Different from youth

Adults are different from youth and from each other based on their experience, perceptions, needs, motivations, developmental level, and other factors. Considering experience suggests that adult learners will evaluate new learning against prior learning, which will allow the learner to build on or cause the learner to be inhibited by prior learning. The learning environment should recognize and value the experience and individual worth of the adult learner while providing opportunities to help the learner adapt to new experiences. The teacher should establish a relationship of mutual respect and trust that focuses more on facilitating rather than imparting knowledge and become actively engaged in learning to determine the approach that will best meet the needs of the individuals and groups in a class.