It is a common myth that education is just for children and young adults. The reality is that adult learners are here to stay. They are even outperforming younger students. It doesn’t matter if they are returning to school, getting a certification or taking online classes, adult students bring plenty to the classroom setting. They have what young students lack: Experience, Motivation and Focus.

You Know What You Want

Unlike younger students, adult learners return to school for a purpose. They are not interested in checking all the boxes. They want to learn to fulfill their goals as quickly as possible, without dealing with pesky, unrelated electives.

Adult learners also bring more diversity to the classroom. They engage with the material more. They are not afraid to ask the right questions.

You Have Real World Experience

Adult learners are equipped with practical knowledge. They come from diverse backgrounds including construction and military service. This allows them to reconnect theory to real life. They focus on the practical aspect of the skill they are trying to acquire.

This real-world experience allows them to manage their time better. Time management skills come naturally to adult students. They regularly juggle both job and family. These learners are used to showing up on time. They also complete their assignments on their due date.

Adult learners know how to make the most of every second of their time.

More Motivated

When you are investing your time and money, it becomes easy to stay motivated. Adult learners are not in school because they were pressured into it. They returned to school out of their own free will. This often translates to better attendance, participation and academic success.

Embrace Online Learning

It is a common stereotype that adult learners are computer illiterate. Most adult students prefer digital learning. This gives them the freedom to take their classes when it is most convenient. This allows them to balance their education with their family.

The bottom line is that today’s adult students are wiser, and smarter than ever.

How Learning Changes Your Brain at Any Age

It is often said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Neuroscience disagrees with that statement. Modern research shows that learning changes the brain physically, at every stage of your life. Whether you are 30 or 100, picking up a new skill strengthens your mind in amazing ways.

Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to adapt and grow. When the brain learns a new skill, it creates new neural pathways, and it strengthens the old ones. Think of it like giving your brain a much-needed workout.

Even if you are naturally lazy, your human brain is not. Brains love to learn. Adult education is the best way to give your brain the fuel it craves. If you are struggling to learn something new, it might feel frustrating. However, this is a sign of growth. When you struggle to learn, you are forcing your brain to adapt, to grow.

Adult learners often experience improved memory, focus and mental clarity. Studies show that lifelong learning lowers the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia.

It doesn’t matter why you are returning to school. Every new skill that you learn helps your brain stay young and smart.

Q & A

Q: What is neuroplasticity?
A: Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to rewire and reorganize itself. This is done by forming new neural patterns and connections. IT is triggered when you learn something new, and you put that new skill into practice.

Q: Does neuroplasticity only happen in children?
A: No! Adult brains can be flexible too. They also have neuroplasticity. It may slow down with age, but the brain never stops learning and adapting.

Q: Is it true that “use it or lose it” applies to the brain?

A: Yes, indeed. Like muscles, the brain needs regular stimulation or exercise. When you stop learning, the brain grows weaker overtime.

Quick Brain Exercises

Switch hands. Use your mouse or brush your hair with your nondominant hand.

Do a logic puzzle or a brain teaser for 5 minutes. Let’s get those neurons working.

Name 5 Game. Name 5 of each type of something. Example: Banana, Apple, Orange, Mango and Grapefruit.

Learn a new word. Get that dusty dictionary out of the attic and learn 1 random word per day. Today’s new word is Sagacious: Having or showing keen mental discernment, good judgment, and wisdom.

The sagacious adult was keen on returning to school to acquire new culinary skills.