Online Student Mentality
How might an older online student feel about a course which uses active learning techniques?
From my experience (I am presently enrolled in the EdS program and there are many non-traditional, older students enrolled in the classes I take), older students might do very well in this situation. Since active listening intentionally focuses on who you are listening to, whether in a lecture, in a conversation, or a group, in order to understand what is said, I have noticed that older students in the class typically do have a problem listening to whomever is speaking. Maybe I am confusing active learning with something else, but when an older student is the listener, he/she seems to be able to “replay†or repeat back in his/her own words what he/she have heard to their satisfaction. This is just my experience!! :-)
It can be difficult - and lead to feelings of inferiority and discouragement mainly due to perhaps "older" ways of learning where rote memory was the norm; most older online students want the "right" answer and many often resist in taking an active role in their own learning. They may want to parrot back memorized information, take the quiz, and be done. In such cases, faculty need to guide them in their own learning methods. I often ask questions (a lot of questions!) to help students discover what it is they "think" they know - while encouraging them to question their own assumptions about their learning and their limits.
Jerry Voltura
Alaina,
Good points. One never knows how the older student will react but most times it is positively. Thanks for being in the class.
Renee Shaffer
Becki,
Good point. One never knows exactly how the older student will react, but most times, it is positively! Thanks for being in the class.
Renee Shaffer
In my experience, older online students tend to respond to active learning either very well because they are glad to "feel in control" of their learning, or they are very intimidated by active learning. Many older online students prefer traditional lecture modes where they are fed information and are responsible for studying and retaining what they are taught and then tested on the material.
At first, most older students will panic, because this is not the learning techniques they have utilized in the past.
But, once they feel that they are part of the team and part of the learning process - they will succeed and be an inspiration to younger students.
Jocelyn,
Yes, I usually have many older students who are technology challenged. But once they learn it, off they go to success! Thanks for being in the class.
Renee Shaffer
Hi-
I have found a majority of older learners to be self-directed and eager to be a part of the classroom. For those learners, the active learning approach is appropriate and would provide stimulation to learn that would enhance the experience.
There is a small set of older learners I have had as students who are technology challenged. As I instruct online courses only, those students may be intimidated with active learning that requires too much technology. But this could be dealt with by working with the students and pairing them with technology savvy other students.
Jocelyn Williamson
Bonnie,
Yes, sometimes the older student needs reassurance that they can do the work and that what they bring to the class is worthwhile for everyone.
Renee Shaffer
Revonna,
They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can add so much to our courses.
Renee Shaffer
An older online student may feel overwhelmed with a course that uses active learning techniques. I have experienced some older online students feel intimidated over use of active learning techniques in Finance class. Several older online students have not been exposed to a computer, Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel, and also APA formatting style, therefore may find it challenging to perform problems requiring the use of Excel and APA format style. However, my older students have a wealth of experiences and motivation to share with their colleagues.
Older students may feel like they cannot keep up with younger students and cannot identify with them. Instructors can help older students with making the adjustment and with activities that involve student participation of all ages.
I think they could feel intimidated. Something so foreign as Socratic discussion is a challenge.
Mark,
I agree with you ideas. Once the "older" student sees how effective they can be as a student with technology, the more apt they will be to embrace it. Welcome to the course!
Renee Shaffer
Hello
I suspect that the *older* student may be hesitant at first regarding their computer skill levels. However, since they are in the process of re-learning new information from the course, they can embrace the challenge of new technology.
Once they become familiar with it, they will be able to *confirm* to themselves their new found abilities and skills.
Mark Wallace
Sharon,
I would agree. I still think that a fauclty member has the knowledge that should be given to the students for "their moneys worth".
Renee Shaffer
Although adult online students have a wealth of experience that should allow them to engage more easily in active learning, I find that often they feel they are not 'getting their moneys worth' if a faculty member doesn't take on the role of Sage on the Stage. Adult students were often raise in an environment in which education was passive and, with their consumer mentality, they are unsure why they aren't being 'fed' the information.
Molly,
Good points. It also may be that the older student has more genuine interest in obtaining the education. That is what I am finding out more and more lately. The "spoon feeding" model seems to be evident in many of the younger students educational history.
Renee Shaffer
I honestly have better luck with older students than younger with active learning styles. I feel the older online students are back to school to learn and are willing to put in the time and dedication. Many of my younger student just want the information "given" to them and don't want to spend time getting to know others or working with each other. Often times I wish my younger students had the drive that my older students have.
