Adult students
Many adult students have so many things going on in their life. Having a sense of security in the class, and having a good instructor can release negative emotions,defensiveness, and anxiousness.
Alecia, thanks for the affirmation. Please come back and give us an update on how things go. You can also get more feedback and participate in other discussions by going to The Lounge - http://www.careercollegelounge.com/.
James Jackson
I have recently started at a career college. I really like this idea of being alums into the classroom. This idea truly sounds like it can help students help and mentor each other. I will have to try this idea out this quarter.
Claudia, this is called subject matter mastery and there are several techniques that can be put into play. One that comes to mind is role play or scenarios. After an initial knowledge transfer exercise and possibly some type of skills assessment, you can then create roles for students to play to see how well they are able to apply what they have learned. You give them a scenario and ask they to take on the different parts of the participants. I have also found that a followup dialog is helpful in bring together the techniques along with the concepts at play.
James Jackson
Sometimes it seems that the adult student is very eager to finish an assignment and move on often at the expense of quality. How can I encourage quality without offending or discouraging the student?
I absolutely love this suggestion! I speak to former students all the time and I am constantly asked about former students (where are they now?). I'm going to try and bring in some alumni around midterm and spend an entire class on Q&A.
Thanks for this idea!
I agree with bringing in past students / grads to inspire the current students in the classroom that need to hear positive results with their journey. Students will ask the very same questions that we as a class discussed -but needed to hear it from a peer to believe it. lol makes for good comradery.
Very good suggestion. I will find a way to incorporate that into my less. I will get back to you on the results. Thank you!
Steven, what road map have you provided to students that shows them how they can more easily achieve their goals by participating with the program? My recommendation would be to incorporate the benefits of the program into some of your lesson plans and make sure students discuss the value of such programs. Once students can clearly identify and associate their own success as being tied to the program then you may see more participation. Give this a try and report back, others may also have some great ideas.
James Jackson
We have a mentor program in place at our training centers it seems to work well. The trouble I seem to have is when a student is working and going to school I can't get them to particapate in the program. I have them for six weeks. Does any one have any sugestions on how to motivate them to concentrate on their needs.
Mary, great point. Do you ever put past students in touch with current students as mentors? For some graduates, the ability to give back is incredibly rewarding. For new students who can talk directly to former students within their own career path can be incredibly inspiring and result in higher levels of engagement.
James Jackson
Adult students attending college are demonstrating the desire for growth and improvement. Along with the other life challenges instructors can provide a bridge to the next goal. Past students have been hired into full time jobs or continued on to higher academic goals. This observation along with supportive instructions for the current students provides the security needed to release all the blocks to achieving their goal. A strong network is created for both student and teacher.
I agree, adult learners have such a faced paced lifestyle, both at school and at home, that giving them that extra boost of security, by being the good instuctor, can decrease their levels of anxiety, etc.
Leveda, great post. The more relaxed environment we can create the better. This does not in any way lesson the academic rigor that is essential to develop critical thinkers but it does require that we as instructors take the time to get to know our students and earn their trust.
James Jackson
