motivation
Students must also understand the rewards of doing the work on and independent bases as adult learners
Sole, I can sense some frustration in your comments and I do understand where it is derived. I am sure you were someone who has always taken your education serious and you have earned all you have achieved. The harsh reality however is students today are very different than students from 20 years ago. There are more distractions than ever before and keeping the student's attention is just as much an art form as it is a science. You mentioned the phrase "Adult Learner" and this phrase gets a lot of attention these days. An Adult can be a 25 year old professional who knows what they want out of the education system while you may also encounter 38 year old adolescents that just have not reached a level of maturity to fully understand the role they need to play in their own education. The institution also plays a key role in the student body they attract. If a college is looking to ensure only mature adults are in classes then this needs to be addressed in the admissions procedures of the college. If the college allows older adolescents into the classrooms then we as instructors will be faced with other challenges outside of just presenting a lesson plan. Part of our role is to bring the student to a level of understanding and acceptance of the role they need to play and this can take some time and different techniques. By the way, recent research suggests that the "old, traditional ways" may not be the best as achieving desired learning outcomes so you may want to also invest some time reviewing some of the data driven research on teaching and learning. There are many great resources but here is one I recently added to my collection: How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching / Edition 1
by Susan A. Ambrose, Richard E. Mayer, Marsha C. Lovett, Michael W. Bridges, Michele DiPietro.
James Jackson
I do agree that students must clearly understand what they gain in return for hard work and dedication based on self-sufficience and independent work. Whether, a recent high school graduate or a working adult returning to school to enhance their education for the purpose of betterment of their lives and that of their family, the need for recognition, self or otherwise is very much the same, although it varies in the nature of the reward. So, I am in agreement with the discussion statement.
How ever, I should also like to point out that adult learners need much guidence, especially if they have been out of the education environment for a while. But, students must also understand the challenges they face if they do not develop strong skills in working independently. This is tru although many times employees find themselves participating in team activities, but are responsible for deliverables individually.
What happened with the old, traditional ways of learning and improving our lives for self pride and dignity?
It is up to us (Instructors/teachers), and on behalf of retention, to keep students motivated, animated and on their sits…??
The best reward is still a good education and your proof of completion in a paper (certification, diploma, etc) isn’t it? :-/
What kind of rewards we would give to ADULT learners? candy, chocolate?
