Adults often seek new learning experiences as a way to cope with specific life changes (marriage, promotion, new job, change of career). Because of the way work dominates our lives, 80% of any change is perceived as work-related even if it is not. Training programs should include strategies to help ease any tension. Adults also seek new knowledge because they have a specific use for the knowledge or skills; secondarily, it helps increase or maintain their self-esteem and provides pleasure. Therefore, education content should be tangible and measurable, focusing heavily on application, with the underlying theory structured into the application.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

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Over the past thirty years, education reform has transformed higher education in Ireland by making it more accessible for the general public. During this time, the needs of adult students have also dramatically changed. In order to remain relevant, institutes offering adult education in Ireland have been forced to adapt in order to become more flexible to cater for the needs of their students.

Educational institutions that offer flexible part-time courses provide adults who want to further their education with real opportunities for increased choice, convenience and personalisation when it comes to their studies. This allows the learner to choose when, where and how learning occurs. Flexible learning also recognises that different students have different learning preferences and requirements based on their unique circumstances.

Why do adults in Ireland choose Further Education?:

There are many reasons why more adults are choosing to further their education by signing up for flexible part time courses at various educational institutes throughout Ireland. Some have turned to adult learning as a way to upskill and stand out in a competitive job market after losing their job due to the current economic climate. Other students might still have their jobs but want to gain additional skills in order to become more valuable to their organisation. In other cases students may still have their jobs but are unhappy in their current career. In this situation, adult education provides them with the ability to acquire new skills to improve their lives without losing their monthly income.

If you are an adult who is interested in furthering your education, here is a bit of advice to help you on your way:

Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to your studies:
Whether you are a stay-at-home mum or have a full-time job, you’ll be able to find a variety of part-time and full-time courses suited to your lifestyle.

Do your research:
Start by searching the web to find institutions in your area that offer the courses that interest you.

See education as an investment:
Most courses are not free but the price of admission is well worth it if a course can help you further your career or break into a new industry or profession..

There has never been a greater need for adult education and the availability of flexible learning has been a priority for policy makers and those involved in. If adult education can make an important difference to Ireland as a whole, it can certainly make a positive impact on your own lifestyle too.

Adult Education Courses from http://www.BlueBrick.ie. BlueBrick lists courses from 14 Institutes of Technology in Ireland. Click the Brick

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Get Financial Help. Adults that return to college are much more likely than their traditional counterparts to do well in their classes. It is for this reason that so many scholarships and government grant programs exist to help people further their education. Adults have clear career goals, homes, and families to motivate them to do well in their classes, so they are a rewarding group for many organizations to support. Many employers even offer to reimburse employees for continuing education. Spend some time searching online for scholarships and grants, and ask your employer if they will subsidize your education. School is expensive, but scholarships and special programs can relieve some of the pressure of going back to school.

Keep a strict schedule. As an adult, you have many more demands on your time than a traditional college student. Most adult students are expected to keep up with their work schedules, family and social lives, and their home responsibilities on top of their educational pursuits. With all of these responsibilities, it is extremely important that you come up with a schedule to help you survive. Set aside blocks of time for study and blocks of time to spend with your family. Ask your family to respect your study time, and respect the time you designate as family time by spending it with your family.

Get your sleep. If you have children, you know all about sleep deprivation. When you miss out on sleep, crucial things can escape your notice, you can’t focus well, and you are cranky to boot. We’ve all seen the public service ads comparing drowsy driving to drunk driving. Would you take an important exam drunk? If you don’t get your sleep you can’t learn well and you won’t be able to remember what you’ve learned when it matters.

Delegate and learn to say no. When you add new responsibilities to your schedule, you will have to sacrifice some control in other aspects of your life. Learning to delegate and cut back will help you deal with the extra responsibilities. If you have children, you might want to teach them how to pack their own lunches, or if you have a large yard, consider hiring someone to cut your grass every week. Anything you can do to make it easier to focus on school will be an investment in your future.

Create a support group. You are not the only adult who has ever decided to go back to school. Find friends in your classes or online who are in your situation and commiserate together. You can even form study groups that will coincide with your busy work schedules and family lives.

Find out if your school offers programs specifically for adults. Often times, things like child care, career counseling, and tech courses are available to help adult students succeed in their schooling. Take advantage of all of the available programs you find.

The decision to return to school is life-changing, but dealing with a class schedule is a temporary inconvenience on your path to success. Keep your goals in mind as you face your challenges and get your family’s support. Furthering your education is not easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

Courtney Buell is a writer at Professional Marketing International. Prior to joining PMI, Courtney obtained a bachelors degree in Humanities and wrote for various print and online publications in Salt Lake City.

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Tell me, I may listen.

Teach me, I may remember.

Involve me, I will do it.

If we want adults to feel involved so that learning will occur, there are six training design steps that will achieve the necessary level of involvement and set them up for success:

1. Treat them with respect.

Many adults feel vulnerable in a classroom, due to: past unsuccessful learning experiences, concern about appearing foolish in front of others, or discomfort with the unfamiliar role of student.

