According to Malcolm Knowles, what motivates adults to learn?

Malcolm Knowles emphasizes that adults are most motivated to learn when they possess a strong inner motivation. This intrinsic motivation often arises from personal interests, goals, and the desire for self-improvement or mastery in a particular area. Adult learners tend to be driven by relevant personal experiences and the application of knowledge to their lives, which leads them to seek out learning opportunities that align with their own needs and aspirations.

In adult education, this intrinsic motivation is crucial because it tends to result in a deeper engagement with the material, fostering not just retention of information but also meaningful application in real-world scenarios. When adults see the value in what they are learning and feel a sense of ownership over their educational journey, they are more likely to invest time and effort into the learning process. This understanding of motivation reflects a shift from traditional educational approaches focused primarily on external rewards or pressures, highlighting the importance of autonomy and relevance in adult learning experiences.