Content creation is something that involves a thorough understanding of who your learners are. In a previous article, we discussed the course qualities that should be included when creating custom content for adult learners.
Now, let us discuss the actual characteristics of adult learners that will influence how you will create the content in your elearning course. These are general in nature and adults will still have specific preferences that are different than the rest of their peers. It is difficult to meet these needs specifically so we can only rely on characteristics that are generally true for most adults. Here are the adult learning qualities to take note of during content creation.
- They are not as open-minded as when they were young. Call it pride or simply the belief that they know more than what they used to – adults are more hesitant to accept any change. This is usually something that comes with maturity and the experiences that we accumulate as we age. We are not saying that they will not accept what you will teach them. They will – as long as you answer the question “why.” Unlike kids, they will challenge what you will teach them so make sure you are prepared with your answers. If not for a straight answer to the question “why,” at least connect the new idea to a truth that is already accepted by your adult learners.
- They feel the need to direct their own learning. Adults are usually more inclined to take responsibility for whatever they are learning. This makes self learning easier to accomplish in your course. Make sure you will incorporate activities and elements in your course that will allow them to control their learning.
- They want practical learning. Theories are okay but adults want to learn something that they can can immediately apply – regardless if it is in their professional or personal lives. At the very least, you need to be clear about how the course is relevant and can improve their daily tasks.
- They will always refer to their experience. When we age, we tend to amass experiences along the way. These experiences are something that they will constantly look back on. Any new idea that they will see will be challenged through past experiences. This is why you need to consider the experience of your learners during content creation. Ideally, you want to target adult learners with the same experiences so you can use it to your course’s advantage.
- They choose to learn – it is not compulsory. This means any adult learner who will opt for your course is usually motivated to learn because they know they need it. You do not have to deal with those who are forced into learning your course.
- They have a lot of things going on aside from learning. Adult learners are busy with other things. This means learning your course will come with a lot of distractions. They have to juggle their work and personal lives – on top of your course. You need to make your course short and yet informative so they will not feel like they are wasting their time.
Think about these characteristics during content creation so you can make your course very appealing and effective in meeting the learning requirements of adult learners.
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