4 Science-Backed Ways to Spark Curiosity in Adult Learners

Connie Malamed, author of the book "Subtleties of Visual Design for Professionals," as well as a podcast and blog about instructional design, wrote an article about the importance of curiosity in adult learning. In her work, she shares effective methods and strategies that help awaken this important feeling in adult learners. These suggestions are based on discoveries in the field of cognitive psychology and are aimed at improving the educational process. The article emphasizes that stimulating curiosity can significantly increase student motivation and engagement, which ultimately leads to deeper understanding and retention of material.

Why Curiosity is Beneficial in Learning

Curiosity can be defined in various ways. In cognitive science, it is viewed as the desire to acquire new information, resolve uncertainty, fill in knowledge gaps, and experience new stimuli. Behavioral curiosity, similar to inquisitiveness, manifests itself as increased attention, thoughtful analysis, and sustained engagement. This quality plays an important role in learning and development, promoting broadening horizons and the development of critical thinking.

From a scientific perspective, curiosity in animals and humans evolved to facilitate the gathering of information about the environment. This allows them to detect changes and make informed decisions. For example, when cats and dogs arrive in a new place, they first explore the territory, walking along its perimeter and carefully examining all the smells. This behavior is an important adaptive mechanism that helps them assess potential threats and resources in a new environment. Curiosity plays a key role in survival, allowing animals and people to adapt to changing living conditions.

Curiosity plays a key role in the learning process, influencing it in several ways. First, it stimulates the desire to learn new things, prompting a person to explore and ask questions. Second, curiosity promotes active participation in learning, which enhances the assimilation of information. When a person is interested in a subject, they perceive the material more attentively and strive to find answers to their questions.

Curiosity also develops critical thinking. It encourages you to analyze information, compare facts, and draw conclusions. This creates the basis for a deep understanding of the material being studied. In addition, curiosity can improve memory, as emotional interest in a topic promotes better memorization of information.

Thus, curiosity is an important driver of learning, contributing not only to the accumulation of knowledge but also to the development of the skills necessary for successful learning activities.

Encourages the search for new information. Curiosity is closely related to the desire to understand something, learn previously unknown concepts, or acquire new skills. Curiosity creates the conditions for continuous learning and innovation—and thus becomes a key incentive in adult learning.
Promotes the creation of social connections. A 2000 study showed that the desire for new knowledge helps build social connections within a company. For example, new employees who show curiosity actively collected information from more experienced colleagues in order to adapt to new tasks. This contributed to their development of technical and interpersonal skills (i.e., both hard and soft skills) necessary in the workplace. Curiosity helped not only newcomers but also experienced employees during changes associated with, for example, a promotion or transfer to another department.
Enhances memorization efficiency. The fact that people better absorb information that interests them is nothing new to educational practitioners. And in 2014, researchers used an experiment to understand how this works at the neurophysiological level: curiosity increases activity in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in the formation of new memories. Furthermore, when experiencing curiosity, the experiment participants more firmly remembered not only relevant information but also irrelevant information.
Evokes positive emotions. When a person feels curious, they expect this curiosity to be satisfied—and experience positive emotions caused by the production of dopamine. It's a neurotransmitter associated with reward anticipation. And it appears that for the human brain, acquiring new knowledge can be a reward in itself. In turn, positive emotions associated with learning are an important ingredient for engagement.

How to Awaken Curiosity in Adults

Connie Malamed, drawing on research, has identified four proven methods for fostering curiosity in adults. For each of these methods, she offers practical strategies that can be easily adapted to a variety of learning formats and types. These flexible approaches effectively stimulate learners' interest and engagement, which is key to successful mastery of new material.

In 1994, George Lowenstein, a behavioral economist at Carnegie Mellon University (USA), developed the information gap theory. According to this theory, curiosity arises when a person recognizes a lack of information, realizing that they don't know something. This state creates cognitive tension, which motivates a person to strive to close the existing gap, that is, to search for the necessary information. Understanding this theory can help in various fields, including education and marketing, as it explains how information gaps can motivate people to learn and explore.

