The Ultimate Guide to Adult Learning Theory: Knowles’ Principles & More

We often forget that adults are constantly learning new things and you don’t have to be a kid and in school to learn. 

Kids in school have constant structure and guidance for their learning — they dedicate most of their day solely to learning what their teacher teaches. But it’s different for adults. When learning new things, most adults don’t have the same kind of structure, which can make for more of a challenge.

That’s where adult learning theory comes in. It will help you understand how adults learn, so you can refine your teaching method and structure to meet their expectations. In this article, you’ll learn: 

Skip ahead:

• What is adult learning theory?
• Why is adult learning theory important? 
• Types of adult learning theories
• How to engage adult learners
• How to apply adult learning theory as an online creator
• Criticisms and limitations of adult learning theory
• Focus on delivering great experiences to learners
• Adult learning theory FAQs

What is adult learning theory? 

Adult learning theory, or andragogy, is a framework for understanding how adults process and retain information. It was developed in 1968 by Malcolm Knowles, an American educator who argues that adults learn differently from children. 

Unlike children, who thrive in instructor-led learning environments, adults prefer self-directed learning, which gives them control over what, how, and when to learn. That’s because they have accumulated a wide array of experiences that influence their learning interests and how they interpret new information. 

For example, let’s say you’re a social media creator. You’re likely to sign up for courses like how to grow your followers or how to get brand deals because these are more relevant to your business. During the course, you’ll rely on what you already know as a creator to better understand what you’re learning. 

Why is adult learning theory important? 

Adult learning theory is important because it helps you to tailor your teaching approach to align with adults’ learning expectations and preferences. This, in turn:

• Reduces learner resentment. Participants no longer feel like they’re being forced to comply with a learning structure or style that doesn’t match their needs. 

• Saves the time and money you would have spent repeating training to achieve the right results

• Makes learning more effective because the instructional method aligns with what learners are looking for

Types of adult learning theories

There are seven major adult learning theories that inform how instructors engage with adults in their learning environment. 

Let’s discuss these theories in detail. 

1. Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning theory

Knowles spent his life theorizing what makes older people’s learning styles different compared to children’s learning styles. From this approach, he developed five assumptions about adult learners. These are called the principles of andragogy: 

• Self-concept: The first assumption of Knowles’ theory is that as people mature into adulthood, they automatically become more independent and self-directed than when they were children. That’s why adults want more autonomy and a say in how and when they learn. They have often realized what works best for them in terms of their preferred learning style.

• Adult Learner Experience: Adults use past knowledge and experiences to interpret new information. As an adult, you have experienced much more that the world has to offer than a child has, which means you will have different perspectives and inherent knowledge to draw from when learning. 

• Readiness to learn: Adult learners are much more selective about the information they consume, and so if they are learning something new, it’s most likely to benefit them in some way. When adults can see the light at the end of the tunnel (such as a promotion, raise, or career advancement), it makes them keener to absorb the information they need to properly learn what is expected of them.

• Orientation to learn: Adults tend to veer towards problem-based learning, which focuses on knowledge that directly relates to solving a problem. As adults, we are enthusiastic about learning things that are applicable to our everyday lives rather than memorizing common facts about a topic.

• Motivation to learn: Internal motivation is the biggest factor pushing and driving adult learners. These internal motivation factors could be anything — your job or career, personal goals, life circumstances, etc. — and they are personal to each adult. 

2. Transformative learning theory

Transformative learning theory is based on the idea that after personal experiences, changes to your viewpoints, expectations, and assumptions will affect how you process new information.  

This theory targets a growth mindset and seeks to assist learners in transforming their existing frames of reference through problem-solving, procedural tasks, and self-reflection. 

Transformative learning theory challenges existing beliefs and works with complex analytical processes. It involves a lot of self-examination and can teach adult learners to become more critical, autonomous, and responsible in decision-making.  

With transformative learning, people may overcome problems such as adapting to a new environment, changes in the workplace, career shifting, and transition points in the life process.

3. Experiential learning theory

As Knowles’ theory on orientation to learning suggests, adults prefer learning that directly relates to solving a problem. Experiential learning theory relates to orientation to learning theory as this principle focuses on developing a “hands-on” learning approach.  

Experiential learning theory examines how real-life experience affects learning. Most adults want to apply their knowledge to their physical environment and reflect on what works and doesn’t work afterward.  

This theory supports the idea that adults retain information best when they can directly apply what they have learned to an applicable area of their lives. 

4. Self-directed learning theory 

Self-directed learning theory also goes together with Knowles’ theory on self-concept and how most adults are fully independent.  

This theory narrows in on the idea of self-concept and independence and applies learning principles in a completely self-taught manner – learning at one’s own pace in one’s own way.  

Self-directed learning theory is not for everyone, as some adults may need more guidance or social interaction when it comes to learning. It’s better suited for adults who can efficiently self-evaluate their learning needs and goals. Self-directed learners are very self-disciplined and usually have no issues focusing or concentrating on what needs to be done. 

5. Project-based learning theory

Project-based learning theory is similar to experiential learning theory as it is more of a “hands-on” technique. Using this theory, adults learn through overseeing and managing a project-based problem. They are to investigate a real-life situation for an extended period, like a case study.  

Through this learning theory, adults learn important communication and collaboration skills with other people and also work on their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

This theory uses authentic and engaging scenarios to stimulate a real-world, complex challenge to mimic what learners would need to apply their skills to in real life.  

6. Action learning theory

Action learning theory is like a combination of all the above theories – this theory allows learners to take action by gathering knowledge and collaborating with others in a group environment to find a solution to a problem or scenario. 

