I enjoyed your post, Alisha. Not only because of the valuable information, but because I got to know you a bit better. I am glad you also selected to present your post via video.
The adult learner is unique in his prioritization of education among life's other responsibilities. It's critical for the educator to recognize and consider this in planning course schedules and placing demands on students. Although deadlines are important, so is flexibility and understanding. I think, with adult learners especially, it's necessary to understand that they are aware of the importance of assignments and have a great desire to excel in demonstrating their knowledge and, more often than not, strive to overachieve. Typically, when deadlines are missed, it is not because of procrastination or laziness but because of conflicting priorities and responsibilities.
As an online instructor, I think you will be successful in engaging and motivating your adult students because of your understanding of their unique characteristics.
I can also identify with the Adult Learning Theory. I do want to know how what I am learning applies to my career. I also draw from my experiences to connect with my current classes. I have family, job, and church responsibilities. Balancing all of the responsibilities I have creates stress when "bumps in the road" occur. While I like to see my grades, I also find I prefer actual feedback on assignments. I find it more meaningful to know how I could improve. It is strange to me that parents of some students seem to be more focused on their student's grade, rather than the feedback. This was true when I was in the brick and mortar, and I see it still occurs from time to time in the online environment. This is not always the case, but it still occurs from time to time. As adult learners, however, if it were their assignment, they would probably be more concerned about feedback and improving the work.
I enjoyed your post, Alisha. Not only because of the valuable information, but because I got to know you a bit better. I am glad you also selected to present your post via video.
ReplyDeleteThe adult learner is unique in his prioritization of education among life's other responsibilities. It's critical for the educator to recognize and consider this in planning course schedules and placing demands on students. Although deadlines are important, so is flexibility and understanding. I think, with adult learners especially, it's necessary to understand that they are aware of the importance of assignments and have a great desire to excel in demonstrating their knowledge and, more often than not, strive to overachieve. Typically, when deadlines are missed, it is not because of procrastination or laziness but because of conflicting priorities and responsibilities.
As an online instructor, I think you will be successful in engaging and motivating your adult students because of your understanding of their unique characteristics.
Alisha,
ReplyDeleteI can also identify with the Adult Learning Theory. I do want to know how what I am learning applies to my career. I also draw from my experiences to connect with my current classes. I have family, job, and church responsibilities. Balancing all of the responsibilities I have creates stress when "bumps in the road" occur. While I like to see my grades, I also find I prefer actual feedback on assignments. I find it more meaningful to know how I could improve. It is strange to me that parents of some students seem to be more focused on their student's grade, rather than the feedback. This was true when I was in the brick and mortar, and I see it still occurs from time to time in the online environment. This is not always the case, but it still occurs from time to time. As adult learners, however, if it were their assignment, they would probably be more concerned about feedback and improving the work.