Teaching Degree Programs

Consider how many people return to college each semester.  They are using Adult Education Services, accelerated studies, evening college classes, adult online classes, enrolling in continuing education degree programs and career training education programs.  Some take classes from their home or office, some still walk into the classroom with other students and an instructor. 

Now, think about all the reasons they are doing this.  Some are there to finish something they started before work, family, life took them down other paths.  Some are there to start their educational journey now that some other responsibilities have changed or gone away and they have the time.  Some are there for the enjoyment of contuning to be a life-long learner.  The vast majority however, are there to gain new knowledge in their efforts to become more valuable in their current positions, prepare for a promotion or in some cases, a complete career change.  Either way the expectation is that whatever you learn will be something that you will be, and should be, able to apply in your daily set of personal and professional circumstances.

One of the key differences in educational experiences between students who enter college right out of high school and the adult learner seeking education and career advancement hinges on two elements:

1. Experience - the student coming directly out of high school really is limited
                             in the level of experiences they bring to the classroom.  Most of
                             their learning has to be more directed and often includes the use
                             of case studies.  Case studies allow all students to share a common
                             set of experiences, usually with a known outcome, where the
                             proverbial "what ifs" can be explored through a guided lecture or
                             or assignment.  In the case of the adult learner, often coming to the
                             the class with years of work/life experience, they ARE their own
                             case studies.  They bring a unique set of circumstances, good and
                             bad, successful and not so successful, to the classroom.  They can
                             and should use these experiences as a tool in their educational
                             journey.
2. Focus - while the typical college student just entering college from high school
                      may have desires and aspirations that they firmly believe their pursuit of
                      an education will help them achieve, the adult learner, returning for
                      their education and career advancement desires tend to be very focused
                      and will willingly share their experiences with one another as part of their
                      overall classroom experiences.  They are very focused on what they are
                      learning and how they can apply that knowledge immediately, not at
                      some time in the future.  There is a sense of immediacy.

Keep in mind that every student, regardless of age or reason for being in class, has their own set of expectations.  Some take courses that are required simply because they are required, others zoom in on what are the lessons that will help them achieve very specific career goals.  In either case, the student and teach form a relationship that should result in the student knowing exactly how the lessons learned in that particular class can be used in their current situation.

When you participate in adult continuing education programs, for whatever reasons, remember that you have an obligation to apply your learning each and every day.  The best way to keep your knowledge current and viable is to use it.  

Remember to flex your knowledge muscles each and every day.....they are yours to apply and hone so the next set of learnings have a strong foundation to build upon.