yes, teaching adults are much harder. we have several in services where guest speakers are the teachers and you can see how your peers interact with the instructor and each others, and it is very sad to see that the respect that they expect in class is not always affored to others in a teaching position. so yes teaching adults needs a lot more patience and somtimes more dicipline to pass on pertinent information. give me regular students any day!!!!
Hi Ron: Truely, teaching adults is quite different from the K-12 group, although I have to say that some adults act like juveniles at time.
Teaching adults requires more tolerance of opposing viewpoints, diversity in cultural and customs that may be unfamiliar, require encouragement, and sometimes take extra time. Even as adults, they aren't always properly prepared for school, or the pace may be too quick for them.
Good things about adults is the follow directions, bring life experiences into the classroom, want recognition for good work, expect competent instruction, and given proper direction will try hard to do their best.
Also, I think adults expect respect, courtesy, patience, and clear expectations.
Regards, Barry
