Adult learners taking part in a collaborative and engaging training session.

Many trainers try to teach adults the same way they were taught at school. The trainer talks. The learners listen. Everyone hopes the information sticks. Unfortunately, this rarely works. Adults learn differently. They bring experience, expectations and pressures that shape how they take in new information.

If you are developing your skills as a trainer, our ILM-accredited Train the Trainer courses explore adult learning principles in a simple, practical way so you can apply them with confidence.

In This Article You Will Learn

  • How adults actually learn
  • Why adults learn differently from children
  • Simple ways to improve your sessions using adult learning principles

What Do We Mean by Adult Learning?

Adult learning is the process of helping grown learners understand, apply and feel confident with new skills or knowledge. Adults do not simply absorb information. They compare it with their experience, question its relevance and want to know why it matters. If we ignore this, training becomes dull and frustrating. When we work with it, training becomes enjoyable and powerful.

Adult learning is built on respect, involvement and relevance. When learners feel valued and included they relax and learn faster.

Why This Matters

Most workplace training fails because it does not consider how adults learn. The trainer speaks for too long. Learners feel bored or overloaded. People leave without a clear understanding of what to do next. This creates mistakes, frustration and wasted time.

When training is built around how adults learn, the experience is completely different. Learners are engaged. They ask questions. They feel confident to try new things. They apply the skills back in their role, which is the whole point of training.

Common Challenges

  • Trainers talk at learners instead of working with them
  • Learners feel embarrassed to ask questions
  • Sessions focus on information rather than application
  • Learners cannot see the point of the content
  • Too much content is delivered at once
  • Little or no practice is included

Improvements When Adult Learning Principles Are Used

When you use adult learning principles, learners become active rather than passive. They understand faster. They take ownership. They feel respected and involved. The session becomes more enjoyable for everyone. Most importantly, learners remember and apply what they have learned, which leads to real improvement at work.

Key Principles of Adult Learning

Relevance
Adults need to know why they are learning something. If they see the link to their real world role they become far more motivated and focused.

Experience
Adults bring knowledge and experience with them. Good training uses this by asking questions, encouraging discussion and valuing their input.

Involvement
Adults learn best when they are active. This means practising skills, solving problems and taking part in discussions. Involvement builds confidence.

How to Get Started

  1. Start every session by explaining the purpose and benefits of the training. Adults learn best when they understand why it matters.
  2. Ask questions that draw on learner experience. This helps learners connect new ideas to what they already know.
  3. Build in practice and involvement. Give learners opportunities to try things out so they feel confident before returning to work.

Where Our Train the Trainer Courses Fit In

At Target Training Associates we teach trainers how to use adult learning principles in a simple and practical way. Many trainers want to support their learners but do not always know how to involve them or bring their experience into the session. Our Train the Trainer programmes show you exactly how to do this in a relaxed and supportive environment.

You will learn clear models that help you create relevant, engaging and enjoyable training that works both in person and online.

Common FAQs

Are adult learning theories complicated?
No. Adult learning is based on simple ideas about relevance, involvement and respect.

What if my learners do not speak up much?
Use gentle questions, small group tasks or simple activities to build confidence. Involvement grows over time.

Do I need to learn lots of theories to deliver good training?
Not at all. A few clear principles are enough to make a huge difference.

Where Do I Go to Find More Information?

If you want to understand how adults learn and how to use this in your training, explore our Train the Trainer courses at Target Training Associates. You can also call us on 0800 302 9344 or email us at info@targettrg.co.uk. We are always happy to help.