personal meaning
The most surprising and valuable information I found in this chapter is that the most important thing for adult learners to succeed is if they find personal meaning and value in the material.
I personally use my experiences where applicable to not only add meaning to the lesson but as examples for the scenarios that I present for exercises. I find this helps to make them more valuable and realistic for the students.
This applies to instructors as well as students. Certainly as instructors, having personal meaning in regards to the material we are teaching increases our motivation and willingness to remain instructors. In addition, letting students know some of our personal experiences in our chosen fields, helps to make the material more meaningful for them. Frequently they can relate to the situation presented to them.
Hi Debbie,
Great to hear. The key is to help adult learners to "personalize" their education. When they know their instructor cares about their success and is supportive of their efforts they start to realize that they can be successful in college and their motivation really increases.
Gary
