Adult Learners
Coming back to school after being out for a while can be difficult. It is important that instructors are passionate about what they are doing so that students can see this and feel it at the same time.
I agree with you that is why I try to show my enthusiasm for the subject I'm teaching the moment the students meet me.
Melinda,
You are a role model for them both as a former adult student but also as a successful person in your field. Your students know that you know what they are going through and that you can relate to them on many different levels. This background is such a great place from which you can connect with the students and then develop rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was an adult learner for both my undergraduate and graduate degree. I completely relate to my adult students and the challenges they might have. From day one I make them feel comfortable in their new learning environment and try to get a little background information on their computer, education and professional skills. This aids in my instruction of the course and let's me know where I might need to spend a little more time.
Stanley,
Right you are about how adult learners perceive their learning needs and what they contribute to classes. They have the life experiences that brought them to the class in terms of their decision to be in school. They want relevant and applicable content to be shared and realistic skills developed. We need to keep this in mind as we prepare our lessons and interact with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Adults learners tend to favor practical learning activities that enable them to draw on their skills and knowledge. They are realistic and have established opinions, and insights about what is likely to work and what is not. The views of the adult learner cannot be overlooked or dismissed, the adult learner will learn at various rates and to be fully engaged in learning, the attention of the adult learner must be fully focused on the material presented and learn best when the material is related to their needs and interest.
Dan,
Good way to help them get comfortable with the class and settled into being a student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Megan,
I agree I like to see passion in an instructor for his or her field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. This is a winning combination for the students as well as the instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think to help an adult learner get over some fears in class is to include them more in story time during a lecture.
I agree that passion should exist within the instructor. I think that passion tends to motivate others and potentially remind them of their own passions. In turn, students may ignite more passion towards their career goals.
Luciana,
This is a very good point for instructors to remember as they work with adults that have been out of school for a while. There is risk to them coming back and they are afraid that they cannot compete with the younger students. Giving them support and early success in the course will build their self confidence and help them to see that they can in fact be very successful in the course if they will put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
