Online Adult Learners
As online educators to mainly adult learners, we still have to be able to apply the subject to their current goals or past experiences. Adult learners need the WHY in their day to day push towards their degree. I usually include a weekly announcement that is reflective of the current topic to the news or a specific job or industry. How do you keep the weekly topics relevant for online adult learnes?
Lara,
I think that instructional immediacy can help build teacher/student relationships that bolster learning and confidence leading to a more positive outcome for the student. When teachers make a connection with the student, it shows the student that the faculty member takes a vested interest in their learning. This can show the student the support system they need to learn the material to achieve their short term and long term goals. If not already occurring, the student may begin to be more interested in their learning. As interest grows, students will be more willing to put in the time to learn the material. If things progress in this manner throughout the course, the student will achieve the desired outcome.
Juliet,
It is nice that these non-traditional students really want to learn.
Shelly Crider
I have a lot of adult-learners in my course...probably more non-traditional than traditional. I find their skills to be varied, as is the amount of time they have to dedicate to the course work. In most cases I find them more dedicated than the traditional student, maybe because they are just happy to be back in a learning environment, or maybe because THEY are actually paying for it. I know it motivated me LOL. I like to incorporate my learning towards those students, I find it challenging AND rewarding!
Lara,
I agree that adult learners need the why in pushing toward their degree. I also agree that current events are a good idea in showing the relevance of discussions. As an instructor, I will generally try to relate topic areas to students by asking about their personal experience with the topic being discussed. And I find most students feel much more comfortable in being able to share their experience in the class discussions. Such real life experience and examples allow them to better understand the concepts and application of the information.
I also bring current events to the classroom that I have either recently read or have heard in a recent news report. I then try to create topic area concepts that can be integrated with the discussion.
Sabahudin,
This is a nice post as it is indeed exactly what is needed!
Shelly Crider
Whatever we are studying should be applicable not just in class, but in the “real world†away from campus. I believe that if these two principles are upheld, the learning ceases to be a chore or task, and becomes exploration of what it means to be living today.
In order to be able to perform as a teacher in this way, I have always challenged myself to learn and share new material, find new approaches to classical questions, and remove boundaries that have prevented certain groups of students from developing and progressing in the classroom.
Lara,
Yes we do need the WHY. It is very important to understand what we need and how to get there.
Shelly Crider
I do the same thing. I am not sure what else there is to do, other than perhaps ask students to offer their experiences that relate to class from their job.
