Leaning Activities & Assessment
The majority of my students are adult learners and are extremely motivated, enthusiastic, and constantly challenging. These students are actually more critical of themselves upon completion of an assignment than I am. They realize the importance of their actions and the consequences it will have in the work force.
I believe it is important to let student’s be themselves. Everyone learns at different levels. Whether you are a returning student from long ago or just out of high school, everyone learns at their own pace.
Hi David,
I concur! Most of our students are like sponges. They want to soak up all the knowledge we can share. They truly want to do better for themselves, and they are looking for full guidance from us as professionals.
Patricia Scales
I have noticed that my adult students are more serious about their education and show it by their participation in class and having excellent attendance. They want to know why and how something works or doesn't work and the proper way to complete a task. This type of learner makes teaching rewarding!
It makes for a very healthy educational environment when there are a mix of younger and adult students. The younger students can learn from the adult learners and also be exposed to good study habits. Also, the interaction provides interesting diversity of opinions and perspectives.
Older adult learners are wiser than their younger counterparts and have usually figured out what it takes to succeed in the workforce. That's why they are back in school to capitalize on their wisdom. I found that all they ask of the instructor is for him or her to assure them that they are professionals in their field and have knowledge to give. The adult learners will do the rest themselves. The instructor does not need to teach work ethic or other life lessons. They make our job so much easier.
I have a large age group within my student population. The adult learners seem to have more motivation and more drive to get what they need from each and every class. These students also want to know that what they are doing is correct and that they have everything they need from the instructor. The evaluations of students must be fair and precise.
Hi Elecia,
Most adult learners look at time as being of the essence. They want to make every second count, and they want to produce quality work.
Patricia Scales
I absolutely agree. The adult learners are self-motivated. I find that they are great in small group projects because they don't have the personal time to procrastinate on the projects assigned. If they are given class time to work on them, they will keep the group on task to assure that little of their personal time is needed. Some of the younger students don't plan out their time as well and do not consider the amount of time from their personal lives the project may require.
I believe that allowing everyone to pull examples from their everyday lives is beneficial to all students but adult learners have a depth of knowledge that enriches the entire classroom.
Hi Daniel,
Continue to do a fine job of help your students keep their eyes on the prize.
Patricia Scales
Most of my students are adult learners. I relate to their motivation and enthusiasm because that was me just a few years ago. Adult learners tend to have their eye on the prize before they enter the classroom and part of my job is to make sure they do not lose sight of it.
I think adult students want to know how to apply what they are learning. They want to develop skills and knowledge which will be applicable in the workplace, rather than the theory behind what is being discussed.
They also like to have more structure and be able to see the path that the instructor is taking them. Most adult learners that I have dealt with like to have a structured setting so they know what is expected of them and they can take responsibility for their own learning.
yes i agree with that most of my student really want this. and are doing very well it there second chance for that 4.0
Yes, adult learners are always focused when they are in the classroom. They are mostly highly motivated in all aspects of learning.
Hi Margarita,
Sometimes we have to let our adult students know that it is okay to be less than perfect, if you really and truly gave it your very best.
Patricia Scales
I absolutely agree with, the fact the adults learners are very hard on themselves, and sometimes is easier to just set different scenarios, where they can detached themselves from the equation, therefore able to learn what is needed at the specific time
Hi Michele,
I agree! Most of our older students really strive to make excellent grades and have impeccable attendance so that they can have a feeling of accomplishment. I have been told by many older students that they wish they were serious about their education in their younger years as they are now. They really and truly want to learn all they can and do well.
Patricia Scales
I agree that they are much more motivated. Most of my students start their assignments early and work harder to excede beyond the requirements. They strive for the best grades and for perfect attendance. For most of them this is the biggest accomplishment they've ever signed up for.
Hi Daniel,
Most adult students are a lot more serious about their education because the understand time is of the essence. They do not have many more years to waste.
Patricia Scales
