Adult

Myths and Facts About Adult Learning

Myth Number One:
   Each Adult Learns Differently
                It is comforting to all of us to be told that we are like snowflakes; each unique in our own way. Yes, we are somewhat unique in color preferences, food choices, type of car we drive, style of dress, what we like to watch on TV--all of that. But, realistically speaking, interest preferences tend to pattern; hence, we are often able to predict what one might choose, what they might say or do in a given circumstance, or who they might like on a blind date!   So, why do we say that everyone learns in a different way? Simply stated we like to be considered unique even if we really are not that unique.
             If we look around in a classroom, seminar, informal meeting or just a small chat session, it is relatively easy to note that some people take notes, some just listen, and others are (sometimes constantly) asking clarifying questions. We can almost predict that some in the group will do at least one of these actions, and maybe, some will do all! Hardly snowflakes.
               Let's simplify the issue. Adults learn by using combinations of senses. Some like to see, touch, hear, smell and, if possible, taste the concept under learning construction. Then, let's add the three laws of learning for everyone:
                1. We remember what we experience the first time
                2. If the message is vivid and colorful (colors, words, experiences),
                     we remember it
                3. We remember what we repeat and repeat and repeat
      [Yes, it gets messed up if we experience it wrong the first time and keep doing it wrong. But, one must admit, we learned it. Just because the concept or skill was incorrectly learned does not alter the three facts of learning.]
               Test this simple theory. Look around and see if this simplification holds true. Avoid looking too far into complications; such further search will unsimplify the simplification!

            Clarifying the Myth: While we all have unique preferences, we tend to learn in recurring patterns of ways to recognize and store facts and skils. If we were all different kinds of learners, few would undertake to teach! SCROLL DOWN TO TARGET ANOTHER MYTH!

Let's Go Get Another Myth!