A 2009 study demonstrated that participants with a high level of enthusiasm sought answers to questions when they had a rough idea of the correct answer but were unsure of it. At the same time, the lowest level of curiosity was recorded in two extreme cases: when the subjects had no idea about a possible answer and when, conversely, they were absolutely confident in their opinion. These findings highlight the importance of moderate uncertainty in stimulating curiosity and knowledge discovery. Using the information gap concept in practice allows for the effective identification of information gaps in a given area and their filling. This begins with analyzing existing data and identifying topics for which insufficient information is lacking. This can be done through research, surveys, or analysis of user search queries. Once an information gap has been identified, a strategy for filling it should be developed. This may include creating content that answers specific questions or queries, as well as using various formats such as articles, videos, or infographics. An important aspect is optimizing the created content for SEO so that it is easily accessible to the target audience. Monitoring the results of the strategy's implementation and adjusting approaches based on feedback and changes in user queries is equally important. Thus, the concept of the information gap becomes a useful tool for creating relevant and in-demand content.

The strategy is to draw students' attention to the unknown, which helps to awaken their curiosity and intrinsic motivation to seek new knowledge. Connie Malamed recommends providing a partial answer to build student confidence. For example, you could say: "Many people believe they manage their personal finances effectively. However, did you know that using cashback, which seems beneficial, can actually lead to increased debt?"

Strategy 2. Present people with small challenges that encourage them to find the missing information. An example from the field of corporate training: "A customer reports a problem with the file sync function; they keep encountering error messages. How would you help the customer solve this problem? What questions would you ask them first?"

Strategy 3. Before starting the training, it is important to ask students to assess their level of knowledge on various course topics. This will help determine the group's baseline knowledge level and adjust the teaching approach. Assessing students' understanding will allow the instructor to better understand which aspects require more detailed explanation and which can be covered more superficially. This approach promotes more effective learning and increases student engagement in the learning process.

I have knowledge of the appropriate actions to take in the event of a data breach.

Answer options represent different methods or approaches to solving a given problem or question. They may include both alternative opinions and recommendations based on an analysis of the situation. Each answer option should be considered in terms of its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its suitability for the task at hand. It is important to keep in mind that the choice of an answer option can influence the results and subsequent actions, so it is recommended to carefully consider all possible solutions before making a final decision.

Not at all confident.
Rather not confident.
More or less confident.
Quite confident.
Completely confident.

For effective learning, it is necessary to adapt the course content to the average level of students' confidence. The learning material should stimulate curiosity, finding a happy medium - it should not be completely new, but it should not be too simple. In the context of personalized self-regulated learning, it is important to ensure that the student receives materials that match their level of knowledge confidence. This will create a more engaging and productive learning space where students can develop their skills and self-confidence.

People draw on their knowledge and experience to predict future events and changes in the environment. However, when information is insufficient or expectations misalign with reality, predictions can become erroneous, leading to feelings of uncertainty and discomfort. In such situations, people seek new data to better understand what's happening and refine their predictive models. This desire to understand the unexpected underscores the importance of continually updating knowledge and adapting to changes in the world.

Photo: SeventyFour / iStock

Connie Malamed offers five effective strategies for applying this effect in practice. These methods will help optimize processes and improve results. By using the proposed approaches, you can increase your work efficiency and achieve significant success in achieving your goals. Using unexpected and counterintuitive facts can significantly change students' perceptions and help them reconsider their ideas and expectations. Consider an example from business education: "When you negotiate, do you prioritize finding common interests and common ground with the other party? While this strategy seems logical and effective, research shows that emphasizing mutual understanding can reduce the likelihood of reaching a successful agreement. What do you think might be behind this unexpected result?" This emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and analysis in the learning process and allows students to develop skills that will help them in the future. Strategy 2 is to start with a basic understanding of the subject and then gradually introduce complex elements and new concepts that may lead students to make prediction errors. For example, in a course on financial modeling, it might be helpful to first introduce students to a basic revenue forecasting model. Once students have mastered the basics, introduce the concept of seasonality, which affects the uneven distribution of revenue throughout the year. This will allow students to revise their model based on these new factors and improve their forecasting.

Strategy 3: Help students reflect on their forecasting errors using reflective methods such as journaling and group discussions. For example, in a course on Agile methodology, it might be helpful to have students plan their sprint tasks using Scrum. After the sprint, students will likely find themselves overestimating or underestimating their productivity and deadlines. This will provide an excellent opportunity to analyze and discuss forecasting errors, which will help students develop critical thinking and improve their future planning skills.

