https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu Who is an adult learner? How do we define adulthood? What makes an adult learner distinct from other learners? en-us 2017-03-27 03:46:54 UTC 2025-09-30 12:33:02 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/162844918 Adult learners bring with them a variety of life experiences from their family, friends, career, hobbies, previous education and more. They are not blank slates. They have developed an identity, have lived through experiences and want to continue to grow and learn. Participation is voluntary.]]> 2017-03-27 15:02:19 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/162844918 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/162959768 2017-03-27 21:07:27 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/162959768 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163006339 I also agree with Dana that one of the defining traits of an adult is an accumulation of "life" experiences, which helps to define an awareness of own personal identity, emotions, and ideals. I think the challenge in addressing an adult learner is finding ways to adapt their perspectives on their experiences to the curriculum being delivered, where those experience could actually become an asset, a detriment, or both at the same time. I think that, as educators, one of the biggest challenges will be designing curriculum that builds on their experiences while encouraging them to reflect on their own perspectives on that experience.]]> 2017-03-28 04:30:21 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163006339 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163274376 For me, it is challenging to define what constitutes as an "adult" without addressing individual and respective identities of the person. For example, a lot of what Thomas stated resonated with me, because in my work with college students, many of them are fresh from high school, recently eighteen, so technically a legal "adult." However, I would posit that a lot of my profession centers around mentorship and guidance of these new adults to understand the trials and tribulations of an educational institution and greater society. Adult learners are bringing with them their experiences, their values, and senses of their identity. Whether that be race, gender identity, sexuality or otherwise. Awareness of identity distinguish adult learners from others. 

]]> 2017-03-28 21:59:49 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163274376 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163291070 I work with adult learners that varry in age from 18-75 years old. The identity and life experiences of each adult learning is drastically different. The 10 year old's life experience is quite different than the 75 year olds. I would say an adult learning is someone outside of their teenage years who is continually learning. I know many adults who aren't learners. I would say to get the "adult learner" classification you have to be actively learning new information or skills. For me, it is definitely a fun and interesting challenge to bring out experiences relatable to the 18 and 75 year old. It is fun to see when these two groups come together and learn form one another. ]]> 2017-03-29 01:00:44 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163291070 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163570336 I agree with Dana that adult learners bring valuable life experience into the class, and that makes them unique. To me, adult learners are those who know why they are in a classroom and what they hope to learn from it. Another thing that makes adult learners different from, say, young learners, is that due to their age, they tend to be less flexible and less open-minded, which can make it a bit challenging to teach.]]> 2017-03-29 23:22:56 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/163570336 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/164082274 Like Jalen, I agree that it is difficult to define adulthood without addressing individual and respective identities. I believe a key word to be included in the definition of adulthood would be “independent.” Most in the 18-25 age range, while considered adults in the legal sense, fall into the emerging adult category where they are building life experience, learning about themselves and defining who they will be as adults. Life experiences are coming at individuals in this age range fast and furious and while some may be completely independent, others are eager for the guidance or safety net provided by family or mentors. As an undergrad, I taught swimming lessons to both adults (ages 18-70) and also to children. The children were ready to jump in immediately and try whatever skill I presented to them. The adult students wanted to talk through the physics of floating and discuss finding their center of gravity before they took their feet off the bottom of the pool.  The “why” and “how” were very important to adult learners. I see this as a key distinction between child and adult learners.]]> 2017-04-01 03:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/np99xjtpuglu/wish/164082274