I have my classes write an APA paper on what motivates them; I find that there is a big difference between the younger students who just graduated high school and my adult students. Most of my adult students write about their children motivating them to be a better parent or they need a change in their career.
Lora,
In your experience, ar these career change choices forced upon students by the economic realities ir are they more often independent choices?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think a big motivator for re-entry students is developing skills for a second career. Many people find themselves yearning to do something different, especially in mid-life. Many of these types of re-entry students want to advance in their careers and for various reasons do not have the formal education they need to get the promotions.
Michael,
Thank you for this post. How do you leverage these varied motivations to improve students' learning experiences?
Jeffrey Schillinger
There are numerous motivators for adult learners. Many return to school to advance in their field or to obtain a promotion. Others want to change fields, due to either dissatisfaction with their current chosen field, or because they may have lost their job or anticipate there is a good chance they may loose their job. Some adult learners go to school motivated by social reasons, hoping to meet new persons with similar interests.
Anthony,
How do you leverage this motivation in your classroom?
Jeffrey Schillinger
New money making oppertunities...
Karen,
Thank you for sharing this. We have done all we can to make our campus "military friendly" to serve our heroes.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We had an ins-service with a Police officer/Former Vet and he gaves us some great insight for classroom practicies - here are just a few...
1. Getting to know the veterans in your classrooom will likely help them connect with the goals of the course.
2. Have self-selected classroom seating - veteran requires a higher level of environmental control.
3. Some vets have standing and long awaited appointments w/VA and cancelling and rescheduling could be months out - Instructors need to be flexable.
4. Vets may find small group discussion and group decision making difficult. Survival in the military depends on quick and decisive responses.
Here at our campus all instructors have the Vets Crisis Hot line # 1 800 273 8255
On campus we honor our vets with special cravet
We a dedicated VA specialist in financial aid
Maryline,
Many of our adult students come to us with far less defined motivations.
Jeffrey Schillinger
In my experience, adult learners further their education in search of a new career. They have been a part of the work force for many years and typically have come to a juncture in their lives. These learners are in search of a deeper meaning. They want to feel passionate about their career choice. In addition, they want to feel accomplished and be an example to their children. They want to foster the idea that it is never to late to pursue a goal/dream.
These learners want to secure gainful employment; however, they seek to make a difference in the lives of others.
Sharline,
Is this common for your students or are there other, more common reasons?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Cynthia,
Great point. Listening before reacting is really important.
Jeffrey Schillinger
What motivated me to return to school was wanting to provide a better life for my kids also wanting to have a career that I was proud of.
One of the ways to successful reach student is to listen carefully to problems before making comments and reaching a solution
Wanting to complete education
Jodi,
Thank you for this post. What are the most common reasons in your school?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Decision to change career would be one motivation. Another would be life's changes; i.e., divorce, loss of spouse, moving, etc., in which one would need to find a new job. Sometimes with these changes, it's a perfect opportunity to go back to school and learn/engage in a new curriculum that is of more interest.
Christine,
This is common in career colleges. What are some of the ways you use to reach these students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Christine,
How do you leverage these military experiences to support learning?
Jeffrey Schillinger
