Adult learners are more self-directed than children and are challenged by coordinating their own learning activities. Adult learners enjoy taking responsibility for shaping their own learning experiences, and they enjoy the risk taking that is often involved in gaining new knowledge and skills. Adults also have previous knowledge and experiences and draw on this background to increase self-confidence and self-worth.

Immediate and direct application is essential to sustain motivation and interest. Learning that helps adults perform their job functions better is deemed important and satisfying. Learning environments for adults need to be informal and action oriented. Adults learn quickly, and rapid pacing stimulates interest and attention. Lectures and long periods of noninvolvement often create a lack of interest, whereas demonstrations and case studies trigger interest and attention.

Direct and immediate feedback regarding learning mastery is essential, and any remediation in learning should be done quickly through activities that are different from the original stimulus. Designing effective learning experiences requires understanding how adults learn best.