Learning from Adult Learners

05/08/2007

Peace is not just that absence of violence but the manifestation of human compassion.
Dalai Lama

In a recent review of course evaluations, I read the following added comment:

“[The Course Director] helps us to understand the course material very well, and she also gives us advice on how to be a good teacher and person.”

I reviewed the course evaluations shortly after I read some of the ongoing media coverage of the tragedies at Virginia Tech. I reflected on how lucky I was to have a Course Director who could provide content as well as wisdom.

As educators, it’s easy to focus on what isn’t right, what prevents students from getting a good grade, missed assignments, and extended absences. Typically, low performing students have a range of challenges to overcome, including previous academic performance, unstable housing, interpersonal stressors, and mental illness.

It’s challenging to find ways to support students to set and achieve their academic goals. Here are some principles that I hope will help in your efforts.

Know you students. Learn their names. Large class sizes do not always make this possible, but it should definitely be a goal. At 96 years of age, my grade 1 teacher still knows my name, and the names of my siblings. I think she may know the name of every student she ever taught.
Reduce (rather than build) barriers to success. Look for the B+ instead of the B-.
Look for ways to convey course material and model good citizenship.

Contributed by Laurie McNelles – Mothercraft

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