Four Common Barriers to Adult Learning And How to Overcome Them

May 15 / Lynette Herbert
At Neuro Consulting Solutions (NCS), we work with organizations of all sizes to design training that actually works. But too often, adult learning is treated like a box to check, rather than a meaningful opportunity for growth. When training falls short, it’s usually because one (or more) of these four learning barriers gets in the way.

Here’s what we call them and how to fix them.

The Squish: Vague Learning Objectives

When learning objectives are unclear, it’s difficult to measure success. Staff may attend training, but no one can say with certainty what they were supposed to learn or if they learned it at all.

How to Fix It:
Start with clear, measurable learning objectives. Each training session should answer: 
  • What should learners know or be able to do by the end?
  • How will we know they’ve got it?


At NCS, we believe learning should be intentional, not accidental. A strong objective sets the stage for meaningful outcomes and makes your training far more impactful.

No Proof: Passive Participation

Too often, staff can click through slides, listen to a lecture, or attend a webinar—without ever applying what they’ve learned. When there’s no opportunity to demonstrate new skills, there’s no way to know if the training made a difference.


How to Fix It:
Incorporate active learning strategies. Ask learners to:

  • Role-play new techniques

  • Solve real-world problems

  • Teach a concept back to the group

  • Complete a task using new skills

At NCS, we design training with built-in checkpoints to confirm understanding and reinforce knowledge. When learners are asked to apply what they’ve learned, it sticks.

The Vortex: No Time or Incentive to Learn

Let’s face it, people are busy. Training can feel like just another thing on an already overwhelming to-do list. When staff are expected to complete training on top of growing workloads, it creates tension and resistance.

How to Fix It:
Make learning useful and relevant. Build training that:

  • Solves immediate problems

  • Helps staff do their jobs better or faster

  • Includes quick wins they can apply right away


At NCS, we create practical, job-embedded learning that reduces frustration, saves time, and improves outcomes, so training becomes something staff want to engage with, not just another task.

Use It or Lose It: Learning Without Reinforcement

Even the best training can fade from memory if it’s not applied. When skills aren’t reinforced, people naturally forget them—especially under the pressure of daily demands.

How to Fix It:
Build in follow-up. Offer refresher opportunities and “just-in-time” resources that appear when staff actually need them. Reinforce learning with:

  • Coaching

  • Microlearning

  • Practice sessions

  • Peer check-ins


NCS specializes in creating sustainable learning ecosystems, not one-time events. We help organizations build habits of continuous improvement, so learning isn’t just memorable — it’s transformative.

Let’s Build Better Learning Together

At NCS, we understand that adult learning isn't one-size-fits-all. By recognizing and addressing these common barriers, we help organizations turn training into a powerful tool for growth, engagement, and lasting impact.

Ready to level up your training?

Connect with us to discover how we make learning simple, smart, and sustainable.