When adults return to the classroom, they do so on their own initiative. Adult learners tend to possess intrinsic motivation for learning, which teachers can build on. Effective teachers recognize adults tend to prefer self-designed and self-directed learning projects, and thus incorporate elements of choice into class assignments.
Adult learners come to class with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Teachers who can draw on that experience and encourage adults to integrate new ideas with what they already know will help them retain new information.
Adults, with their reservoir of experiences to draw upon, have a distinct advantage over children. But this also means they may argue with instructors who present information that seems inconsistent with their experience. Effective teachers get to know their students and learn about the experiences they bring to the classroom. Then, teachers can use concept connectors that resonate with their students as they present new information.
Adults also tend to be quite practical. They see application as a logical outflow of learning new material. Effective teachers understand adults expect information that is immediately useful in their career or their life.
Teaching adults does not necessary require lots of novel teaching techniques. In fact, adults often do not need or want complex, fast-paced or unusual learning tasks. Rather than encourage learning, such tasks may interfere with an adult's learning. Adults may grow impatient with activities they believe are not useful for their learning.
Adult learners tend to have specific goals in mind when enrolling for a class, and they see learning as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Effective teachers will take the learner's goals into account when presenting material and assigning projects or papers.
Adults may also demonstrate a need to verbalize more than younger students. Teachers would do well to build in class time for students to engage in discussion or share reactions to the material that has been presented. Adult learners are a diverse group, and they have much to teach each other, too.