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Characteristics of Adult Learners & Teaching
Strategies
The roles and responsibilities of adult students are
significantly different than the traditional 21-year old college student.
- They may be experiencing such age-related problems
such as diminished hearing or eyesight.
- They may come with or without the academic skills
that most faculty members expect.
- There is a body of knowledge for adult learners known
as andragogy.
There are five specific areas in which adults learn
differently than young people:
- Demands of learning
- Role of the instructor (i.e., anxious)
- Life experiences
- Purpose for learning
- Permanence of learning
Additionally, there are four keys to teaching adults:
- Let adults direct themselves in the instructional
process
- Integrate new information with previous experiences
- Make sure the information is relevant
- Make sure the information is readily useable for the
learner
Tips and Techniques for Teaching Adults
- Use problem oriented instruction. Case studies,
simulations, problem-solving groups make the instruction relevant to their
situation.
- Instruction should be about tasks not memorization of
content.
- Instructors need to put their egos aside and not be
afraid to have ideas and instruction challenged. Don’t be afraid to give up
control.
- Make the environment comfortable and leave time for
breaks (every 45-60 minutes)
(source: Rosemarie Russo, Dean, Biological & Health Sciences &
PE)
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