Adult Learners
Adult Learners
Adult Learners are not your traditional students, meaning that they are not right out of high school. An adult learner has been in the work field for some time and would like to apply their working experience to the classroom. Adult learners may feel apprehensive at first about returning to the classroom. The instructor should assure the adult learner by encouraging and acknowledge well done work.
Everett,
I have seen both examples as well. Over the years though I have seen more good come out of such pairings. I use a lot of case studies in my classes and when my older and younger students are paired up to work through them, they focus on finding the solution to the problem presented and forget about the age difference.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have seen it go both ways. i don't now if this is a good thing or a bad thing but it seems a few times where an adult learner has been paired up with a young person that they get frustrated with the lack of maturity level. On the other hand i have found that there are those that respond well to having someone younger to have as a partner because they automatically take the manager type role and guide the younger person along. What are some thoughts on this?
Adriana,
I have found the same thing because they develop mutual respect for each other and how each member can contribute to the group project. These groups become bonded and very strong as the course progresses and that is fun to see as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that pairing adult learners with students freshly out of high school on projects to be advantageous. The adult learner brings their working experience to the table and are able to navigate a group dynamic while the younger students share their skill based understanding. Both begin to incorporate what they have learned from the other in there projects. I found it makes for a stronger retention of knowledge.
Ava,
It is important to show adult students how they can be successful in your course. Yes, they are apprehensive about being in the course because they aren't sure they have the needed current study skills. Your comments show how you understand this and provide them with support as needed and help them build the needed confidence for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
