Characteristics of Adolescents learners and Adult learners
The characteristics of Adolescents learners and Adult learners substantially differ from each other. Adolescents navigate a phase marked by intense physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, requiring tailored attention across academic, social, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. On the other hand, adult learners, characterized by autonomy and diverse life experiences, exhibit unique traits such as self-direction, goal setting, and a strong emphasis on the practical relevance of learning. Recognizing the individual needs and motivations of these learners is paramount for creating successful educational experiences.
The dimensions on which adolescents differ from adult learners are as follows.
Academic dimension refers to the educational background, level, and knowledge of the learners.
Social dimension involves the process of establishing a sense of identity, finding one’s role and purpose, and taking risks as a natural part of this journey.
Emotional dimension focuses on how individuals think and feel about themselves and others.
Cognitive (or Intellectual) dimension involves processes related to thought, reasoning, and perception.
Adolescent Learner
During adolescence, young individuals undergo significant changes in their physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, and social aspects. These changes can be intense and diverse, requiring careful attention from those responsible for guiding their learning.
The key characteristics of adolescent learners can be categorised as follows:
Academic Dimension: Adolescents are learning to think in abstract ways and explore new ideas. They have different academic needs and styles, which are influenced by their friends, society, and interests. They set goals for themselves but may need help understanding how their education can affect their future.
Social Dimension: Adolescents are figuring out their place in social groups and developing their own identities. They want to be accepted by their peers while also becoming more independent. Their friends have a big impact on how they act and think, both in and out of school. They enjoy doing things with others and learning from group activities.
Emotional Dimension: Adolescents experience a lot of emotions as they go through adolescence. They might feel things more strongly and struggle with understanding who they are and where they belong. Handling stress, peer pressure, and conflicts is important, and they need supportive environments to help them feel better about themselves.
Cognitive (or Intellectual) Dimension: Adolescents go through big changes in how they think and solve problems. They are getting better at seeing things from different perspectives and thinking critically. Their education, interactions with others, and personal interests all help shape how curious they are and how engaged they are in learning. They might have ups and downs in paying attention and staying motivated, so they need help staying on track with their learning.
Adult Learner
Adult Learner is a mature student who is acquiring new knowledge and skills, developing new attitudes after having reached mature intellectual, physical and social development.
The key characteristics of the Adult Learner are as follows:
Academic Dimension: Adult learners have diverse needs and bring a wealth of life experiences to their learning. They prefer practical learning that they can use in real life.
Social Dimension: Adult learners are independent and like to manage their own learning. They might find it hard to change but still value working with others.
Emotional Dimension: Adult learners want to see results from their learning and set clear goals. They take responsibility for their learning and are good at handling challenges.
Cognitive Dimension: Adult learners use their past experiences to learn new things. They are motivated to learn and take control of their learning path, even if they struggle with changes.
UGC NET Questions for Practice (Characteristics of Adult and Adolescent Learners)
1.) Which of the following are the intellectual development characteristics of Adolescents? (UGC NET 14th Mar 2023 Morning)
A. Imagination
B. Abstract emotions
C. Thinking and reasoning
D. Span of attention
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) B, C and D only
(B) B and D only
(C) A, C and D only
(D) A, B and D only
2.) Given below are two statements: (UGC NET 13th Mar 2023 Morning)
Statement I: Adolescence period is the transitional period of growth and development between childhood and adulthood.
Statement II: Adolescence is a period of emotional stability and great relief.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
(B) Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
(C) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
(D) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
3.) Which of the following are the Intellectual characteristics of Adolescents? (UGC NET 13th Mar 2023 Evening)
A. Variations in emotional moods.
B. Development of imagination.
C. Increase in span of attention.
D. Increase in pulse rate.
E. Development of thinking and reasoning.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) A and D only
(B) A, B, C and D only
(C) B, C and E only
(D) A, C, D and E only
4.) Which one of the following developmental areas of individual differences will be affected, if a child does not want to play with other children as he/she feels shy? (10 Oct 2022 Morning)
(A) Physical development
(B) Emotional development
(C) Social development
(D) Language development
5.) Which of the following Developmental areas of individual differences will be affected, if a Child opts for frequent out bursts and throws tantrums? (14 Oct 2022 Evening)
(A) Social
(B) Mental
(C) Emotional
(D) Physical
6.) Which of the following is usually NOT a characteristic of Adult learner? (21 Oct 2022 Morning)
(A) Self-learning
(B) Rote learning
(C) Time flexibility for learning
(D) Social learning
7.) Which of the following are the characteristics of an adolescent? (24 Nov Evening 2021)
a. Increasing independence from adult control.
b. Rapid physiological changes.
c. Emotionally matured.
d. Acts rationally.
e. Increased focus on activities with peer groups.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) a, b and c only
(B) b, c and d only
(C) c, d and e only
(D) a, b and e only
8.) Which of the following are NOT the characteristics of adult learners? (05 Jan Morning 2022)
a. They are matured learners.
b. They can act rationally.
c. They search for a reasonably stable identity.
d. They can make balanced choice.
e. Often question contemporary values.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) a and b only
(B) a and d only
(C) c and e only
(D) c and d only
9.) Which of the following are the characteristics of adult learners? (04 Dec Morning 2021)
a. Physiological growth.
b. Increased focus of activities with peer group.
c. Exercise self-control.
d. Ability to act rationally.
e. Learning to be independent of guidance and control.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) a and b only
(B) b and c only
(C) c and d only
(D) c, d and e only
Answers
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. C
