Learning suggests the desire to acquire new knowledge according to the needs that are identified by the student as an adult learner, as well as a goal-directed effort to utilise existing sources and learning opportunities positively and to obtain new knowledge and insight.

Learning is an internal activity by the learner, which leads to a change in behaviour. Learning can never be guaranteed, education may be outstanding without any learning taking place. The learners should analyze the learning content and make it their own so that it will become meaningful. The adult learner has a specific responsibility in the learning process.

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Characteristics that might affect the adult learner and their ability to learn are:

Level of maturity
Independence
Steadfast decision-making
Determination
Resistance to change
Level of motivation
Individual interest

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The adult learner is able to recall the positive and negative role models in his or her training. The educator/ accompanist is co-responsible for the socialisation and training of the learner. The responsibility should never be underrated.
The expert educator who provides the education also has certain responsibilities, of which expert knowledge and skill and the educator's attitude towards the learner are amongst the more important responsibilities.

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Characteristics & Skills of the person who educates and act as accompanist

The educator who acts as an accompanist is an expert in his or her subject and area of teaching, who possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to accompany the learner in an acceptable manner
The principle of "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is of particular importance and applicable in the educational process.
The educator/accompanist recall his/her own situation as a novice student and the anxiety is involved. He/she must maintain the principles of positive interpersonal communication skills, mutual respect and unconditional acceptance of the student
The educator/accompanist acts as a positive role model, especially in respect of the principles that are followed in education. "Practice what you preach" principle applies
The person who educates is motivated and conveys the information and knowledge enthusiastically. The educator who is not positive about education will have a negative influence on the students
The expert and mature educator/accompanist demonstrates the ability to think critically and not personally
The educator/accompanist stimulates critical reflective thinking in the student by interactive debating and are also prepared to learn with the student in the process
The educator/accompanist gives the necessary explanations with regard to the contents to stimulate the learners' interest in the subject
Knowledge only makes sense if the learner understands its applicable value. The educator/accompanist does everything in his/her power to transmit the knowledge in a meaningful and appropriate way
This will require the most appropriate educational method for the transmission of knowledge. The lecturing method is supported by other educational methods eg visual, participative, simulation, reading, self-evaluation and benchmarking
The expert accompanist manages the theoretical educational process purposefully and plans the necessary scientific educational material and accompaniment methodically. The student is thus proactive in the performance of his/her educational responsibilities in the classroom.
Crisis management in education is not effective. The specific learning opportunities are identified purposefully and introduced to the learning environment in a planned manner
The assessment of the student's progress also takes place purposefully and with the necessary timeous planning
The learning content is organised logically and systematically so that the adult learner will find it meaningful
The learner feels secure if there is structure. The expert accompanist compiles a written programme or manual. This sets out the learning content in a logical and organised manner. It indicates the necessary goals to be achieved and the possible sources of information that can be utilised. This includes reference to various authors on the topic under consideration. Varying points of view inspire thinking and research - the backbone of tertiary education.
The educator/accompanist avoids an autocratic master-servant relationship in the teaching and educational process and maintains a person-to-person relationship
The educator assesses the learners progress appropriately and provide constructive feedback. This means that the accompanist is available to clarify individual problems for the learner.

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The expert educator/accompanist possesses vast knowledge which can be transmitted to the learner. The knowledge should be transmitted meaningfully and in the most appropriate way so that learning can take place. Education and learning in the classroom form an integral entity with co-responsibility between two role players, namely the learner and the person who educates. The educator who is also the accompanist makes meaningful personal inspiration available to the leraner.