Why Adult Learners Need Their Own Vocabulary
Adult education has its own specialized language — terms that describe how grown-ups learn, what counts as existing knowledge, and how learning gets certified. For anyone returning to school, exploring a certificate program, or simply trying to make sense of an enrollment form, these words can feel like a barrier rather than a guide.
This reference breaks down the most commonly used terms in plain English, so you can focus on learning rather than decoding jargon. For a deeper look at the cognitive side of adult learning, see what cognitive research actually shows about adult learners.
Andragogy
The theory and practice of teaching adults, as distinct from pedagogy (teaching children). Developed by educator Malcolm Knowles, andragogy emphasizes that adults are self-directed, bring existing experience to learning, and are motivated by relevance to real-life goals.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
A process through which colleges and universities evaluate knowledge or skills an adult already has — gained through work, military service, or life experience — and award academic credit for it. PLA can reduce the cost and time required to earn a degree.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
A standardized measure used to track participation in non-credit professional development. One CEU typically equals ten hours of participation in an approved program. CEUs are commonly required for license renewals in fields like nursing, engineering, and real estate.
Competency-Based Education (CBE)
An approach to learning and credentialing that measures mastery of specific skills rather than time spent in a classroom. Learners advance when they can demonstrate proficiency, making CBE a flexible option for adults with existing knowledge.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Teaching and learning materials that are freely available for anyone to use, adapt, and share. OERs include textbooks, videos, and course modules published under open licenses, and are widely used in adult and online education.
Lifelong Learning
The ongoing, voluntary pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout a person's life, beyond formal schooling. Lifelong learning encompasses professional development, personal enrichment, and civic engagement.
Stackable Credentials
A series of certificates or qualifications that build on one another over time, each one adding value in the job market. Stackable credentials allow adult learners to earn smaller credentials quickly and continue building toward higher qualifications.
Asynchronous Learning
Learning that does not require participants to be present at the same time. Students access lectures, readings, and assignments on their own schedule. This format is common in online education and is especially convenient for working adults.
Core Concepts You'll Encounter
Beyond the glossary definitions, a few concepts deserve extra context because they come up across almost every adult learning pathway.
| Share of U.S. adults engaged in some form of learning activity | ~74% (Pew Research Center, 2016 survey on lifelong learning) |
| Average age of adult learners in U.S. higher education | Over 25 (National Center for Education Statistics) |
| Credit hours potentially earned via Prior Learning Assessment | Up to 30 (Varies by institution; American Council on Education guidelines) |
| Most common motivation for adult learning | Job-related skills (Pew Research Center, 2016) |
Credentialing and Credit
Many adult learners worry that time away from school means starting over. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) directly addresses this: it allows institutions to evaluate skills gained on the job, through military service, or via self-study, and award academic credit accordingly. This can significantly reduce tuition costs and time to completion — though policies vary widely between institutions.
Formal vs. Non-Formal vs. Informal Learning
These three categories describe where and how learning happens. Formal learning occurs in structured, accredited settings — classrooms, degree programs, certified courses. Non-formal learning is organized but not credential-bearing, such as a community workshop or employer training. Informal learning happens organically — reading, conversation, on-the-job problem-solving — and is by far the most common form of adult learning, even if it goes unrecognized. For accessible options across all three categories, explore free and low-cost learning resources worth knowing about.
Self-Directed vs. Instructor-Led Learning
Self-directed learning puts the learner in charge of goals, pace, and resources — common in online courses and independent study. Instructor-led learning follows a set schedule with guidance from a facilitator. Many adult programs blend both approaches, recognizing that adult learners often juggle work, family, and education simultaneously.
Note: The terms and definitions in this article reflect general usage in U.S. adult education contexts. Specific institutions or programs may define or apply these concepts differently.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.