Adult learners are typically characterized by maturity, self-confidence, autonomy, solid decision-making, and are generally more practical, multi-tasking, purposeful, self-directed, experienced, and less open-minded and receptive to change. Like all learners, adults can favour certain learning styles over others. Our toolkit categorises matches our tools to four of the most common learning styles.

VISUAL LEARNERS

They prefer learning approaches which include simple, easy-to-process diagrams or the written word. PowerPoint presentations, images and graphics are very helpful to these learners.

AURAL LEARNERS

These learners process the spoken word better than written or other formats. They tend to learn better when they hear things. They enjoy a lecture format of learning, that which involves multimedia or discussions.

PRINT LEARNERS

Those that tendency towards print learning find that they process and retain information better by writing it down. These types of learners typically take a lot of notes. Sometimes they never read the notes again as the process of writing them has been enough to help etch their contents into their mind.

PRACTICAL

Practical, tactile or interactive learners need to do something in order to learn it. They are likely to avoid written instructions and dive right into a hands-on attempt to work it out. Training exercises and role plays can be useful to engage these types of learners. Giving people the flexibility to stand and move about the classroom also helps these learners.