The differences of class, culture, ethnicity, personalit, cognitive style, learning patterns, life experiences, and gender among adults are far more significant than the fact that they are not children or adolescents. When adults can see that what they are learning makes sense and is important acccording to their values and perspective, their motivation emerges the environment elicits it. Intrinsic motivation is governed to a large extent by emotions, emotions are socialized by culture, and emotions influence task engagement. Responsiblility is a cornerstone of adult motivation.
Adults are highly pagmatic learners.
Most adults choose to learn through self-directed learning. Self-directed learning is often resisted by adults, especially in formal settings. Adults choose vocational and practical eductaioin that leads to knowledge about how to do something more than they choose any other form of learning. Adults have a strong need to apply, and be competent. Adults need to connect with what they learn.