Motivate adult learners to learn. Adult learners are often motivated to learn things for different reasons than traditional students. Assessing the reasons adults are participating in programs or courses will give the instructor insight into how they can be motivated. Use appropriate rewards and emphasize the benefits the learner will receive for being successful. Adult learners also need to be supported and coached through learning. Take the time to compliment adult learners when they achieve their learning goals and provide direct constructive feedback to help them improve.
Utilize life experiences to help adult learners learn new material. Use examples and reflection. Assess prior knowledge and connect new concepts to known concepts.
Relate learning to practice. Adult learners often need to know that what they are learning is going to be useful and not just a waste of their time. Reinforce the learning and retention of skills by practice, giving knowledge meaning and supporting knowledge transfer.
Create an appropriate learning environment free of distractions. Adults often have many competing responsibilities in their lives and are easily distracted. Consider adult participant needs when creating schedules and choosing learning locations. Make sure that the facilities are appropriate for adult learners.
Set expectations for learning and clear objectives that can be evaluated. Also establish any classroom rules from the beginning. Ask adult learners to give input throughout the learning process.
Encourage adult learners to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Adults need enough sleep so that they can focus on learning new things. Adults also need to eat healthy and practice a healthy lifestyle to optimize their cognitive abilities.
Differentiate instruction and visual aids so that it is appropriate for all learning styles. Adults have different ways of learning, whether they are auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners. Adults need to receive instruction that involves the senses with which they learn best.
Play games, do puzzles and practice analytical thinking. As adults age, cognitive functions can deteriorate if they are not used. To improve cognitive skills, adults need to be encouraged to use processes that relate to the skills sought.