Strategy 4. Involving students in case studies with unexpected outcomes helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, consider a company that uses all the generally accepted methods to improve employee retention and productivity. Students can predict employee engagement levels at this company. It should then be revealed that, despite all the measures taken, there is an increase in employee turnover and a decrease in work efficiency. Students will be asked to analyze the causes of this situation and propose possible ways to improve it. This approach not only deepens understanding of corporate culture but also develops practical skills that can be useful in a real-world professional environment.

Strategy 5 involves immediately presenting students with an unexpected outcome of the case and asking them to identify the reasons that could have led to this outcome. After completing this task, the instructor can reveal the true factors that influenced the situation. Connie Malamed recommends using failure stories related to the learning topic to make the process more visual. For example, a product design course might explore the failed Amazon Fire Phone case, which illustrates important lessons about consumer preferences and market strategy. This approach helps students develop critical thinking and analyze real-world business situations.

The authors of a 2022 meta-analysis emphasize the relationship between curiosity and interest. They define curiosity as a short-term form of interest focused on seeking specific information that helps answer questions or resolve uncertainty. In contrast, interest is characterized by a longer-term desire to deepen knowledge on a specific topic. The researchers note that curiosity often drives interest, but the reverse is not always true—interest can exist without curiosity. This distinction between curiosity and interest is important for understanding the processes of learning and cognition.

Photo: Yuliia Kaveshnikova / iStock

There are Scientific evidence shows that people who express interest in a particular topic exhibit a higher degree of focus and put more effort into learning in that area. Interest plays a key role in increasing motivation and learning effectiveness, which promotes deep learning and skill acquisition. Connie Malamed suggests activating curiosity by building on students' existing interest, using new information on a topic of interest, or asking questions that encourage deeper exploration. Her strategies are primarily focused on staff training and development. When designing courses in this area, a course designer has more opportunities to address the interests of a specific target audience than when developing massive online courses in EdTech. Effective use of these approaches can significantly increase student engagement and motivation, promoting deeper understanding of the material and better knowledge acquisition. Identifying student interests and areas in which they seek to develop is a key element of designing effective learning. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups can be used to help identify the learning needs of staff. It's also helpful to explore informal corporate communities and organize discussions focused on employees' career goals and educational needs. Additionally, analyzing data from the corporate LMS will reveal which optional courses and modules are most in demand. This will allow for more precise tailoring of educational programs and increased learner engagement.

Strategy 2. Developing a culture of continuous learning within the company. The key is to draw management's attention to the importance of educational initiatives and integrate training into individual employee development plans. The L&D department can implement various approaches to achieve this goal. First, it's worth organizing regular training sessions and seminars to help employees develop the necessary skills. Second, a mentoring system can be implemented, where more experienced employees can share their knowledge with newcomers. It's also helpful to create a knowledge-sharing platform where employees can share useful materials and experiences. Providing access to online courses and resources that allow employees to learn at their own pace is crucial. By supporting a culture of continuous learning, a company not only improves the skills of its employees but also strengthens its competitiveness in the marketplace.

Try introducing a weekly "training hour" dedicated to employee professional development.
Launch a series of monthly educational events during lunch breaks that will cover topics of greatest interest to employees.
Reward employees who learn on their own initiative.
Convince managers to include training in employee performance evaluations.
Provide employees with useful educational content in microformats.

Read also:

Creating a learning culture in a company is an important aspect for its successful development. Implementing effective learning practices can significantly improve employee productivity and strengthen team spirit. Here are five tips for creating such a culture.

The first step is support from management. Leaders must demonstrate their commitment to learning by dedicating time and resources to employee development. This will set a positive example and inspire the team to actively participate in training.

The second tip is to create a variety of training formats. Different employees prefer different methods: some learn better in seminars, others through online courses or mentoring. It is important to offer a variety of options so that everyone can choose the most suitable one.

The third point is regular feedback. Discussing training results and providing constructive criticism will help employees understand their strengths and weaknesses. This will not only improve their skills but also increase their motivation.

The fourth tip is to integrate training into daily work. To make training part of the corporate culture, it is useful to incorporate it into regular work processes. For example, you can organize weekly meetings for the exchange of knowledge and experience between employees.

