Interview with a Professional Teacher of Adult Learner

Crystal BrooksHE521

Dr. HeaterJanuary 4, 2014

Educational Setting

Formal Setting Adjunct Faculty member for an online

institution Previous experience teaching 6th – 8th Grade in

a traditional classroom

Andragogy vs Pedagogy

The biggest difference is classroom management

Behavior issues are not a concern in the adult learning environment

Knowles’ six assumptions of andragogy can also apply to children

Teaching Styles

Progressive (problem-solving)Socratic Method (discussion where questions

are asked and answered to promote critical thinking)

Challenges to Teaching in an Online Environment

The biggest challenge is time management. Adult learners are prone to distractions. They need to be focused in order to be successful.

Adult learners are very diverse. They can be learning at different levels. The challenge is get all of the students successfully learning the same things.

Many adult learners are apprehensive about using computers.

Challenges to Teaching in an Online Environment Continued

Adult learners go thru life experiences that could get in the way of their studies. They have a tendency to be more reactive than proactive when communicating with instructors.

Time Commitment can also been challenging. Majority of the online instructors work a full-time job and teach at the same time. Instructors can expect to spend 15 or 20 hours per week (grading, discussion boards, and one-on-ones with students).

Ways to Improve Online Learning

Promote the Classroom Community – it improves the social aspect by encouraging students to work together in groups.

Student Motivation – Encourage students by setting small goals that they an achieve throughout the course.

Advice for Novice Adult Educators

Learn to be yourselfDon’t go outside your boundariesPersonalize instructionAssess student needsBe willing to adapt

SummaryAndragogy:

Knowles six assumptions of andragogy (self-direction, experience, social roles, application, motivation, and reason for learning) is a great guideline for adult learning and can be applied in child settings as well. (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007)

Teaching Style:The teaching style is directly related to the

instructor’s teaching philosophy. (Galbraith, 2004)

Summary Continued

Online Instruction:Strategies for effective online instruction includes:

advanced access to materials; instructor presence; promote socialization; and quick feedback. (Smith, 2003)

Classroom Communities“In the context of online classrooms, community

has been defined as the connections among students and between students and instructors that lead to increased learning”. (Tunks, 2012, p. 3)

References

Galbraith, M. W. (2004). Adult learning methods: A guide for effective instruction (3rd ed.).

Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company.

Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.

References Continued

Smith, N. N. (2003). Characteristics of successful adult distance instructors for adult learners. Inquiry. 8(1), 1-11.Tunks, K. W. (2012). An introduction and guide to enhancing online instruction with web 2.0 tools. Journal of Educators Online. 9(2), 1-16.