The second principle addresses the role of experience, a principle unique to the adult
learner. According to Knowles, each of us brings to a learning situation a wealth of
experiences that provide a base for new learning as well as a resource to share with
. These experiences may be good or bad, but they will impact the way in
which an employee approaches a new learning experience. Because people base
their learning on past experiences, the new information must be assimilated. The
wise trainer will find out what the participants already know and will build on
those experiences, rather than treating participants as though they know nothing
and must be taught like small children.