Adult learners need to "use" their valued experiences. It helps them relate experiences to new maeterial. Adults do not want to waste time on less relevant material; they want practicality.
Also, adult learners readily learn from each other. Fortunately, I learn much from them as well!
Using experiences nin the classroom that the students have had pass experiences with helps other students to realize that there is other possibilities out there for them to learn more than what they are seeking i8n knowledge wise.
Each person is coming in with knowledge and experience. If they have the opportunity to share those experiences it can help validate that person.
When adult learners use their life experiences in the classroom it helps them make connections with the concepts they are learning so that they not only have relevance, but they are more likely to remember and understand the new concepts.
Edson,
this is so true & this can really help make a difference in their focus & in their long-term success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Every student's life experiences appear different or are unique in there own special way. To be succesful you must be able to see things from others perspectives.
I agree with your post, I have found that using my experiences in the healthcare field has and in education has helped the students learn that they are not the only ones that make mistakes.
When an adult learner is able to tie in their own life experiences it gives them the motivation to see were their education is going. It also enriches the learning experience for their classes.
Since I teach math, which is a core course and not a career specific one, it is important to find examples that students have either in everyday experience or their career area so that they see the relevance of what we are doing.
Donald,
yes exactly! By showing that we acknowledge their life experiences & value them we can connect so much better & help them open up to learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It gives the adult students the chance to shine. They can share and it helps bridge their experience with the class.
Kellie,
great point. Sharing these life experiences can be a great way to tap into the motivations & drive of these students & why they have selected this path.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Sometimes adult learners feel out of place in the classroom. By introducing their life experiences into the class it can make them feel more connected and not as if they are starting from scratch.
Students are much more engaged when they share personal life experiences in the classroom. They use these experiences to show that they belong and feel part of the course content.
Most people choose what they want to do with their life with past experiences. You find this in graduating seniors for high school to adults that may have chosen the wrong thing when they were younger. It is important for everyone in the class to come together for one purpose, but also know where each of them come from to pursue this common purpose.
It is important because with adult learners they have typically worked in their field or have worked elsewhere and can provide real world scenarios as it relates to the discussion topic.
Over the many years of working in the field that you are now teaching students in, you gain invaluable experiences and stories that you can share with students. The students then can see how what they are learning has a real-life importance and meaning. Even students with challenges can appreciate the stories and experiences you have to share because it makes their learning of the material more concrete.
Lanette,
often these experiences can be that common stake or reference point for the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Real life experiences bring a certain common bond to the learning process.
I feel that it is important for adults to use their life experiences in the classroom because it will help them and other students relate to the topics. I teach Medical Assisting and the students always get excited about their career choice of being an MA when I tell them about experiences I've had out in the field.
