Nontraditional Learners vs. Traditional Learners
I find nontraditional adult learners to be more motivated to succeed and to accept challenges than traditional students. I also find that they will question rules and assignments less than the younger students. I find that nontraditional students do not give up as easily as traditional students. Younger students often have not been challenged to think critically. Such a challenge tends to be perceived as "being picked on." I have found that older students tend to work through their frustrations much better than younger students. A supportive, well-structured lesson plan and classroom is essential for all students' success.
I think one key to success in a diverse classroom is to have well-developed rules with a purpose.
I agree for the most part however, I find non-traditional learners as either being very motivated, inspired and determined, or desiring to pursue a program, but somewhat skeptical about themselves or their environment. I find especially with the latter, making the attempt to learn about the indvidiauls motivations and fears, so that I can assist them to understand and to become comfortable learning, is essential.
I agree. My experience is that non-traditional student are more vested in a successful outcome. They have life experiences and are adding or changing careers, and the educational experience is vital to their success.
I agree. In my experience, nontraditional adult learners spend a great deal of time questioning the process and the substance of assignments more so than their traditional/younger student counterparts. Ultimately, this creates many learning opportunites for both groups and serves to benefit the students and learning environment overall.
