Quick study: Adult learning

What makes adult learning different from how children learn? In corporate training, we often assume that if information is clear and well-structured, adults will absorb it—but adult learners have unique needs, motivations, and constraints that shape how they engage with learning experiences.

This fast-paced session provides a foundational overview of adult learning principles, including how experience, autonomy, relevance, and problem-solving shape engagement and retention. You’ll learn what adult learners need to stay motivated, why traditional training methods often fall flat, and what research tells us about designing learning that actually works. Whether you create training, facilitate workshops, or support workplace learning, this session will give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of adult learning—without the fluff.

Your people will learn how to:

  • Define adult learning and explain how it differs from how children learn, providing a foundational understanding of the field.
  • Identify key principles of adult learning, including the roles of experience, autonomy, and relevance in shaping engagement.
  • Recognize why motivation and problem-solving are critical to adult learning, and how they influence retention and application.
  • Describe common challenges in adult learning, such as cognitive overload, resistance to change, and lack of immediate applicability.
  • Understand why traditional training methods often fail with adults, and what makes learning experiences more effective.
Capacity
30 people
Location
Virtual
Duration
30 minutes

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About BCL

Understanding how people learn isn’t always enough.  To get projects done and make sure you target the right goals, you have to navigate complex organizations and their social environments.  That’s where consulting experience is a huge advantage.  We combine deep understanding of learning with practical management consulting experience.  This is the key to delivering high end learning experiences that move the dial.

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