It gives them a sense of confidence it connects them to their ultimate goal, makes them relevant to the class and their presence there.
I teach public speaking and so I have them discuss their daily communication and show in different scenarios where they are doing public speaking and how they will continue to do public speaking when they get into their career fields. It allows them to see the connection of what they are doing now and how they will be doing it when they get into their career fields.
Kathleen ,
so true & it helps these adult learners to feel like a valuable part of the learning environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This lets them relate to the field because you can bridge that to the lessons. Plus it helps the younger studnets examples to learn from.
Michael,
yes, these examples can help them realize that they have the potential to be successful in this new area as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Adults bring a great deal of life experience into the classroom, an invaluable asset to be acknowledged, tapped and used. Adults can learn well -and much - from dialogue with respected peers
I agree. The students are able to relate to some stories while others will remember it as a learning experience.
I find myself sharing a real life experience when trying to relate information that might be somewhat difficult for the students to grasp without a visual.
I agree, I love using life experiences some funny some to warn not to follow and make the same mistake. I believe the students really enjoy this and it brings the attention back of some that might be trailing off.
Adult learners use past experiences to base their chances of success in training on successes theyve already made in life.
I teach and demonstrate Nursing Skills to students. I have been an acute-care hospital nurse for over 40 yrs., so I have books of past experiences to share with students. Also, the begining students enthusiastically listen to senior students stories, which I encourage because it seems to take the pressure off and give the begining students a sense of "if they can do it, then I can too".
Giving specific examples of when information will be applied in a work place setting reinforces the importance for retaining the content.
This helps to engage students and keep them interested in what is being dicussed.
Sandra,
this is a great technique & you are right on when you state that it helps to learn from everyone's experiences. These situations can even be used to analyze as mini-case studies & determine if course of treatment was right, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find that using not just my own experiences of my medical life but also letting the students introduce their own experiences, good and bad, we all learn something new about ourselves, each other and life's important key events. It adds to the learning experience altogether
Seeing direct application of things the students learn in the classroom is important. It keeps them interested as well as supports a complete understanding of a topic.
Deborah,
I agree with what you've said here. Allowing the adult learners to share gives respect to their experiences & it also allows all to learn from them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Adult learners like to share their life experiences and everyone can benefit from what they have to say. In sharing, they may feel more accepted or bond with the younger students. They can apply what they are learning to what they have already experienced.
Adult learners need to see how what they are learning applies to what they already know. It aids in helping them make the links and connections of previous knowledge and experience to their new knowledge and experiences.
Tracy Chesney, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE
Andrew,
this is a great point & can really help with building that confidence that is so important for all learners, but especially for those who are "starting over."
Dr. Ryan Meers
