Misconceptions

of Adult
Learning and
Application
Synthesis

By: Krystal Fluellen

Misconception: Adult learners are those
that are older in age, such as adults that are
35-55.

Truth: Adult learners are in fact those from

the ages of 18-senior citizens
Misconception: Every
generation should be taught
the same way

Truth: Every generation of

learners and adult learners
have a specific way they
were raised in general and
that has affected the way
they learn best
 Third Misconception
Misconception: Adult learners arent
self-directed learners.

Truth: Adult learners are and should

be self-directed learners.
Senior citizens and
Adult Learning
They go back to study a different education route
than the one they have taken for most of their
lives.
A way to deal with age-related concerns like
leisure, retirement, death, and finances.
Most intelligence remains stable through the
adult years with intellectual changes occurring
only very late in life.
It is important that one teaches their students to
become more of a self-directed learner.
Generational Gaps in
Learning
Silent generation (20s-40s) Baby Boomers (40s-60s)
Value dedication, Value optimism and
consistency, integrity, and personal growth
loyalty Likes to put work first
Recognize the value of their
experience

Generation X (60s-80s) Millennials (80s-00s)

Value balance, informality, and Value variety, technology,
diversity social networking
Self-reliant Likes frequent communication,
explanations, and feedback
(Levonius, 2015)
 Self-directed learning theory can be
described as the practice when
individuals take the initiative of
finding their learning needs and
learning goals without help from
others (SDL, n.d.).
One of the primary goals for colleges and universities is to
enable their students to become self-directed learners
(Merriam, et.al, 2007).
Educators should create an environment that allow
students to feel respected and welcomed and are able to
set the pace and plan of their learning.
 References:
Levonius, D. (2015, February 3). Generational
Differences in the Classroom. Association for Talent
Development. Retrieved from:
https://www.td.org/Publications/Newsletters/Links
/2015/02/Generational Differences-in-the-
Classroom
Merriam, S. B., Baumgartner, L., & Caffarella, R. S.
(2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive
guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
SDL Definition. (n.d). Self-Directed Learning.
Retrieved from:
http://www.selfdirectedlearning.org/sdl-definition-
rationale-background-2