Business simulations are an example of action learning theory, in which learners are supposed to assume multiple management roles to solve a problem.  

Adults are expected to reflect upon the results of their actions and learn from experience under pressure. This learning theory aims to fill in knowledge gaps and establish important team-building skills. 

7. Collaborative learning theory

This model of learning aims to direct learners to expand their knowledge through group learning. Collaborative learning theory involves peer-to-peer learning that develops higher-level thinking, oral communication, self-management, and leadership skills. 

While adult learning is more independent than learning as a child is, there are still many different scenarios where adults can benefit from learning in a group. This is especially true in the workplace, where adults may be paired together for group projects.  

Collaborative learning theory supports adults working cohesively to solve conceptual problems. This theory is also applicable to online learning and helps people establish connections virtually.

How to engage adult learners

Now that you understand how adults learn, here are some tips for creating suitable learning experiences for them: 

• Create a positive learning environment that makes people excited and eager to show up to — remember that no one is forcing adults to attend schools or lessons. Engaging adult students is the same as any age – make your course as interesting as possible. 

• Emphasize the practical application of what is being studied. Adults prefer hands-on learning and problem-solving because they usually need to apply this knowledge to their work or personal lives immediately. 

• Encourage active participation to ensure students are retaining the information. Even for those self-directed courses, make sure there is a way to engage your students in any kind of learning environment they may be in.

• Provide assessments for learning outcomes. This is the best way to ensure everyone is on track and understanding the material. Assessments are also a good way to gauge what adults previously know from past life experiences.

How to apply adult learning theories as an online creator 

As a creator educator, most of your content — from social posts to ebooks and courses — is primarily intended for an adult audience. Your knowledge of adult learning theories will help you: 

1. Craft targeted marketing messaging 

Adult learning theory argues that adults are more motivated to learn when they see the direct benefit of the learning material to their personal or professional lives. This insight can help you craft relevant marketing messaging that captures their attention. 

Let’s say you’re selling a new course. Instead of talking about the course content or why you’re most qualified to teach it, talk about its benefits to your audience. Paint a picture of how their lives will be different and better at the end of the course. For example: 

The second option addresses the learner’s goal of improving their social media skills and helps them visualize their success, increasing their motivation to learn. 

2. Choose the right course format

Adult learning theory explains that adults prefer to have full control over their learning experiences. This can inform how you structure your courses to offer the best learning experiences. 

For example, instead of having instructor-led classes with strict schedules, you can offer self-paced courses that allow participants to study in their own time. Learners can review lecture materials on their own and use live classes for interactive, hands-on activities.

You can also include interactive quizzes that require them to draw from existing knowledge and experiences instead of only testing what they learned during the course. 

Related: How to structure your online course 

3. Create a supportive learning environment 

Adult learning theory helps you create an environment that caters to individual differences in learning styles, needs, and experiences. For example, instead of only offering written content, you can create content in multiple formats (videos, audio, interactive activities) to accommodate multiple learning preferences at the same time. 

You can also provide options for learning at different times or the ability to choose the order in which they complete modules to accommodate different schedules and commitments. That way, no one is left behind. 

Related: Types of teaching styles for online courses

Criticisms and challenges of adult learning theory 

Critics of adult learning theory argue that it may oversimplify the diverse ways in which adults learn. In other words, it puts adults in a box instead of recognizing that learning behaviors are largely determined by the individual. 

For example, some adults learn new skills for fun, not because they’re trying to solve a life problem. Plus, some adults benefit from instructor-led training and may struggle to learn in self-directed environments. 

Ultimately, adult learning theories could benefit from further empirical research to validate their claims and refine their applicability in various learning contexts.

Focus on delivering great experiences to learners

Adults and children may learn differently. But one thing is constant: they both want great learning experiences. To meet this expectation, you’ll need to understand what your learners are looking for and deliberately craft experiences that meet these expectations. 

For those who find themselves with adult students, keep in mind that it’s okay to test different adult learning theories and approaches until you find what works best for your older students. 

Keep in mind that adults are very autonomous, and what works for one adult student could not work for another. Experiment and engage your students in the learning process, and evolve your teaching style based on feedback. That’s how you deliver unforgettable experiences! 

Enjoyed reading this? Check out other Thinkific resources to help you create effective learning experiences for adults and children alike.  

Adult learning theory FAQs

Find answers to common questions about adult learning theories and frameworks. 

1. What are the five pillars of adult learning theory? 

The five principles of adult learning theory, also known as the pillars of andragogy, are as follows:

• Self-concept: Adults are autonomous and self-directed and have a need to be responsible for their decisions.

• Experience: Adults bring their life experiences and knowledge to their learning experiences.

• Readiness to learn: Adults are ready to learn things that they can apply immediately in real-life situations.

• Orientation to learning: Adults are task or problem-centered in their learning orientation.

• Motivation: Adults are internally motivated.

2. How do adults prefer to learn according to adult learning theory?

Adults prefer self-directed learning, use past knowledge and experiences to interpret new information, and are more selective about the information they consume based on how it benefits them.

3. Who created adult learning theory? 

Malcolm Knowles is often credited with popularizing the concept of andragogy, though the term and many of its principles have earlier origins. 

4. How does adult learning theory differ from traditional (pedagogical) learning?

Pedagogy focuses on child learning, often involving dependent learners, while andragogy focuses on self-directed learning and practical, experience-based approaches suitable for adults.

5. What challenges do adult learners face?

Adult learners often struggle with balancing education with work and family responsibilities, overcoming past negative educational experiences, and adapting to new technologies and methodologies.

This blog was originally published in July 2023, it’s since been updated in August 2024 to include the newest and most relevant information.