Welcome to episode 41 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover why understanding Adult Learning Theory is fundamental to creating effective and engaging learning experiences for adult learners.

Ever wondered why some learning experiences resonate deeply with adult learners while others fall flat? The answer lies in understanding how adults learn differently from children – a critical distinction that shapes effective instructional design.
In this illuminating episode, I dive into the fascinating world of adult learning theory and why it matters for anyone creating educational experiences. We explore how adult learning differs fundamentally from pedagogy by emphasizing autonomy, relevance, and real-world problem-solving rather than dependent learning. Adults bring rich experiences to the table and seek learning that serves clear purposes with immediate application.
I break down four cornerstone theories that should inform your design approach: Knowles' Andragogy with its focus on self-direction; Kolb's Experiential Learning cycle; Mezirow's perspective-changing Transformative Learning; and Self-Determination Theory with its emphasis on autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, theory only matters when applied correctly, which is why I dispel five persistent myths about adult learners that might be undermining your effectiveness.
Whether you're creating corporate training, teaching college courses, or building online content, understanding adult learning theory makes your work exponentially more impactful. Download the reference diagram from this episode and share your own experiences applying these principles in your work. Education isn't about filling pails—it's about lighting fires in the minds of your adult learners.

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Adult Learning Theory Diagram

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