The needs of the adult learner : typical characteristics and how it impacts the training process

This literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the characteristics of the adult learner, and the impact of those characteristics in implementation and training situations in a business environment. The review introduced this researcher to numerous theories, resources, and strategies proven to improve business training activities or programs. The amount of available research provides evidence that business recognizes quality training must be provided to derive optimum results from training programs for their employees. It also confirms that understanding typical adult learner characteristics will enhance the learning situation when both the course designers and the instructors structure activities to incorporate those characteristics into training strategies. As a practitioner in adult business training, this review provided a better understanding of the field of adult education and an opportunity to explore some of the training issues other practitioners are attempting to resolve