Tips for tutoring

 years old  Familiar with technology including recent changes and updates to both software & hardware  In college for the first time  Sometimes has part time job  Usually in school full time

 Over the age of 25  Has had a lifetime of experiences  Usually has established a career  Could be transitioning into a new career  May or may not be good with technology  This especially correlates with age: the older the student, the less familiar they are likely to be with technology  May or may not be familiar with the current educational environment  Relates to technology: May not be familiar with typical programs used in classrooms (such as Blackboard) & mediums for assignments (blogs, discussion boards, etc.)

 Malcolm Knowles theory on four common components of adult learning  Self-direction or autonomy as a characteristic goal  Breadth and depth of life experiences as content or triggers to learning  Reflection or self-conscious monitoring of changes taking place  Action or another expression of the learning that has occurred

 Knowles emphasized that adults need:  To be motivated to learn  To participate in setting their own goals  To learn in an environment which respects, is related to, and fully utilizes their accumulated wisdom attained through a lifetime of experience  To participate actively in the learning process  To share responsibility for planning, operating, and monitoring the progress of the learning experience

 Knowles emphasized that adults need:  To experience a sense of progress toward mastering their goals  To benefit from peer support and reinforcement, as well as individual attention  To participate in problem-solving exercises that simulate real-life situations

 Adult learners also have less time for education than traditional age students  Many are working full-time jobs during the day  Many have children who demand much of their time and attention Children can be active in a variety of activities: sports, clubs, etc.  Many participate in volunteer programs

 Adult learners may benefit from:  Time management: ability to manage time well; give them tips for doing assignments that will save them time  Note-taking: Encourage them to take notes in class and during tutoring to isolate the main ideas presented in class and tutoring sessions

 Adult learners may benefit from:  Test-taking skills: Give them strategies for test-taking that will help them evaluate test items, help them plan answers, and teach them how to delegate time allotment to test sections  Positive attitude application: Raise their confidence in their ability to learn and adapt to new learning environment  Awareness of learning style: Learning style is an understanding of how one processes new material and information. Encourage them to find their learning style (there are quizzes and tests available online) in order to tailor the techniques they use for learning to their own individual style and needs.

 Craig, Judith S. “Non-Traditional Age Students”. College of Reading and Learning Association Tutor Training Handbook. Pages