Elise Schutte

There was a lot of good info here that related to things I already do in my courses. We teach subjects that combined creativity and technical skills, so it's a constant balance to maintain and be aware of how each group of students is learning each month and finding ways to adapt. 

I learned that paying attention to how students respond and communicate can help us recognize when they may be struggling or need additional support. Sometimes using a different explanation can make all the difference in helping a student.

Your passion for the topic you're teaching is indeed infectious. I use this trait all the time and it works, sparks questions and the students that intend of learning and engaging get excited along with you.  This also works in when working with others in the studio, enthusiasm and total immersion in the task turns the job into a passion.

The "why" approach works very well but helping students want to understand this is the harder part. Encouraging communication and looking for teaching moments helps break down the info in the courses and encourages students to ask questions or even just comments on things. 

I learned that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can both play an important role in helping adult students succeed. I think connecting assignments to students' personal interests and career goals, while also providing encouragement and positive feedback, can help keep them engaged. In my courses, I try to provide teaching moments and relate various things in the assignment to a real world example.

I learned that giving adult learners more freedom in their learning can help them feel more involved and take responsibility for their progress. I think it's important to find a balance between letting students explore their own ideas and providing enough structure and guidance, especially when teaching some of the technical skills that build on each other.

I learned that creating a welcoming learning environment goes beyond the physical classroom, which is why clear communication, organized materials, and setting expectations early are important in our online environment. Making students feel comfortable when asking questions goes a long way.

I learned that adult learners are often motivated by a practical goal and also if what they're learning applies to their real-life situations. I think it's important to make the material we teach relevant, rather than just presenting information without context. Adults also bring their own experiences into their learning process, so finding ways to keep the material useful can make a big difference.