17 Strategies to Motivate Adult Learners

Adult learners are often less focused on eLearning courses than younger learners who don't have the same life commitments. Adults must also see quicker returns on their efforts than children, who respond to more straightforward incentives. Academic habits may also lapse, and many adults take unnecessary career courses. These factors make motivating adult learners particularly challenging.

Motivating adult learners requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging their unique needs and challenges. 

In this article, we discuss 17 strategies to help motivate adult learners that are worth trying. 

#1 Useful Learning Experiences

• Conduct thorough needs assessments to understand learners' existing knowledge, skills gaps, and desires.
• Align content with learners' professional roles, industries, and cr aspirations.
• Incorporate real-world scenarios, case studies, and simulations that mirror workplace challenges.
• Offer opportunities for learners to apply new knowledge and skills to their work contexts.

#2 Emphasize Practical Knowledge

• Clearly articulate the many benefits and applications of the learning content.
• Demonstrate how the knowledge and skills can be immediately applied to real problems.
• Minimize theoretical content that does not directly relate to learners' work or personal lives.
• Provide opportunities for hands-on practice and experimentation.

#3 Facilitate Exploration

• Offer a variety of learning resources and formats to cater to different learning style preferences.
• Encourage learners to explore topics in-depth and pursue their relevance and learning access to curated resources, such as articles, videos, podcasts, and online courses.
• Incorporate self-directed learning activities and projects.

#4 Build Community and Integrate Social Media

• Create opportunities for learners to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge.
• Utilize social media platforms and online communities.
• Encourage peer-to-peer learning and mentorship.
• Host virtual events like webinars and Q&A sessions to facilitate interaction and engagement.

#5 Add a Personal Touch

• Show genuine interest in learners' progress and well-being.
• Be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer support.
• Incorporate personalized learning paths and recommendations, powerful tools, stories, and experiences to create a connection with learners.

#6 Challenge Through Games

• Gamification can increase engagement and motivation through competition, rewards, and fun.
• Design activities that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
• Incorporate simulations and role-playing exercises to create immersive learning experiences.

#7 Use Humor

• Humor can create a positive learning environment and make the content more memorable.
• Use relevant jokes, anecdotes, and lighthearted examples to break up the monotony and capture attention.
• Avoid humor that is offensive, inappropriate, or distracting.

#8 Chunk Information

• Break down complex topics into smaller, more manageable units.
• Use clear headings, subheadings, and visual cues to organize information.
• Provide witty ways to reinforce learning.

#9 Add Suspense

• Create a sense of anticipation and curiosity by gradually revealing key information.
• Use storytelling techniques to build suspense and maintain interest.
• Pose thought-provoking questions and challenges to stimulate learners' curiosity.

#10 Accommodate Individual Interests and Career Goals

• Offer elective courses or modules that allow learners to specialize in areas of interest.
• Provide opportunities for learners to create personalized learning plans.
• Connect learners with mentors or coaches who can provide guidance and support.

#11 Stimulate Learners

• Encourage learners to think critically and question assumptions.
• Pose open-ended questions that require analysis and evaluation.
• Facilitate debates and discussions to encourage diverse perspectives.

#12 Promote Learning Through Mistakes

• Create a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.
• Provide constructive feedback that focuses on learning and growth.
• Encourage learners to reflect on their mistakes and identify strategies for improvement.

#13 Make it Visually Compelling

• Use images, videos, infographics, and other visual aids to enhance understanding and retention.
• Design visually appealing and engaging learning materials.
• Use color, typography, and layout to create a positive learning experience.

#14 Get Emotional

• Tap into learners' emotions using storytelling, music, and other evocative techniques.
• Create a sense of connection and empathy by sharing personal stories and experiences.
• Inspire learners—make a positive impact by invoking memories and emotions.

#15 Use Workplace Examples

• Connect learning content to real-world workplace scenarios.
• Share relevant examples and anecdotes from industry experts.
• Invite guest speakers to share their experiences and insights.

#16 Be Respectful and Ask for Feedback

• Treat learners with respect and dignity.
• Value their opinions and experiences.
• Actively seek feedback on the learning experience and use it to make improvements.

#17 Present the Benefits

• Clearly articulate the benefits of the learning experience regarding career advancement, personal growth, and skill development.
• Highlight the return on investment for learners and their organizations.
• Use testimonials and success stories to demonstrate the value of the learning.

Implementing these strategies can help HR and training teams create a more engaging and motivating learning experience for adult learners, increasing knowledge retention, skill development, and overall success.

Consider Vubiz online training for your adult learner needs. Our courses follow industry standards for instructional design and accessibility, ensuring a positive training experience.  Request a demo to learn more.