotive baggage, life experience, internal purposes, and
mental characteristics, this enforces detailed challenges that lots of adults manage to face
when it comes to learning and training.

As well as having positive and direct advantages in terms of fiscal success, employment and
efficiency, adult learning is connected to the ability to preserve a healthy way of life, grow
certainty and confidence and provide significance and tenacity in life (Jones & Pember,
2020). Associated consequences of participation include the growth of collective and
inspired thinking abilities such as puzzle solving, invention, inquisitiveness and flexibility;
improved physical and mental health; greater interest in politics and communal engagement;
and greater variety in the workforce.

Healthcare professional mentors including, but not limited to, those lecturing in pharmacy,
medical, nursing, dental schools/colleges are not fundamentally qualified as educators. The
majority of pharmacy educators were initially trained as pharmacists, not as teachers or
educators, with the bulk not getting any proper training about teaching and learning
procedures and important educational perceptions, such as learning philosophies
(Mukhalalati & Taylor, 2019). While they establish proficiency in their specialised roles, their
education skills have been mostly developed by knowledge, rather than through formal
training and research. 

References:
Colman, H. (2022) 6 adult learning theories: Put theory into practice, Adult Learning
Theories and How to Put Them into Practice. iSpring. Available at: https://www.
ispringsolutions.com/adult-learning-theories (Accessed: February 2, 2023).

Jones, G. & Pember, S. (2020) Learning for life: The role of adult community education in
developing thriving local communities - a handbook for Councillors, Local Government
Association. Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/learning-life-role-adult-
community-education-developing-thriving-local-communities (Accessed: 2 February 2023).

Mukhalalati, B.A. & Taylor, A. (2019) “Adult learning theories in context: A quick guide for
healthcare professional educators,” Journal of Medical Education and Curricular
Development, 6, pp. 6–10. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/2382120519840332.