Cornelius CashCHEP

Adult learners are a unique breed.  They often bring basic skills in critical thinking and problem solving to the classrom learned from personal experiences in the workplace. Many are gainfully employed and need the Bachelors or Masters degree to meet promotion requirements.

It may be unrealistic to address each style of learning during a short teaching session.  I try to incorporate slides, quizzes, games, and discussion to every teaching session.  Depending on student response I will spend more time on the activity that promotes the greatest student envolvement.  This has worked out well by encouraging adult learners to participate in one or all of the activities.

New instructors generally lack experience and class management skills even though they may be content experts.  New instructors should be required to shadow an experienced instructor the first time teaching.  The new instructor will be able to get pointers on effective class management techniques that can be applied when the new instructor steps out on his/her own.