DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILDREN AND ADULTS AS LEARNERS
CHILDREN
ADULTS
Rely on others to decide what is important to be learned

Accept the information being presented at face value

Expect that what they are learning will be useful in their long-term future

Have little or no experience upon which to draw—are relatively ‘’clean slates’’

Have little ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to teacher or fellow classmates

Are content centered

Are less actively involved

Learn in an authority-oriented environment

Planning is teacher’s responsibility
 

 
Decide for themselves what is important to be learned

Need to validate the information based on their beliefs and experiences

Expect that what they are learning is immediately useful

Have much past experience upon which to draw—may have fixed viewpoints

Have significant ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to the facilitator and group members

Are problem centered

Actively participate

Function best in a collaborative environment

Share in planning