Unit 3 Adult Learners: Adult Learning Principles, Process, Change of Behavior

Adult Learners
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
The learning process results in a change of behavior or cognitive process, as learners acquire knowledge (SHRM, 2008). Various characteristics distinguish adult leaders from children and the youth including control over learning. Learning may be a secondary role, pragmatic in it and learning is often self-initiated (SHRM, 2008). One can choose to learn through the traditional route taking notes in classrooms where there are instructors. Online education has increasingly opened up opportunities and more learners are using this route to learn. People have different learning styles and this influences how they process information, highlighting the need to integrate different teaching and learning strategies to impart knowledge.
Adults desire to control some aspects of their lives and take responsibility for their actions. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) there is self-directed learning especially during discussions that are encouraged, allowing the learners to make a choice when undertaking the assignments. They are also active learners who learn better when provided with the choice to influence the learning experience. Hence creating mutual trust and articulating expectations make a difference on how adults learn (Russell, 2008).
Adult learners prefer pragmatic learning since they are more likely to apply what they learn (SHRM, 2008).). Both online and classroom learning approaches have focused on applying knowledge in the workplace, rather than placing too much emphasis on theory. SNHU understands this and learning content is linked with the learners’ application needs.
Adult learners have multiple roles unlike the youth, where learning is a primary role and at times forms a part of their identity (SHRM, 2008). SNHU recognizes that adult learners’ lead busy lives and a...