As an experienced teacher as well as an experienced adult learner, it is very important to encourage "belongingness" to adult students. Many times, the nontraditional learner feels out of place. By reinforcing their decision to be an adult learner, you greatly help with retention.
In addition, as an instructor, it is of the utmost importance to get to know your students. Learning what their prior life experiences are helps connect your academic goals to their life goals and helps relate the new learning with their current knowledge and understanding.
