I believe that the best way to teach and manage an adult learner class is through blended learning. Of course, there are methods and models for implementing blended learning -- from the flipped classroom, to the flex model. All of them are on the continuum of just how much time is spent online or in the classroom. Blended Learning can provide a unique way of not only engaging students in collaborative work and projects, but also personalizing and individualizing instruction for students.

However, there is still one piece that is missing from a great blended learning environment: engagement! As an experienced teacher of higher education students, I am familiar with the challenges of engaging students in class and lab work. Fortunately, the blended learning model still demands a kind of in-person, brick-and-mortar learning, so there is a unique opportunity to use this structure to engage students.

1) Leverage Class Projects with Collaborative Work

2) Create the Need to Know

3) Reflect and Set Goals

4) Differentiate Instruction Through class / lab Work

5) Use Tools for Mobile Learning

student focus

No one really enjoys going to a classroom where information is pushed at them in such a manner that makes them fall asleep.  When students want to come to class and are enthusiastic, they ask questions, the participate, everyone progresses and before you know it, class time is over and they are chomping at the bit to come to the next class.  

I like using a check on learning so they keep the information that is important and relevant.  Ask about the material they learned from the previous class meeting.  

Does anyone else use this type of approach?

Adult learners are different from young-just out of high school students. Some adult learners are intimitaded and I think it is the instructor's responsibility to help the adult learner to feel comfortable in class and to get them involved so that the anxiety and intimitation will subside.

It was diffuclt to learn about customer service

There is a fine line between being a mentor/instructor and becoming too friendly with students.  What students percieve is always different than our intentions

Great topic!

This was a great lesson and I will surely refocus and recharge my batteries.

This makes so much sense to me in regards to the adult learner. I have several adult learners in my class misxed in with you learners right after high school and there is bifg difference in how they take in information. 

I generally do this in each class as a group.  We go around the room and list all the different reasons that the students have decided to enter the program as well as their goals.  Then we list the obstacles that the students experience while in the program.  Then we discuss different ways to overcome those obstacles so as to not let them interfere with the important goals that the students have set. The entire class works as a team to help one another with whatever issues come up in this discussion.

ED 102- Student Retention discusses doing this in the beginning of the course as well as at the midpoint which I believe is a great idea and could prove to be very effective.  It not only holds the student accountable but it helps them to refocus on what it most important.

As a new instructor this has a lot of good points im ready to apply in the classroom

Interesting Content.  Helped build my teaching skills.  Integrated learning techniques with teaching applications.  Very helpful chapter.

When the holidays are approaching, I try to mention this to my students and create conversation with them around their breaks so they know that I care about their day and weeks.

I sometimes relate every day items to the lesson that helps the students learn a new concept.

How do I retake the final exam if I failed the final and passed all the quizzes

Why would you give the students multiple choices of assessment reults? 

How do you motivate adults that are in their mid-fourties and equally motivate a student who is twenty? When both are at the same level of learning.

Adult learners are unique and at the same time, they are students like everyone else, because their common reason for coming to school, is to learn and complete their education and their career

Student retention is hard; teacher retention and engagement is just as big a challenge! The things applied here towards students can also be applied to and for instructors.

Sometimes the student isn't the only one who doesn't feel like "showing up." As an instructor, I've been there too! It's important that even in those situations, we press on and fight for the joy we once experience and will experience. This is a good topic of discussion that I wish had more attention - teacher retention and engagement.