The goals for adult learning include being able to use literacy, numeracy, problem solving, communication, and digital skills effectively across contexts. Understanding the Learner Factors and strategies that impact adult literacies and how they connect to each other can help you build tools and lessons that support all learners.
Our research highlights several key themes about adult learning
Digital Literacy and Oral Communication Skills are critical to pursuing opportunities in the workforce and everyday life.
Adults are independent learners who may have complex reasons for setting and persisting at learning goals.
Having greater emotional, cognitive, and Physical Well-being can positively impact learning; in turn, engaging in learning can improve adults’ life satisfaction and outcomes such as income and social capital.
To create each Learner Variability Project Learner Model, we follow a systematic methodology led by our expert researchers. The process is also overseen by an advisory board of leading content area and learning sciences experts.
Digital Literacy and Oral Communication Skills are critical to pursuing opportunities in the workforce and everyday life.
Problem Solving skills encompass both critical thinking and creativity, which allow adults to evaluate evidence and generate novel solutions.
Adults are independent learners who may have complex reasons for setting and persisting at learning goals.
Adults bring many assets to their learning including extensive Background Knowledge, but they may not recognize the value of that knowledge.
Having greater emotional, cognitive, and Physical Well-being can positively impact learning; in turn, engaging in learning can improve adults’ life satisfaction and outcomes such as income and social capital.
Adults can face barriers to learning stemming from their Socioeconomic Status, lack of Social Supports, or Adverse Experiences, including negative past experiences with schooling.
Engaging in lifelong learning activities is interconnected with general well-being.
View Theme 3Digital Literacy and Oral Communication Skills are critical to pursuing opportunities in the workforce and everyday life.
Problem Solving skills encompass both critical thinking and creativity, which allow adults to evaluate evidence and generate novel solutions.
Adults are independent learners who may have complex reasons for setting and persisting at learning goals.
Adults bring many assets to their learning including extensive Background Knowledge, but they may not recognize the value of that knowledge.
Having greater emotional, cognitive, and Physical Well-being can positively impact learning; in turn, engaging in learning can improve adults’ life satisfaction and outcomes such as income and social capital.
Adults can face barriers to learning stemming from their Socioeconomic Status, lack of Social Supports, or Adverse Experiences, including negative past experiences with schooling.