Adult learners
In this respect, it's important to understand the five principles of teaching adults. It's important to know how adults learn. Adults learn best when: They understand why something is important to know or do, they have the freedom to learn in their own way, and learning is experiential. Respect that Your Students Have Different Learning Styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners rely on pictures, and one can best communicate with them by providing handouts, writing on the white board, and using phrases like, “Do you see how this works?†Auditory learners listen carefully to all sounds associated with the learning, and one can best communicate with them by speaking clearly, asking questions, and using phrases like, “How does that sound to you?†Kinesthetic learners need to physically do something to understand it, and one can best communicate with them by involving volunteers, allowing them to practice what they’re learning, and using phrases like, “How do you feel about that?†Allow Your Students to Experience What They’re Learning. Experience can take many forms. Any activity that gets your students involved makes the learning experiential. This includes small group discussions, experiments, role playing, skits, building something at their table or desk, writing or drawing something specific – activity of any kind. Activities also keep people energized, especially activities that involve getting up and moving about. The other aspect of this principle is honoring the life experiences your students bring to the classroom. Be sure to tap into that wealth of wisdom whenever it’s appropriate.
Donald,
In the past, we have not thought traditional students learned that way. Now, we do as they have taken the same learning characteristics as others. This is not the case. Projects and assessment tools must have a purpose which students understand.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Isn't this the way every creative person learns? An individual has to know why something is important to know, and they decide how they will learn the material. If one respects other people regardless of their age, is it not the best way to teach someone? I think so.
Lois,
Great point. You have to build in small victories for them so the confidence builds. It doesn't hurt the traditional students either.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Adult learners have often been out of the classroom for a long time and feel ill at ease and lacking in confidence. Building their self concept is an important aspect of effective facilitation.
Vimlarani,
True, you need to tap into their wealth of knowledge. You want to make sure nontraditional students don't use the lack of technology skills as a crutch not to learn it. I have seen that happen!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
