Debunking the Myth: Adults Learn Skills Faster Than Kids

A groundbreaking study by the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Science challenges the long-held assumption that children are inherently better at learning new skills than adults.

Key Findings

1. Young adults learn new motor skills faster than children.
2. Adults tend to forget skills more quickly.
3. Children benefit more from sleep, aiding memory consolidation.
4. No evidence supports the existence of a “golden age” for motor skills learning.

Study Details

Researchers tested 132 participants from four age groups (8-10, 12-14, 16-18, and 20-30 years) on motor learning abilities using a computer-based task.

Expert Insights

Jesper Lundbye-Jensen, associate professor: “There’s no physiological basis for the ‘golden age’ of motor skills learning.”

Mikkel Malling Beck, lead author: “Older participants learned faster, suggesting cognitive development and increased information processing play a role.”

Implications

1. Improved training methods across various fields.
2. Consideration of age-specific learning strategies.
3. Emphasis on sleep’s role in memory consolidation for children.

Sources

1. University of Copenhagen. (2024). Adults learn motor skills faster than children.
2. Beck et al. (2024). Age-related differences in motor skill learning. Developmental Science.
3. Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. (2024). Motor learning study.