Self Efficacy

Understanding adult learning techniques and motivational influences behind them
have become a fairly new and important area of study. When evaluating how adults learn
best we must look at what the driving forces are behind learning. This is especially true
when comparing children’s and teen’s inspirations to those of adults. Adults have
different goals and needs for learning than adolescents. One unique aspect of adult
learning settings that is different than those of adolescents are most likely that grades are
not necessarily a motivating factor for learning. There are other critical elemtents that
serve as motivators for adults. According to Malcom Knowles these sources of
motivation include: Social relationships, external expectations, social welfare, personal
advancement, escape/stimulation, and cognitive interest. These resources are very
important for self-directed learners to become competent enough to survive in adult
learning. Learning is a lifelong pr...