Adult Learning
Experience how our education innovation conference advances lifelong learning with flexible, practical pathways for adults.
What Is Adult Learning?
Adult learning refers to the education, training, and development opportunities created specifically for individuals beyond traditional school or college age. It includes professional development, vocational training, personal enrichment, and community-based education. Unlike early education, adult learning builds on existing knowledge and life experience, tailoring programs to individual goals and circumstances.
Today, adult learning encompasses multiple formats—from workplace learning programs and online microcredentials to self-paced courses and peer-to-peer workshops. The approach must be flexible, relevant, and respectful of learners’ time, while still delivering measurable outcomes. At our global education conference, this theme explores how modern strategies, supported by emerging technologies, can open pathways for personal growth, career advancement, and lifelong learning.
Why This Theme Matters Now
The demand for adult learning is at an all-time high. There are three major reasons for this shift, and each underscores why this theme is vital to our education innovation conference:
➔ Workforce transformation is accelerating. Automation and AI are changing roles across industries. Adults need efficient upskilling and reskilling pathways that map to real job requirements, stack into credentials, and show clear return on time and cost.
➔ Access and flexibility drive participation. Working learners balance jobs, caregiving, and community commitments. Programs that offer modular content, mobile access, and short learning sprints lower barriers. Recognition of prior learning and competency-based assessment make progress visible.
➔ Evidence and technology are improving outcomes. Data-informed design, micro-assessments, and coaching tools help maintain motivation and measure impact. Thoughtful use of technology improves feedback loops while keeping the human element at the center.
Your Pre-Conference Learning Guide
To make the most of the Adult Learning sessions at our education conference, explore these books, talks, and tools. You do not need a tech background, only curiosity.
Books
These recommended reads offer valuable context and practical ideas you can explore before our education event. They’ll help you connect with the themes and get more out of the Adult Learning sessions.
- The Adult Learner — Malcolm Knowles, Elwood Holton, Richard Swanson
A foundational guide to adult learning principles with practical implications for design and delivery. - Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning — Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel
Research-backed strategies such as retrieval practice and spaced repetition for better retention. - Learn Better — Ulrich Boser
Boser reframes learning as a skill you can master, using engaging stories and research to explain how live reflection, relevance, and active practice drive mastery.
Watch & Listen
Explore these talks and podcasts for fresh perspectives on motivation, skill-building, and lifelong learning. They’ll give you a taste of the conversations you’ll join during the education conference.
- TED Talk: “The Power of Believing You Can Improve” — Carol Dweck
A memorable introduction to the growth mindset concept, showing how belief in potential—and simply adding the word “yet”—can transform adult learning. - The EdSurge Podcast
A weekly podcast exploring the future of learning. Join EdSurge journalists and guest experts for frank, evidence-based conversations on trends in adult, higher ed, and workforce learning. - WorkLife With Adam Grant
Insightful episodes on motivation, feedback, and building learning cultures—great for anyone designing or supporting adult learning experiences.
Try
Experiment with these tools before the event to experience different approaches to adult learning. They’ll help you better understand the methods and technologies featured in our sessions.
- Coursera
Professional certificates and university courses with flexible pacing and portable credentials. - edX
MicroMasters and short courses that stack into degrees and recognized pathways. - LinkedIn Learning
On-demand skills training with role-based playlists and manager tools. - OpenStax
Free, peer-reviewed textbooks are useful for pre-work, bridging, or reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. I’m an employer—will these sessions be useful for my organization?
Q2. I’m new to adult learning design. Will this be too advanced?
Q3. Will technology take center stage?
Q4. Are the sessions based on real-world results?
Q5. Will recognition and career advancement be discussed?
Want To Share What You’re Building? Step Up!
If you’re creating or leading adult learning programs—whether corporate training, online platforms, or community initiatives—we’d love to hear from you. Join us as a speaker or contributor at our education conference and share your work with an international audience.
Get In Touch
