Motivating Adult Students
I teach in an online environment, and most of my students are adults (over the age of 25) who have chosen to return to school to further their education.
Some of them act unconcerned about participating in class and submitting their assignments on time.
Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, or other words of wisdom regarding how you get your students to participate in class activities?
I find that if I am up-beat and motivated than so will my students be. When i am excited about teacheing them something new, then they want to jump in and learn and be just a excited.
Hi Gilbert!
Thanks for that reminder for all of us. I recently started in a new position and compartmentalizing my time is exactly what I need to do. I remember going back to school later in my life when I had husband, children, work, soccer, baseball, swim team practice, etc. and how difficult it was to find time for everything. Compartmentalizing time is especially important in our very busy lives.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
Yes I tell adult learners who have not been in school for years to compartmentalize thier time.They should work at organizing family ,work and education obligations in blocks of time which can help them get motivated towards creating an environment for learning without feeling overwhelmed.
To raise participation possibly offer an insentive or reward of some sort.
I teach in a classroom setting but offer incentives to the class like extra points for the whole class if everyone turns their work in on time.
Hi Susan,
As an online instructor I understand your dilemma. Adult learners take online classes because they are convenient. Most adult learners are multi-tasking shuffling work, family, and education. The problem is "Time Management." If we can encourage adult learners to manage their time more effectively and efficiently the pressures of going back to school would not be so overwhelming.
Older, returning students have a lot to offer from their experiences. Try to get them involved by finding a way to work their experience and expertise into the class.
One of the things I do in my class is a review of same day material. At the end of the class, I will ask students very direct and simple questions that pertain to the lecture and material we discussed that day. I will usually call on a non-traditional student most of the time because I am most certain that they will know the answer(If there is one thing I have learned as a teacher is that older students are very good at note taking and attentive listening) When I present older students with an essay question, I set them up to get it right and hopefully build up their confidence
