Learning Needs: Children vs. Adults

Differences in Learning Needs Between Children and Adults

• Different Knowledge Motivation: Children are often motivated by real-life applications and external rewards like grades or approval, whereas adults may desire learning for career advancement or personal enrichment.
• Self-Concept Differences: Children often rely on external guidance, while adults typically take more ownership and responsibility for their learning. Children may perceive themselves as passive learners whereas adults typically perceive themselves as active learners.
• Role of Experience: Adults' previous experiences are significant resources for learning, particularly influencing their understanding and approach to new information. Children's learning can also be impacted by experiences, but in different ways.
• Readiness to Learn: Children typically require specific guidance for readiness, whereas adults may be ready to learn at any time, assuming prior knowledge exists. Adults may need prior knowledge before motivation.
• Learning Orientations: Children are often oriented towards lifelong learning, practical tasks and their experiences. Conversely, adults may focus on specific tasks and practical applications and knowledge.
• Motivational Factors: Children are primarily motivated by intrinsic factors like gaining knowledge and skills. Adults may seek external validation, authority figures approval, social status or learning goals.

Self-Directed Learning Emphasis

• Responsibility for Learning: Adults frequently take primary responsibility for their learning journey, actively diagnosing learning needs and setting goals.
• External Validation: Children and adults may be influenced by external factors, but adults may place less emphasis on external pressures like validation when learning.

Motivational Factors Common to Adults but Not Children

• Completion Rewards: Adults often appreciate clear outcomes or tangible rewards (e.g., completing a course, receiving a certification) that solidify completion.
• Learning Satisfaction: The satisfaction of acquiring knowledge and skills is a significant driver in adults' approach to their learning, whereas it may vary for children.
• Social Status: Adults may engage in learning paths for social, professional, or other factors that contribute to their perception of status..
• Authority Figure Approval: adults may value approval from figures in authority or status during learning.