By: Hannah Scott
When it comes to education and learning, we often consider it something to be completed within a certain age limit. While many people tend to complete their learning and educational goals within a timeframe, only some have the same situation. Life is different for everyone, and circumstances can force you to put education on hold to cater to other serious matters. But that doesn’t kill the spark for gaining knowledge.
This is where Adult Learning comes in. A concept encompassing lifelong education beyond traditional schooling, it has gained significant traction in recent years. Embraced by individuals seeking personal enrichment, career advancement, or skill development in later years, this approach to education offers a plethora of opportunities and benefits.
So, let’s discuss what adult learning entails through the expert viewpoint of Jennifer Scott. Jennifer is an author, artist, and educator with an experience of 18 years. Holding a PhD in Adult Learning from Capella University, she has worked with several educational institutes, training their staff on adult learning methodologies. She also provides professional development opportunities for students as well as the faculty.
Lifelong Learning: A Paradigm Shift
The notion of lifelong learning represents a paradigm shift in education, according to Jennifer. It acknowledges that learning is not confined to a specific age or stage of life but is a continuous process that evolves alongside personal and professional development.
Adults, recognizing the need to adapt to changing circumstances, are increasingly turning to education as a means of staying relevant and competitive in today’s dynamic world.
Adult Learning is, thus, a bit different from conventional education since it’s designed to cater to older people, most of whom are already employed. Jennifer highlights some differences.
Customized Learning Paths
Unlike conventional education, which often follows a standardized curriculum, adult learning is characterized by its flexibility and customization. Individuals have the freedom to choose courses and programs that align with their interests, goals, and schedules. This personalized approach, in Jennifer’s point of view, allows for a more tailored learning experience, maximizing engagement and retention.
Leveraging Life Experience
“One of the distinguishing features of adult learning is the wealth of life experience that participants bring to the table,” Jennifer asserts. Unlike younger students, adults have accumulated knowledge and skills through their personal and professional endeavors. This experiential background is a valuable foundation for learning, enabling adults to contextualize new information and apply it to real-world situations.
Diverse Learning Modalities
Adult learning encompasses a wide range of modalities. It caters to diverse preferences and learning styles. From traditional classroom instruction to online courses, workshops, seminars, and self-directed study, there are various options available to learners. Jennifer emphasizes that this diversity allows individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs, whether they prefer structured guidance or independent exploration.
Fostering Personal Growth
Beyond the realm of professional development, adult learning also plays a vital role in fostering personal growth and enrichment. Whether exploring a new hobby, delving into a subject of personal interest, or simply satisfying intellectual curiosity, education provides avenues for self-discovery and fulfillment. Jennifer shares that lifelong learners often report increased self-confidence, expanded horizons, and a greater sense of satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives.
Conclusion
Adult learning represents a dynamic and evolving approach to education, offering individuals opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout their lives. By embracing lifelong learning, individuals can customize their educational experiences, leverage their life experiences, and pursue their goals with flexibility and purpose.
As Jennifer aptly summarizes, “Adult education offers a pathway to realizing one’s full potential in an ever-changing world, without being limited by age factor. So, no matter where you stand in life, adult education allows you to grow both in profession and person.”
Published by: Holy Minoza
