Get Your Students Hired
I have been wrestling with the definition of an "adult learner" for quite some time. Our students seem to be more like immature learners. The students are the customer, and they deserve the best, quality education we can give them.
Hi Radha,
I have learned that some adult learners also like the encouragement, and some also need the encouragement.
Patricia Scales
Some adult learners are terrified of being in a classroom environment With a bit of encouragement such as "yes you can do it", " age is not a barrier", these same students who were on the verge of dropping, successfully make it through the course.
Hi Charles,
Instead of giving our students answers we have to coach them to get the answer themselves.
Patricia Scales
My students try to pump me for answers on the lab sheets. I challenge them with critical thinking. What does a word or concept mean?
Think about what they are asking you in the question? I see allot of comprehension struggles with students.
Hi William,
I too have found that some need help with how to study as well as how to manage their time.
Patricia Scales
I find adult learners usually need to get back into being a student. Some have been many years out of formal education,and have to relearn the methods they used throughout their frrmal educationionl experences.
Hi Minerva,
I love your perspective! I agree whole heartedly! I can tell you serve as an excellent role model for your students and expect a lot of your students. Keep pushing your students!!!
Patricia Scales
High expectations are the key. Students need to practice organization, hard work, responsibility, punctuality etc.--all the tools they'll need in the workplace. It is up to us to instill these values in them and expect nothing but their best in return. They also need to learn that the class will be challenging but that they can achieve their goals with determination and persistence. Nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy.
Hi James,
Sometimes our student are not good listeners, and as a result they suffer from not being a good listener. I have learned that students really hear what they want to hear.
Patricia Scales
Hi Chuck,
I agree! We as instructors must clarify our expectations so that students know exactly what is expected of them. We tend to get from students what we expect.
Patricia Scales
That seems like a good approach. Sometimes you tell them what is expected and they don't listen so the effort appears wasted on some.
I have been teaching for 25 years also. At times I felt or students were miles from being an adult learner. They failed to do asignments timely or at all. Felt entitalled to everything and did not want to particpate.
Finnaly I relized I had the power to reverse this and place responsability on the student. During any introduction to courrse subjects I started including their position as a student, they were resonsible for their own involvement, timly compleation of asignments and class participation. Scores were earned no asigned. They had paid good money for the infoprmation and failure in these areas ment they did not leave with what they paid for. One day in a introduction I said "I provide, direct and explain, you recive and implament" that class turned into one of the best I've had. It seems most students just need to know what is expected of them.
Hi David,
I have seen a change in students over the 25 years I have been teaching. They do not have the same drive as students did 25 years ago. I have noticed now that most students have a sense of entitlement.
Patricia Scales
I stronly agree with you on that. ive been teaching for 15 years and students then had more motovation to learn they wanted to learn more then was in curiculum.some students nowdays want you to do the tasks for them or just tell them the answer, its like they dont try to use there brain, i make them think and answer questions individualy while performing there tasks to make sure they are getting what they are paying for and to help them in the field
Hi Scott,
Some of our students are not as mature as they should be. As educators we must do our due diligence to help them develop a sense of accountability. If they do no do what they are suppose to then they are reprimanded. Students must learn for every choice there is a consequence.
Patricia Scales