Adult learner

Normally an adult in years, and always a person who chooses to learn, rather than one who is part of a legally-instituted system such as childhood education. Adult learners may enrol in subjects that school-children study, but they do so voluntarily. Even required vocational training is ultimately *voluntary*, because the learner makes the choice to attend (willingly or not). She or he may choose not to attend, and accept any consequences that go with their failure to participate…but it is essentially still a choice.

Adult learners are distinct in that they have existing life experience that they bring to any learning context; their contributions as a result of that experience can enrich any course. ALs also need to know that course content is relevant: they are busy people, and boring classes can be very de-motivating!

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