Andragogy was the first adult learning model to identify adult learners' characteristics and provide a pragmatic framework for responding to them. It is still considered a foundational and significant contribution to understanding adult learners despite substantial critique over the last 50 years. Current research supports the notion that…

Nontraditional students represent a substantial number and significant percentage of students in higher education. While these adult learners have similarities, they also span 50+ years with generational differences. At the same time, online learning is on the rise, offering opportunities and challenges for nontraditional students and those who…

This chapter focuses on the use of coaching for adult learners, the specific characteristics adults bring to the learning environment, and strategies for dealing with the obstacles adult learners may face.

Self-directed learning's contributions to understanding of adult learning include (1) insights into the learning process; (2) challenge to define and debate learner characteristics; and (3) expansion of thinking about formal learning. (SK)