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ADOLESCENT 
AND ADULT 
LEARNING 
Prepared by 
Lovely May Centizas
Adolescent 
learning
What is adolescent ? 
 the process of developing from a child 
into an adult.
A few things generally happen: 
 Adolescents are able to connect what they 
are trying to learn with what they already 
know, understand, or have personally. 
 They are favorably inclined, or motivated, 
to put forth the necessary effort and time 
experienced.
Adolescent learning 
 involves interactive, purposeful, and 
meaningful engagement.
Following circumstances : 
 Adolescents "do something" that makes 
sense in a larger context, such as 
confronting real-life issues and problems. 
 Their personal initiative and energy are 
moved into action through meaningful 
involvement with relevant and current 
content.
 Their cognitive and affective capabilities 
are challenged. 
 They can draw upon a variety of resources 
in the learning environment, including 
personal experience, the local community, 
and the Internet. 
 Their knowledge and understanding are 
substantively broadened or deepened.
Conditions that support 
adolescent learning 
Adolescent learn better when they … 
 Encounter learning that is appropriate to their 
developmental level and is presented in multiple 
ways and in an enjoyable and interesting manner. 
 Are intellectually intrigued by task that are 
authentic and perceived as challenging, novel, and 
relevant to their own lives. 
 Are allowed to share and discuss ideas , and to 
work together on tasks, projects, and problems.
They learn better when.. 
 Are afforded multiple strategies to acquire, 
integrate and interpret knowledge meaningfully, 
to demonstrate understanding, and to apply 
knowledge to new situations. 
 Are provided opportunities to develop and use 
strategic thinking skills.
They learn better when .. 
 Are given guidance and feedback about 
their work. 
 Are in safe, supportive environment where 
value is given to personal ideas and 
negative emotions.
Tips for Teaching Teens 
 Make It Authentic 
 Use Background Knowledge 
 Appeal to Their Interests 
 Keep It Active
Adult Learning
Who is an Adult ? 
 An individual who perceives himself or 
herself to be responsible for his/her own 
life.
What is learning ? 
 Acquiring new information and knowledge.
Adult learning 
 A process of being free from oppression of 
being illiterate.
Malcolm Shepherd Knowles 
(1913-1997) 
Father of Adult Learning
Andragogy 
the art of science of how adults learn.
5 Assumptions of Andragogy 
 Self-concept 
 Adult learner experience 
 Readiness to learn 
 Orientation to learning 
 motivation
Characteristics of 
Adult Learners 
 Adults need to know why they are learning 
and how will it affect them? 
 Adults are autonomous and self-directed. 
 Adults have a lifetime of experience. 
 Adults use a hands-on problem-solving 
approach to learning. 
 Adults want to apply new knowledge and 
skills immediately. 
 Adults need to be shown respect.
Six Factors Serve as Sources of 
Motivation for Adult Learning 
 Develop social relationships 
 Stimulation 
 Social welfare 
 Personal advancement 
 External expectations 
 Cognitive interest
Learning Tips for 
Effective Instructors 
 Set a friendly, open atmosphere. 
 Set an appropriate level of concern. 
 Set an appropriate level of difficulty.
Final Thought 
 Tell me and I will forget 
Show me and I will remember 
Involve me and I will understand 
Step back and I will act 
 (Chinese proverb)
Adolescent and Adult Learning