Adult Learners
I have found many of my adult students will make reference to the fact that it has been years since they were in school. I always encourage them by stating it is never to late to learn we learn everyday. I also let them know their life knowledge can really add to the course, therefore encouraging participation.
Frances,
Your analysis of most adult learners is right on point. They have many questions concerning whether they can be successful in school after being out for a number of years and if they can use the new technology being utilized in the learning process. By helping them to have early success in class and letting them use their life experiences in their learning effort they soon start to see that indeed they can be successful in school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great ideas for adult learners. I have found adult learners are very hard on themselves. I believe they feel that they must overachieve. Great ideas to help validate their achievements
Kellie,
This is such a great story. I love hearing about students that meet and overcome learning challenges. You are going to have a graduate on your hands in the very near future. I congratulate both she and you in helping this success happen.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You're right, it is never too late to learn! Sometimes our adult learners need to be reminded of that. I have a student that is well in her 70's. She told me once that she didn't plan on graduating or even finishing for that matter. I asked her why and her response was, "I'm too old to learn something new". I reminded her that she is never too old to learn. She has also helped to motivate her younger counterparts as well. They look to her as their role model. I am happy to say that she and I had a conversation the other day because she is just a step away from graduation and I don't know who was more excited, me or her :)
Stacy,
Good strategy for helping the adult students gain confidence in their abilities. They are looking for reinforcement from their instructor that they can be successful if they put forth the effort. The more support they can get the quicker their confidence will build.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