Finally, the fifth point is to encourage employee initiative. Create an atmosphere in which employees feel free to offer their ideas for training and development. This will not only increase engagement but also help identify new areas for company growth. By implementing these tips, you can create a sustainable learning culture in your company, which, in turn, will lead to increased employee performance and satisfaction. Creating group discussions, collaborative events, and projects for employees focused on social interactions is an effective strategy. These employees seek recognition within the team, interaction with colleagues, and achieving common goals. For example, Connie Malamed offers improvisational comedy training for sales managers. This event helps develop public speaking skills and quick reaction to non-standard situations. Also, during a webinar on sustainability, you can ask participants a question for discussion that arouses curiosity: "If you had to build the most sustainable house possible using only local materials, what challenges might you face and how would you overcome them?" Such approaches not only promote professional growth but also strengthen team spirit, which ultimately leads to increased team effectiveness.

Strategy 4. It is important to support the development of individual development plans that align with employee interests and company goals. Such plans could include, for example, communications courses for those interested in public speaking. This will significantly improve interactions with clients and enhance overall team effectiveness. Individual development plans not only facilitate employee professional growth but also strengthen corporate culture, creating a more motivated and competent work environment.

In 1994, Robert Allen Bjork, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, introduced the concept of desirable difficulty. He notes that many training programs are designed to avoid difficulties for students: tasks are repeated and their conditions are made predictable, which reduces the number of errors. This leads to training not achieving its objectives, and students gain a false sense of confidence in their skills, which is not confirmed in real-world situations. Björk and research findings show that when a learning task is challenging and requires significant effort, learning effectiveness in the long term increases significantly compared to tasks that are easily accomplished. Therefore, creating learning situations that require active participation and overcoming difficulties is a key aspect of successful learning. Connie Malamed argues that introducing desirable challenges into adult learning helps create an environment that activates curiosity. This, in turn, leads to more consistent and effective learning outcomes. This approach not only helps deepen understanding of the material but also develops critical thinking skills, which is an important aspect of adult education. One effective teaching strategy is to provide students with assignments that encourage independent exploration and critical thinking, rather than just focusing on the correct answer. For example, you might offer the following assignment: "Based on customer purchase data, develop a strategy aimed at increasing customer retention and sales growth. Justify your choice based on data analysis and proposed solutions." This approach promotes the development of analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to make informed decisions, which are important aspects of modern education.

Strategy 2: Vary the setting or context of practical assignments to prevent students from becoming accustomed to a single pattern of action. For example, a training session for emergency and critical care physicians might use a scenario in which they must provide care to a patient in a rural hospital with limited resources. Another session might depict a situation in an urban hospital overwhelmed by patients following an accident, requiring participants to quickly adapt and employ different approaches to providing care. This variety of scenarios promotes critical thinking and improves decision-making skills under extreme conditions.

Strategy 3: Have students complete the task before receiving the theoretical material. For example, you could begin with the task: “Imagine that you are a manager who needs to inform the team about a reduction in the bonus budget for the current year. Compose an email with this information, trying to minimize the negative impact and maintain team morale.” This approach promotes the development of practical skills, allows students to apply theory in practice and develops critical thinking.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with additional materials:

The optimal approach to learning: first theory or first practice? This question concerns many teachers and students. Research shows that combining theory and practice promotes deeper learning. Starting with theory helps develop a basic understanding of the subject, but applying knowledge through tasks and examples can significantly improve comprehension and retention.

On the other hand, some students learn better by starting with practical assignments, which then stimulate interest and help them gain a deeper understanding of theoretical aspects. It is important to consider the individual characteristics of students and adapt the methodology depending on their preferences.

Therefore, a flexible approach that includes both theoretical and practical elements is ideal. This will create a comprehensive learning process in which students can not only study but also apply knowledge in practice.

Strategy 4. Use interleaving - alternate topics studied instead of completing one and moving on to the next. For example, in an internet marketing course, you can combine topics on SMM, search engine optimization, and email marketing. Hands-on assignments should be designed to require the application of knowledge across multiple domains, which promotes better retention and a more comprehensive understanding. This approach avoids learning plateaus and makes the process more dynamic and effective. Connie Malamed emphasizes that igniting student curiosity is more than simply entertaining students. It requires a thoughtful approach to designing educational experiences that foster deep engagement with the topic and lead to meaningful, long-lasting results. Applying the suggested strategies will help integrate curiosity as an important element in professional development and workplace learning, which, in turn, contributes to the effectiveness of training and the development of critical thinking.

Revised text:

4 Science-Backed Ways to Spark Curiosity in Adult Learners

Contents:

Why Curiosity is Beneficial in Learning

How to Awaken Curiosity in Adults