1. Helping the Adult Learner Kathleen Phillips Kanawha Valley CTC kphillips@kvctc.edu Gretchen Beach Marshall University beachgr@marshall.edu

2. Who are adult learners?

3. Andragogy “The methods and techniques used to teach adult learners” Malcolm Knowles, an American Adult Educator, posed the following six assumptions 1.Adults need to know the reason for learning something (Need to Know) 2.Experience (including error) provides the basis for learning activities (Foundation). 3.Adults need to be responsible for their decisions on education; involvement in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-concept). 4.Adults are most interested in learning subjects having immediate relevance to their work and/or personal lives (Readiness). 5.Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation). 6.Adults respond better to internal versus external motivators (Motivation).

4. Language of the learner Illiteracy is frustrating and intimidating RESPECT is key Speak as equals Sit with, don’t stand over Relate their experiences & knowledge to the task at hand

5. Goals Task-based learning vs. subject-matter learning Goals which can be reached Broken into smaller tasks if necessary Everyone loves to cross the finish line – ACCOMPLISHMENT is key

6. No The greatest statement and complete sentence summed up into one word Don’t be afraid to use it CONFIDENCE is key

7. The worst thing an adult learner can say is… “I won’t.”

8. Resources for Students Youtube – I Am Penn State Videos of various adult learners at PSU talking about their experiences and successes, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmKull9TA2A&list=PL5B00E1473F7C63B5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmKull9TA2A&list=PL5B00E1473F7C63B5 American Council on Education: Adult Learners http://www.acenet.edu Lists of library/school specific FAQ’s Study guides & Strategies http://www.studygs.net/adulted.htm Veteran’s resources IAVA.org, www.thesoldierproject.org,www.thesoldierproject.org The Self-Directed Student Toolbox: 100 Web Resources for Lifelong Learners http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/the-self-directed-student-toolbox-100-web-resources- for-lifelong-learners/ http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/the-self-directed-student-toolbox-100-web-resources- for-lifelong-learners/

9. Resources for Instructors Tips for Teaching Adult Students http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/tips-for- teaching-adult-students/ http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/tips-for- teaching-adult-students/ Andragogy: what is it and does it help thinking about adult learning? http://infed.org/mobi/andragogy-what-is-it-and-does-it-help-thinking-about-adult- learning/ http://infed.org/mobi/andragogy-what-is-it-and-does-it-help-thinking-about-adult- learning/ 10 Characteristics of Adults as Learners http://www.hccs.edu/hcc/System%20Home/Departments/Teaching_and_Learning_Re sources/CTLE/Faculty_Professional_Development/learner_centered_workshop/Ten_ Characteristics_Adults-Learners.pdf http://www.hccs.edu/hcc/System%20Home/Departments/Teaching_and_Learning_Re sources/CTLE/Faculty_Professional_Development/learner_centered_workshop/Ten_ Characteristics_Adults-Learners.pdf 5 Tips from a Teacher of Adult Students http://adulted.about.com/od/andragogy/tp/5-Tips-From-A-Teacher-Of-Adult- Students.htm http://adulted.about.com/od/andragogy/tp/5-Tips-From-A-Teacher-Of-Adult- Students.htm Youtube Videos like “Adult Learning Concepts in Under 3 Minutes” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lvkJhXnEZk