BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULT INSTRUCTION Derrick Messer, Terri Tillman & Tanisha Washington UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX AET 520 July 7, 2014 Dr. Shannon Long

Introduction What are Best Practices? Best practice is a common term used within the field of education. It refers to the practice and techniques used to effectively facilitate learning. Best practices are always taking into consideration the different learning styles among students. These experiences or techniques promote a higher level of thinking for success in school and life. Best practices are an inherent part of a curriculum that exemplifies the connection and relevance identified in educational research. They interject rigor into the curriculum by developing thinking and problem- solving skills through integration and active learning. Relationships are built through opportunities for communication and teamwork. Best practices are applicable to all grade levels and provide the building blocks for instruction. Best practices motivate, engage and prompt students to learn and achieve. The following slides are a compilation of instructional strategies that enrich learning opportunities for students.

Encouraging Active Learning Description : Active Learning refers to a range of teaching and learning activities that engage the students in hands-on activities rather than passively receiving knowledge. Such activities can include brief question-and-answer sessions, discussions integrated into a traditional lecture, and hands-on activities. The types of active learning vary depending on teaching goals, the classroom context such as students' abilities, class size and the discipline. As you engage your students in learning, you will be deciding on the appropriate tasks, and also ways to set clear expectations, design effective evaluation strategies, and provide helpful feedback. Rationale : Research shows that active learning is much better recalled, enjoyed and understood. Active methods require us to 'make our own meaning', that is, develop our own vies of what we are learning. Active methods also: Give the learner feedback on their incomplete understandings and encourages them to seek assistance from peers or instructor when facing difficulties Give the teacher feedback on which learners understand, and who require assistance with the class Develop thinking skills such as analysis, problem solving, and evaluation Help learners to use their learning in realistic and useful ways, and realize its importance and relevancy towards mastering a specific subjec t

Encouraging Active Learning Application : Discussion in class is one of the most common strategies promoting active learning with good reason. If the objectives of a course are to promote long-term retention of information, to motivate students toward further learning, to allow students to apply information in new settings, or to develop students' thinking skills, then discussion is the preferred means to lecture. Several additional strategies promoting active learning have been similarly shown to influence favorably students' attitudes and achievement. One example, the instructor conducts a minute assessment during the lecture/discussion period in which each student is given two questions, has a few minutes to answer the questions and then turned into instructor. Instructor can go over the answers to get a sense of how the class is doing and then the next class the instructor goes over all the questions/answers with the class. Each student explains briefly their answers.

Inclusive Instruction Description : Inclusive Instruction is the integration of students with special needs into mainstream schools and classes, by equipping schools to meet the needs of all of its students. Rationale : Students with special needs were previously segregated into separate schools while isolated from their peers. Inclusive instruction removes those barriers and allows all students to be taught by the same teachers in the same school. Application : This best practice is applicable when students with special needs require instruction.

Perk up lectures and Involve Students Description : Perk up lectures and Involve Students is a useful technique used to help encourage active student participation and retention of lessons. Also known as the “pause” technique, after the instructor lectures for 15 minuets, the instructor should pause for two minutes while students pair up to review and true-up their notes and comprehension. Rationale : This technique helps students recall the material and encourages students to stay engaged in the class. Application : This strategy is particularly useful when students are bored, disinterested, disengaged, lack participation and need help retaining the material.

Lecturing Description: Lecturing is a great way to increase student engagement and involvement. Rationale: Instructors should only lecture for about 15 minutes before enforcing group discussion. Application: Lecture should prepare the adult learners for activities that involve actively participating.

Participation Description: This type of practice allows adult learners to become an active participant in their learning process. Rationale: Adult learners are able to actively play a role in the development of the curriculum and teaching methods. When adult learners are able to decide on the different teaching methods that would help the course to be successful, adult learners become more motivated to learn. Application: Student Centered Instruction develops during this practice. Adult learners view themselves as contributors to their learning versus their learning being administered by an instructor.

Conclusion Using best practices is beneficial for students and teachers. To survive in a new, globally competitive world, today's students will need creativity, problem-solving abilities, a passion for learning, a dedicated work ethic and lifelong learning opportunities. Students can develop these abilities through instruction based on Best Practice teaching strategies. Designing a curriculum and instructional strategies to include best practices will lead to increased levels of performance for students. Educators work to provide educational environments that are rich with opportunities to practice the tools necessary to succeed in school and life.

References Public Schools of North Carolina. (2006). Best practices: A Resource for Teachers. Retrieved from Florida State University Office of Distance Learning. (2012). An Easy (And Low-Tech) Method for Encouraging Active Learning in Large Classes. Retrieved from Bursuck, W., & Friend, M. (2009). Including Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers (5th ed.). Portland, OR: Allyn & Bacon, Inc. Angela, P. M. (1999). Perk up lectures and involve students. The Education Digest, 65(3), Retrieved from Werth, E. P., & Werth, L. (2011). Effective Training for Millennial Students. Adult Learning, 22(3),