Get Your Students Hired
Learning all this 25 years ago did not mean the same as it does today. Now, at post 50, it all fits into play as noted psychologists pointed out in their research. After teaching adults for many years, I see things have not changed. I was an adult student starting my post secondary education up to MEd. I am still an adult learner;however, I do not have the obsticles that one with a family does. Survival is in the forefront of everyone's needs as in Maslow's theory. Sometimes, formal education must be postponed till those other needs are met. However, with motivation, support, a positive learning environment, and individual objectives and goals, anyone can be successful.
The approaches of the various thought leaders and theories discussed thus far structure a nuanced understanding of the factors that differentiate individual adult learning styles, life experience, expectations and motivation. Knowing how influential these factors are in establishing a good learning environment provides strategies for engaging various teaching styles.
Bob,
What are some of the more difficult challenges yyour adult students present?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Knowing how adult learners think and understanding the different pieces to their everday life is vital for being successful in teaching them. Being able to adapt to the different learning styles is key.
INVOLVEMENT through assessment of each other, others in the community, discussion of findings, potential treatment approaches and outcomes. Inclusion of medical abbreviations throughout each course rather than slamming the student with all 180 of them (which are constantly being added to)during one session. I encourage discussion during lecture so that all realize the interaction between input and ouput. I also teach as I practice - look at the entire unit, not just a particular joint. I conduct the class as an office, with the expectation of preparedness, anticipation, and the ability to "go with the flow".
Paula,
What are the best "best practices" you use in your classroom?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Through an appreciation of those best practices which will engage and enthuse the variety of students in the group. In addition, considering life experiences, challenges, offering different approaches to topic delivery, and facilitation of activity-based learning. An understanding of the differentiation of brain dominance and quadrants facilitates cooperation and interest and an appreciation for multiple intelligences supports varying methods of delivery.
Adult learners typically learn/stick to topics and material that is meaningful and has a perceived usefulness to their immediate or future pursuits. By focusing on what motivates and is important to them will keep them engaged and on track.
Heather,
A simple rule of thumb is to design activities so that each student sees, hears and touches the material. In that way, a teacher is likely to address most learning styles.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Knowing the adult learning theories can help instructors better understand the diversity of the students in their class. Students will have differing learning styles and intelligence types. Instructors will also have their own preferred teaching style (probably connected to their personal learning type), but one style will not connect with all students. Understanding those that are different from you will help you incorporate variety in your lessons. Though it causes the instructor to step out of their comfort zone, by incorporating the less familiar learning styles you will positively impact the lives of more students and will be better able to engage the class
Angie,
Thank you for this post. Which of the techniques you reference appeal most to you? Why?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Adult learning theories narrow down the key points that will increase the effectiveness of the class. By implementing some of the suggested techniques, a common boring class will be transformed in a class were students are actually able to absorb the important material, relate this knowledge to their previous experience, find shortcuts to permanently store the new information and finally be able to transfer the skills learn into their present or future careers.
Reggie,
Thank you for this post. One theory of motivation suggests that giving students control and choice, related issues, is a key to retention of adult students. How do you provide students with choices in your instruction?
Jeffrey Schillinger
It can help you to tailor your lesson to ensure the adult learner gets what he/she needs from the lesson/course. Understanding what motivates adult learners or understanding expectations helps you to create lessons that are very student centered and answers the question "what's in it for me?"
Thank you for this post. What do you see as the primary motivations for the adult students in your current classes?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Knowing how adult learners approach learning is vital to successful instructional classroom design and delivery. Knowing the changes in educational theories and approaches since the sage on the stage academic setting provides me with basic knowledge on creating a learner centered environment. Knowing the motivation level and that adult learners need for the why of learning these skills pushes me to look beyond the concept itself to how the students will apply the concept in their future careers.
I try to relate the concept to the reality of their lives. It is important to give a name to the idea.
In teaching adult learners with various learning styles, I tend to go back to the basics: see, hear, and do. I try to make sure that every major point I make to my class is covered in all three ways. So for example, if I am teaching a lesson about a certain area of English grammar, I will show examples of how the grammar rule works (either on a Powerpoint or by writing on the board), I will give spoken examples of the correct and incorrect use of the grammar rule and lecture about how the grammar rule works, and then lastly and most importantly, I will have students practice the grammar rule themselves using actual English language examples. This can be done as a group activity (say, with a Powerpoint and clickers) or it can be done individually on written worksheets or online quizzes. In this fashion, students immediately practice (do) what they have just learned through seeing and hearing.
Taura,
What are the top two things you do in class to reach adult students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Knowing the background of your students allows you to build upon their prior knowledge base. Being able to incorporate real life experiences helps to bring the leatning objectives to life!