Classroom Management Training for Teachers of Adult Learners

Course Overview

INTRODUCTION
Is teaching adult students different from teaching children? Teaching adults in any setting are different from teaching children. The adult learners are there by choice. The teacher becomes the leader of a group of individuals from different backgrounds, learning levels, experiences, and expectations. Today’s classroom setting is very different from the classroom setting of many years ago when the teacher was the expert, and everyone sat in a chair and listened to the teacher lecture for hours. The students were responsible for taking notes, learning the materials, and taking an exam before the end of the grading period. Many students were not sure if they passed the exam or passed the class until the student received their final grade.

I taught college classes for many years and I can relate to my experience as a novice faculty member. I was hired to teach several classes in my field of expertise. I was so excited. I was given an overview by the dean of the college in a workshop. I took notes. I was told I had to be responsible for keeping up with my students. I received a textbook, a syllabus, a student roster, and schedules of my classes. Nervously, I went home and begin putting together my curriculum, an outline of all the topics I would discuss; and a major presentation for my students.

It was through trial and error and adjusting my approach to reach my adult students when I learned how to teach and retain my students. I remembered the way I learned as an adult. I remembered how much time and energy went into my work, my classes, my family, and other activities. As a brand-new faculty member, I decided to incorporate some of the methods I learned as an adult student returning to school after many years of being away from school. I realized the sacrifices I made to complete my college degree. It became my goal to reach and teach my adult learners.

How much information is remembered after two weeks? According to Edgar Dale, only ten (10) percent is remembered of what is read. Twenty (20) percent of what is heard is remembered after two weeks. Thirty (30) percent of what is seen by viewing all still images is remembered after two weeks. Fifty (50) percent of what is seen and heard by watching a movie, viewing an exhibit, observing a demonstration, or observing an action on location is remembered in two weeks. Seventy (70) percent of what is said by participating in a discussion or giving a presentation is remembered after two weeks. Ninety (90) percent of what is spoken and experienced is remembered if you are executing a drama presentation or simulating a real experience is remembered after two weeks.