According to Adult Learning Theory, what is a key assumption about adults as learners?

According to Adult Learning Theory, what is a key assumption about adults as learners?

• A. Adults are self-directed learners.
• B. All adults learn best in a traditional lecture.
• C. Adult learning requires no feedback.
• D. Adults cannot adapt to new technologies.

Answer: (A)

Adult Learning Theory, or andragogy, emphasizes that adults take responsibility for their own learning and prefer to direct how, when, and what they learn. This self-directed approach comes from their life experiences and practical goals, making autonomy a defining trait of adult learners. That’s why the statement that adults are self-directed learners is the best fit: it captures the core expectation that adults manage their learning process and seek relevant, problem-centered opportunities to apply new knowledge. Other options don’t fit as well. A traditional lecture isn’t universally effective for adults, who often benefit from interactive, real-world, and discussion-based formats. Assuming no feedback contradicts the idea that adults use feedback to refine and apply what they’re learning. And claiming adults cannot adapt to new technologies ignores the evidence that many adults can and do adapt when learning is relevant and well supported.

Adult Learning Theory, or andragogy, emphasizes that adults take responsibility for their own learning and prefer to direct how, when, and what they learn. This self-directed approach comes from their life experiences and practical goals, making autonomy a defining trait of adult learners. That’s why the statement that adults are self-directed learners is the best fit: it captures the core expectation that adults manage their learning process and seek relevant, problem-centered opportunities to apply new knowledge.

Other options don’t fit as well. A traditional lecture isn’t universally effective for adults, who often benefit from interactive, real-world, and discussion-based formats. Assuming no feedback contradicts the idea that adults use feedback to refine and apply what they’re learning. And claiming adults cannot adapt to new technologies ignores the evidence that many adults can and do adapt when learning is relevant and well supported.