Complex learning preferences and strategies of older adults

The research reported in this study concerns older adults from Australia who voluntarily chose to learn the craft of woodturning. The paper examines the literature of adult learning under the themes of presage factors, the learning environment, instructional methods, and techniques for facilitators. The paper then reports on the analysis of two sections of a questionnaire completed by 123 respondents: the first on motivation to learn and the second on learning strategies. The older learners reported using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with intrinsic motivation constructed of both general and specific elements. There were four main learning strategies used: actively seeking knowledge, independent learning, dependent learning, and passively seeking knowledge.