Adult Teaching Tips – Simple Strategies for Grown‑Up Learners

Adult Teaching Tips: Simple Strategies That Really Work

Teaching grown‑ups feels different from teaching teens or kids. Adults bring jobs, families, and real‑world worries to the classroom, so you need tools that fit their busy lives. Below are straight‑forward ideas you can start using tomorrow to keep adult learners motivated and getting results.

Know Why Adults Learn

First, remember that most adults learn to solve a problem or reach a goal. They want to see a direct link between what you’re teaching and something they can use at work or home. Ask them early on what they hope to achieve and write those goals on the board. When you revisit those goals throughout a session, learners see the purpose and stay focused.

Adults also value respect. They’re not a blank slate; they have knowledge and experience you can tap into. Start each class with a quick “what do you already know?” question. Let a few participants share, then show how their answers connect to the new material. This validates their background and builds a collaborative vibe.

Turn Theory into Action

The 70‑20‑10 model is a handy shortcut. Roughly 70 % of learning happens on the job, 20 % from coaching or peers, and only 10 % from formal lessons. Design activities that let adults practice right away: role‑plays, mini‑projects, or real‑case discussions. Follow each activity with a short debrief where peers give feedback – that’s the 20 % learning in action.

Keep sessions short and focused. Research shows adults lose concentration after 20‑30 minutes of lecture. Break a 90‑minute class into three parts: 20 minutes of input, 20 minutes of practice, 10 minutes of reflection, then repeat. Use a timer so everyone knows when each phase ends.

Feedback works best when it’s immediate and specific. Instead of saying, “good job,” point out exactly what worked and suggest one tiny tweak. For example, “Your presentation slide clearly highlighted the main point, but adding a short example would make it stick even more.” This tells learners what to repeat and what to improve.

Use technology that feels familiar. A quick poll on a phone, a shared Google Doc for brainstorming, or a short video clip can break up talking time and keep energy up. Choose tools that don’t require a steep learning curve – the goal is to support learning, not add another obstacle.

Give learners control over part of the agenda. Offer two optional topics and let the group vote on which to cover. When adults choose, they invest more effort and stay longer. It also models the self‑directed learning they’ll need after the class ends.

End every class with a concrete next step. Ask each person to write down one action they’ll take before the next meeting and how they’ll measure success. This simple habit turns abstract knowledge into real change.

Teaching adults is less about filling a bucket and more about lighting a fire that burns on its own. Apply these tips, watch engagement climb, and you’ll see better results without spending extra hours on preparation.