Adult Learning Explained: What is Adult Education Called and How Does It Work?

Ever wondered why your neighbour decides to tackle a university degree at 50, or why your dad suddenly signs up for night classes in coding? Adult learning isn’t a midlife crisis hobby—there’s a real science, and a proper name, behind it. And it’s changing the face of the modern workforce.

What Is Adult Learning Actually Called?

If you’re picturing folks in power suits at night class, you’re not far off. But there’s more to it. That whole field of teaching and learning for grown-ups (usually over 18, but honestly, age is just a number here) is officially named adult education. The technical, slightly fancy word you might hear tossed around is "andragogy." Malcolm Knowles, an American educator in the 20th century, popularised this term. It’s basically the adult version of “pedagogy” (which is for teaching kids). While “lifelong learning” gets used all over the place, andragogy is the star of the show if we’re talking adult learning theories, strategies, and the unique stuff that separates teaching adults from teaching five-year-olds.

Universities, community centres, workplaces, and even online platforms use these principles every day. In New Zealand, where I live, the Tertiary Education Commission has counted over 1.1 million adult learners participating in everything from driver’s license programs to full-on master’s degrees. The trick is that adult education covers an enormous range, from formal degree study to short certificate courses, workplace upskilling, and personal development workshops. The World Economic Forum says that by 2025, half the world’s workforce will need new skills—as in, not just "nice-to-haves," but essential to keeping your career alive. That’s where adult education steps in.

Beneath the jargon, all of this means one simple thing: It’s never too late to learn, whether you want to switch jobs, earn more, or finally chase that secret dream of baking artisan bread or designing apps. And you won’t be alone. Big numbers out of the UK’s Learning and Work Institute show that 49% of adults have taken part in some learning activity in the past three years. Pretty solid proof that adults are far from done in the classroom—whatever that ‘classroom’ looks like these days.

Why Do Adults Learn Differently?

Kids learn because it’s expected. Adults, by contrast, usually learn because they want to, or because life’s given them a solid nudge (sometimes more like a shove). That motivation shows up everywhere. Whether it’s learning new tech at work or starting over after redundancy, adults tend to be more goal-driven, self-directed, and practical in how they learn. They bring buckets of experience from life, jobs, and previous study—and they want education that connects to that. Nobody wants a rehash of high school, right?

One classic survey of adult students at Massey University found that over 70% enrolled specifically to improve job prospects. Yet about 30% were motivated by pure curiosity—wanting, say, to learn Te Reo Māori or photography for the simple joy of it. Adult learners also juggle family, work, and health. That’s why bite-sized evening classes, online modules, and part-time schedules have boomed. The best learning programs build flexibility in, knowing that adults are balancing much more than a school backpack and a lunchbox.

Here's something fascinating: A German study published in 2022 found that adults tend to retain new information better when they can link it to personal experience. This is why courses designed for mature students—say, advanced first aid for parents or coding bootcamps for mid-career changers—are so hands-on and customized. Put another way, the more useful the material feels, the faster adults pick it up.

“Adults are motivated to learn as they experience needs and interests that learning will satisfy,” wrote Malcolm Knowles. “Their orientation to learning is life-centered; education must relate to their current experiences.”

Classroom vibes for adults? Less textbooks and tests, more practical application and group discussion. Expect to hear real-world examples, see collaborative projects, and swap stories with classmates whose ages and backgrounds are probably wildly different from yours. The shared life-experience is half the point—and makes the coffee breaks way more interesting.

Types of Adult Learning: Formal, Informal, and Non-Formal

Now, if you thought adult education was just night school, surprise—it splits neatly into three zones. Formal learning is the classic one: universities, technical institutes, recognised certificates. You turn up, there’s a curriculum, you get a qualification at the end—think diplomas in early childhood, MBAs, or IT certificates. According to the OECD, about 15% of adults in New Zealand participate in formal education every year. But that’s only one slice of the pie.

Non-formal learning is where things really open up. Ever taken a barista course at a local café, upskilled through work, or joined a weekend art workshop? That’s non-formal adult learning: still structured, still often led by a tutor, but with a casual vibe and often no qualification at the end. Community Education Aotearoa has tracked over 250,000 Kiwi adults per year taking these sorts of courses—everything from meditation to motorcycle mechanics. Non-formal programs are booming because they’re low pressure, short, and focused on real-world skills.

Informal learning? This is the wild west but also the most “real life” part. Watching YouTube DIY tutorials, learning tricks from colleagues, joining online forums for gardening tips—it all counts. Swansea University put out a paper in 2023 showing that 58% of adults learned a new skill informally during New Zealand’s first lockdown. They didn’t sign up for classes, but they learned all the same. With social media and endless online resources, informal learning is now part of daily life, and the boundaries between these types are getting fuzzier every year.

To help make sense of how these areas overlap, check out the stats below:

So, whether you’re chasing a diploma, learning to roast the perfect coffee bean, or picking up tricks from a gardening channel on TikTok, it all stacks up. You’re part of the adult learning universe.

How to Get Started With Adult Education

Deciding to step back into learning as an adult might sound intimidating—especially if the last time you touched a textbook, Pluto was still a planet. But here’s the cool part: you don’t need to leap straight into night classes or degrees. Start with your “why.” Do you want to boost your job chances, change careers, or pick up a just-for-fun hobby? Clarifying your motivation makes finding the right path way smoother.

Here are a few steps you can actually use:

• Pinpoint your goal—Do you want a qualification, new skills, or to meet people?
• Research flexible options—Look at local universities, polytechnics, or even workplace training events. Many offer evening or online classes designed for adult schedules.
• Test the water—Try a short, low-commitment course or workshop before enrolling in a longer program. Community centres usually have a selection that’s cheap and pressure-free.
• Read reviews—Tap into online forums or chat with past students. Sites like Class Central or NZQA have honest info on course quality and flexibility.
• Ask about support—Many places offer adult learner advisers, study skill classes, and financial help like short-term grants or government subsidies. In New Zealand, Fees Free covers the first year of tertiary study for eligible adults—but check the up-to-date requirements. The UK, US, and Australia have similar options, so Google your local rules.
• Remember life happens—Don’t stress about a perfect attendance record or straight As. Adult learning is forgiving, and you’re juggling big responsibilities. That’s not a weakness—it means any win feels 10 times sweeter.

And if you struggle with confidence? You’re in good company. Research out of Adult Learning Australia found that 1 in 4 adult learners felt nervous about “fitting in” before starting—but over 80% soon felt more empowered, especially after meeting peers with similar stories. Everyone in the room is there for the same reason: to learn, grow, and get a reset.

Whether you’re eyeing a formal qualification, mastering sourdough, or learning to speak up at work, adult education is your secret weapon. It’s not about old dogs and new tricks—it’s about finding out just how much more you’re capable of, no matter how many candles were on your last birthday cake.