Successful Adult Learning Principles in Non-Academic Articles, Organizations, and Academic Theory

Abstract: Non-academic articles on websites propose adult learning principles without including evidence of academic theory as a validation. As organizations rely on these principles to design adult learning, it is important that organizations are aware of validated principles to make adult learning successful. This study reviews what prominent principles of adult learning can be validated by theory. This is done by focusing on adult learning principles from non-academic articles on websites, organizational insights, and academic theory. This study aims to improve organizations’ ability to secure adult learning. Findings from the study have shown that all principles can be validated by Knowles’ (1970) theory of adult learning, being the dominant author in the field of adult learning. The research has shown that there are certain principles of adult learning that are found in non-academic articles and not in organizations, and the other way around. The study clarifies eleven principles of adult learning found in non-academic articles, organizations, and academia that help make adult learning successful.