Motivation of adults: implications of adult learning theories for distance education

Abstract

This paper attempts to address the problem of motivating adults, particularly but not only in the context of distance teaching. Its approach is needs based, in that it identifies in some detail the needs and interests of adults, due to an acceptance of a viewpoint promoted constantly in adult learning theories – that effective learning should be based on the needs and interest characteristics of the adult learner.

Thus this paper will attempt to: review the general principles of adult learning; describe in detail the nature of the adult learner; as suggested by current literature; provide suggestions for the design of learning programmes for adults; review some implications for tertiary colleges and their staff, particularly those engaged in correspondence teaching, of accepting ideas about motivation derived from adult learning theories.