Adult students
I find that telling adult students that I used to be an adult student myself really helps. I go on to give them examples of challenges I know they will encounter in adult life and it works well.
I bet they really appreciate your former experience as an adult student. The insight it gives you must be invaluable.
In view of the growing adult learner population, online education has to fill the needs of adult learners with more efficient innovative models that meet the needs of working adults: developing a set of practical and professional goals, motivation, quality, structure and organization, limited time for study, flexibility and convenience. These are all reasons why an androgogical approach to learning (art and science of educating adults) is a better fit for online education.
However, these needs can impose certain conditions on the instructional process. We as online instructors, more than ever, need to understand adult learners and understand how best of supplement their educational and learning needs. I have included a list of general characteristics of adult learners and techniques for facilitation that will help us meet the challenges that may arise in a student centered learning environment.
Hi Noreen,
It is nothing like speaking from experience. You can really empathize with your students because you have lived it.
Patricia
I agree! If we are instructors, we of course have been students as well. Making myself relatable to students by disclosing my experiences as a student helps the students see me as someone who can and does understand that role. I also always share my respect for what they are accomplishing and how invaluable it will be in their future no matter what happens after they get their education.
I also tell my students that I have acheived all of my post secondary education while married, divorced and with children. I feel that this shows a human side as well as that i can identify with what they are going through on a daily basis to acheive the goal of graduation and a new career.
My students can look to me as a real role model because I was and still am an adult student. When they have a school issue I can always tell them I'm right there with them.
Lisa, it has always worked for me. I let the students know that I returned to school at age 40 after retiring form the military. I also let them know I understand how difficult it is to return to school after many years.
Hi David,
You are right! Our students think that our lives have been perfect and still perfect. We have to let them know that we have had challenges, but we persevered and made, and they can make it too as long as they don't give up.
Patricia
I have found that a number of adult students think that you as an instructor could not possibly understand all the demands on their time. Sharing that you have had the same experience definitely helps students, especially discouraged students, see that their efforts are worthwhile.
I agree, Lisa. It gives you a sort of credibility in their eyes. Sometimes students forget that we were once in their position and I think that once they are reminded of that, they really take in those examples and buy in to what we have to say.
