Older Adult learners
Older Adult Learners our more willing to listen than the younger ones that know it all.
Miriam,
I use small learning groups a lot in my classes and I make sure to mix up the groups so they everyone gets a chance to work everyone else. This way they can learn about how much each person has to contribute to the learning process and this is the foundation for respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to make sure from the first day that my students work as a team not age. My older students have the experience in most cases and my younger students have that extra get up and go. I have found that having teamwork and rewarding it pays off in most cases, and yes there is always that exception no matter how hard you try.
Ruth,
Your observations about the difference between the younger and older students is reflective of the experiences most of us have had. This is why we need to use the experiences of the older students to enhance our content while showing the younger students how they can use the information we are sharing to expand their career options.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The older adult leaners I have worked with come with the knowledge that they have much to learn. They are aware that they have been out of the classroom setting for some time, and as a result they feel they must strive to get every bit of information presented to be successful. The younger students are comfortable with the classroom setting and still feel like they are very knowledgable in areas where they really do not have that much knowledge. I work in the learning resource system where students gather before and after classes. Often we have students that display a "know-it-all" attitude in every subject they hear brought up in the room, and they are quick to enter into others conversation to impart their vast knowledge. You seldom see this attitude in the older students. They have learned life lessons and seem to realize that everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, and probably could care less what your opinion is on any given subject.
Judy,
They for the most part are very serious about the education they are getting so they dedicate themselves to being successful in the course. They also have a lot to share in relation to life experiences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel the older adult learners coming into the slassroom are far more dsdicated. Some are changing careers and this takes being focused and determination.
Terry,
To use the life experiences of my adult learners I pair an adult student with a younger student and have them do case studies. This activity helps to show both individuals that each has something to contribute to the learning process plus they start to enjoy working together. This makes it a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
