Positive Learning Strategies for Adult Learners

ADULT LEARNERS JR Polzien

Objectives Setting the stage for positive learning Model behaviors Be a Guide/Role Model IPAT Elements of Instruction (Introduce, Present, Apply, Test) Change it up Engagement

Setting the Stage Recognize the things out of your control, students will have: Good days, bad days Behavior problems (Yes! Even adults) Ability may have great ability and lack motivation Motivation isn t fixed --- What are some ways you use to motivate your students? Attitude isn t fixed --- How can you help adjust a student s attitude? You can can control your attitude and the atmosphere you create for your students! httpswww.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJ7cRwKI-I

Setting the Stage Classroom Management: Expectations raise the bar to a high level and students will rise to the level you expect Have students participate in identifying expectations or classroom rules (being respectful, being on time, do not talk over another speaker, etc.) Set clear goals be prepared for class, have all materials & list objectives on board

Setting the Stage Provide short bursts of information research shows that we can only stay focused/retain information for 20 minutes Change delivery every 20 minutes mix it up : lecture, games, activities, videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LdEwYDDJBg Time management schedule enough time for students to obtain the information and allow for discussions

IPAT Introduce Introduce A great introduction to a lesson will hook them. Start with a question or fact that will blow them away: Nurse aide jobs were established during WWII American Red Cross Volunteer Nurses Aide Service Show your interest and love for the subject if you are excited, they will be too! Present Present The classroom is the stage and you, the instructor have the leading role Do not overdo use of PowerPoint, DVDs or Transparencies Have places to stop, set up discussion questions and assess grasp of content being presented

IPAT Apply Apply - Demonstrate what has been presented in the lessons Labs/Hands on projects Skill practice and check offs This will be a time to identify understanding may require additional teaching to touch different learning preferences. Classroom is a Safe Place! Students should know they can learn from failure, too!

IPAT Test Test Anxiety Review games, songs, group study time, allow time for questions Knowledge checks pop quizzes, bell ringers, Kahoot (may not be for a grade, but will let you see where they are) Be honest about what is on the test! Listen in class you ll make a C . Take notes and listen in class, you ll make a B Take notes, listen in class and read textbook, you ll make an A

Learn to Be a Guide Tell me about your teachers when you were young! Be their Guide or Model: If you are early, students will be early If you do not want students to use cell phones, don t use your cell phone. Always be a leader! Students look up to you and mimic your actions! They want to please their instructor model great behavior. Student learning preferences vary get to know your students. Be flexible to promote student success.

Change it Up Keep lessons fresh Lectures 20 minutes at a time and then do something different Guest Speakers - students hear you everyday, they ll enjoy hearing from an expert in the field Student Presentations this will allow you to see how they are processing information and help to build their confidence in their knowledge and ability to speak to a group Discussion create questions, let them draw from a hat and discuss, you facilitate Questioning when lecturing, always ask questions. Try to answer student questions with a (leading) question. This helps them find the information on their own, in their own way. Role Play Provide lanyards with role and description

Fun Engagement Lecture assign a student to serve as timer to keep you on track Pictionary Students turn what they have learned into a picture and other students have to identify (both have to know the information!) What fun things do you do to mix it up and keep your adult students engaged and active learners?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQOnCXwx2FE

Reference Meyer, L.A. (2005). Teach! The art of teaching adults. Hayword, CA.