Adult learners are typically which of the following?

Adult learners are generally recognized as goal-oriented individuals who approach their education with specific objectives in mind. This characteristic stems from their life experiences, responsibilities, and intrinsic motivations that guide them to seek knowledge and skills that directly enhance their personal or professional lives.

As goal-oriented learners, adults often have clear expectations about what they want to achieve, which can lead to a greater commitment to learning. However, they might exhibit less flexibility compared to younger learners because they have established routines, career paths, and personal commitments that shape their learning preferences. This focus on specific goals can sometimes limit their willingness to pivot or adapt in the learning process, as they prioritize results that align closely with their defined objectives.

In contrast, the other options suggest characteristics that do not accurately capture the essence of adult learners. For example, being described as independent and flexible does not fully embrace the goal-oriented nature of adults in a learning environment. Moreover, labeling them as passive and unmotivated contradicts the proactive stance most adult learners take towards their educational pursuits. Lastly, while curiosity and explorative tendencies can be present, they do not encapsulate the primary driver for adults, which is achieving specific goals rather than merely exploring for the sake of learning.