Motivational Interests of Adult learners in the classroom
Adult learners will work well independently with minimal instruction, often are seen as class leaders, they responsibly attend class on a regular and consitant basis, and their security in the classroom is evident.
Michael, great point. Focus on offering resources to all types of students. Prepare study guides for those that need additional materials to learn and provide extra work for those that want to work at a faster pace or need to take deeper dives into various subject matters. Most community colleges today experience wide gaps of maturity and subject knowledge within a single classroom. Being prepared in advance for such gaps can make your classroom management easier and your desired learning outcomes easier to achieve.
James Jackson
Justin, well stated. According to Knowles and Vella adult learners need to be respected, see an immediate usefulness of the learning, have a safe learning environment, be engaged in their learning and the learning needs to be relevant to their lives. Another factor to consider is being an adult is not directly related to age. Some adults may be only 25 years of age while there are some adolescents that are in their 40's. Know your students and learn to measure their level of maturity. Do not assume just because they are over the age of 25 that they are adults as this can introduce additional challenges into your classroom.
James Jackson
I would agree that adult learners for the most part work well independently. I teach the basics of computers to students that range from 18 to 65 in age. As a general rule the older adults seem to be able to do their assigned homework independently. The course talked about giving them choices. One thing that I do in that area is give them all the homework assignments for the entire class in the first week and let them know when each chapter homework is due. They seemed to like that, being able to work ahead when they can.
Since they are more likely to ask "why" the instructor is presenting a particular lesson adult learners need to be reassured that what they are learning is relevant to their field. This will help their security in the classroom.
I have to be careful, I have students that often need a great deal of motivating. I have learned 10 weeks in that I do not have to pet anyone's feelings to motivate them. I am learning that if I give so much I will be depleted. Academically I can give what is needed and give it to all students.
In a mixed age class room, adult learners work well in small group activities as well. They regularly step up as group leader, encouraging the younger members to participate as well as to stay focused. Their enthusiasm and conscientiousness rubs off on the entire group.
Nathan, great post and is exactly the reason we as instructors need to know our students and their learning preferences. The more we know about their preferences the better choices we can make on different delivery methods and knowledge transfer techniques.
James Jackson
I find that student motivation is enhanced by employing various teaching strategies that will appeal to all types of learners. Individual and group presentations,debates,and role playing are some of the strategies. It makes the class interesting and facilitates learning. It doesn't matter what the age group everyone enjoys having fun while they learn.
James, how do you manage a classroom where there is a mixture of mature adult learners and others that have not yet made that connection as to the role they need to play in their own education? Thanks for any information you can share.
James Jackson
I Strongly agree with your statement. Most Adult learners are self motivated in all aspects of learning. Infact my adult students are very proactive in completing home assignments ahead of schedule and also assisting their peers with classwork as well as out of class assignments.
SHALOMAR, using case studies and different life situation that relate to the subject matter is a great technique. Thanks for sharing with the group.
James Jackson
Gary, how many of your students on a regular basis poses such traights? How do you work with those that do not posess such skills?
James Jackson
I state real life scenarios to peak their interests to be able to relate the study topic and easier retention.
