MOTIVATING THE ADULT LEARNER
3-Month Study Circle on Student Motivation
An exploration of motivation factors in education, covering student perspectives, instructor practices, and technology integration
3 Units
- Student Factors
- Instructor Factors
- Incorporating Technology
2 Hours
Independent coursework per month
1 Hour
Discussion held during the monthly T3 training time
0 Fluff
You aren’t just reading theory; you are building tools
Understanding Motivation
Explore what motivation is, how it works, and the thinking processes behind it to help better support and motivte students.
April 16, 2026
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
Estimated Time 1.5 hours
Student-Related Factors
Understand how adult learners may unintentionally hinder their own motivation—and explore strategies instructors can use to boost persistence, confidence, and engagement.
May 21, 2026
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
Instructor-Related Factors I
Examine how well-meaning instructional decisions can unintentionally decrease motivation, and learn practical approaches to build a more motivating learning environment.
Download Unit 3 Study Guide – PDF
Download Unit 3 Study Guide – Word
July 16, 2026
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
Instructor-Related Factors II
Examine how well-meaning instructional decisions can unintentionally decrease motivation, and learn practical approaches to build a more motivating learning environment.
Download Unit 4 Study Guide – PDF
Download Unit 4 Study Guide – Word
TBA
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
Environmental Factors
Explore envirnomenatl barriers that can decrease student motivation and review strategies for helping students remove those barriers.
Download Unit 5 Study Guide – PDF
Download Unit 5 Study Guide – Word
TBA
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
Incorporating Technology
Review barriers to motivation and discover how both teachers and students can use technology tools to reduce or eliminate these obstacles.
Download Unit 6 Study Guide – PDF
Download Unit 6 Study Guide – Word
Quick Access
About This Course
The Motivating the Adult Learner Online Professional Development Course, developed by Essential Education. It starts with basic theories of motivation and then applies these concepts to the unique challenges adult education teachers face. Participants can quickly explore hands-on strategies and techniques that engage and motivate even the most reluctant learner.
Course developed by Essential Education