Adult Learner Characteristics

1. Lives away from parents.
2. Usually responsible for spouse or significant other,children, parents, other family members, job.
3. Financially independent. Dependent on his/her own resources for living. Feels financial pressure especially if unemployed or underemployed.
4. Has little patience with authoritarian figures in many areas of life expecially if he/she feels the authority figure is unfair, unjust, patronizing, humiliating or unnecessary.
5. Has a clear reason why he/she is attending school:Aquire informati0n, Solve a personal or professinal problem, Personal development.
6. Is critically worried about time and wants to accomplish as much as possible in as short a time as possible
7. Usually attending because he or she wishes to. Will simply leave if instruction is bad. Will complain to teacher or higher authority if instruction is below par.
8. Usually will challenge teacher if he/she feels information is erroneous or outdated. Usually has aquired a fund of knowledge through living and work experience.
9. Usuallly does not identily with a school group (Other than class members) in which he/she can find social support or aid with school problems (A grapevine)
10. Usually attends class between 5 pm and 10 pm.
11. School is essentially a part time activity.
12. Student's age is equivalent to or older than the instructor. The adult student is aware of and respects the accomplishments of the teacher.
13. Discipline is hardly ever a problem with adult students.