What drives motivation among adult learners in educational settings?

The concept of intrinsic goals refers to the personal satisfaction and fulfillment that learners gain from engaging in educational activities. This motivation comes from within individuals, such as their desire to achieve a personal goal, to learn for the sake of knowledge, or to enhance their skills and competencies for personal growth. When adult learners set intrinsic goals, they are often more engaged and persistent in their learning because they find the process inherently rewarding.

Intrinsic motivation is crucial in adult education because adults typically have more life experiences and a clearer sense of their learning objectives. When they are motivated by their own interests and the relevance of the content to their personal or professional lives, they tend to take more responsibility for their learning, which often leads to better outcomes. This self-directed approach to learning aligns well with the characteristics of adult learners, making intrinsic goals a strong driving force behind their motivation in educational settings.