§ Validate and address their concerns.

§ Value their knowledge and experience.

§ Dignify all learning styles.

§ Use a variety of learning activities and training aids to meet the needs of different learning styles.

Implementation Tips: Ask them questions rather than telling them answers they may already have. Also keep in mind that different learning styles respond better to different learning activities. For example, print learners learn best by reading or writing, while interactive learners learn best through discussion.

2. Make the content meaningful.

Adults tend to learn what they consider of benefit and importance.

§ Tailor the content to meet their needs.

§ Help them discover how the content will benefit them.

§ Teach practical, immediately applicable skills.

Implementation Tips: Build in a benefits question or activity early in the lesson that enables them to consider and articulate why the learning is important to them. This will increase the likelihood of their “buy-in” to the training. Keep the content and learning activities focused on real life application rather than theory.

3. Build on what they already know.

Adult learning and retention is increased when new ideas are grounded on information or skills they already possess.

§ Draw on their previous learning and experience.

§ Explain concepts with familiar examples.

§ Facilitate positive transfer and disconnect negative transfer.

Implementation Tips: Draw on any previous learning or experience that will provide a firm foundation for the new learning (positive transfer). For example, when teaching a new policy, reminding them that they received strong support during a previous policy change will make them more receptive now. However, if their previous experience with policy changes was negative (negative transfer), then show how this new change will be handled differently and more constructively.

4. Follow the building blocks of learning.

Most adults feel more comfortable in a learning situation when they have the pre-requisite knowledge and skills.

§ Teach to the desired level of learning.

§ Use learning activities appropriate for the learning levels.

§ Always check for understanding.

Implementation Tips: Bloom’s Taxonomy identifies six progressive learning levels: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, evaluation and creation. Certain learning activities are more appropriate at different learning levels. For example, lecture only achieves knowledge. In order to check for comprehension, there are a number of learning activities that can be used, including: discussion, a questionnaire, pop ups, or a case study, etc.

5. Make it easy to learn.

The adult brain is better at absorbing smaller amounts of information at one time.

§ Break complex concepts and skills into smaller segments.

§ Move from simple to complex.

§ Teach only a few things at a time during a learning segment.

Implementation Tips: Brain studies show that adults can learn 4-5 familiar and meaningful items at a time, but only 2-3 new items at a time if they are completely unfamiliar and meaningless. Given this fact, when teaching ten steps in a procedure, teach only 2-3 or 4-5 steps at a time.

6. Let them apply what they’ve learned.

Once adults have successfully used new skills in the classroom, they are more likely to use them outside the classroom.

§ Build their confidence and competence through appropriate practice.

§ Have them apply new skills to solve job-related problems.

§ Give them an opportunity to plan how they will implement their new learning.

Implementation Tips: Begin practice with a new skill by using a simulation and directed large group discussion facilitated by the trainer. Then have them practice the new skill in a different simulation within a small group, with assistance by the trainer when needed. Finally, have them independently practice applying the new skill to their own job-related problem. This should help them feel more confident about their competence, and thereby increase the likelihood that they will continue to use the new skill when they return to their jobs.

These six simple but powerful training design steps will ensure that adult learners will be engaged and involved in the learning process. Their involvement will increase the probability that real learning will occur and will be applied once the workshop is over.

Deborah Spring Laurel has been a trainer and a consultant in the areas of workplace learning and performance improvement for over thirty years. She has twenty years of experience as the President of Laurel and Associates, Ltd,, an international human resource development training and consulting firm that specializes in enhancing interpersonal dynamics within organizations. She has designed and delivered hundreds of different skill-building participant-based and accelerated learning workshops on various topics, all of which have been tailored to meet her clients’ needs.

Deborah taught management and supervisory topics for the Executive Management Institute and the Small Business Development Center in the School of Business at the University of Wisconsin- Madison for over thirty years. From 1998-2002, she consulted with J.J. Strossmeyer University in Osijek, Croatia to design the first Eastern European participant-based Masters Degree program in Entrepreneurship.

For a white paper on Learning Activities for Different Learning Levels, see her website. For information about her workshops and consulting services, please visit her website at http://www.laurelandassociates.com or contact Deborah directly at (608) 255-2010 or dlaurel@laurelandassociates.com.

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However, there are other options available to adult students. The first thing you could look at are the available scholarships from the company you are working for. Most big companies have continuing education programs that support their workers who would want to improve their career chances by going back to school. Of course, most of these scholarships are available in fields that are related to the industry where your company belongs.

You can also check the financial aid office of the school you wish to enroll in. Most schools have special programs designed for adult students. If the school you chose does not have such program, its financial aid department may be able to assist you identify sources for aid outside the school.

There are also several professional organizations that provide scholarships to adult students especially to women. If you are a member of a professional association, inquire from them if any scholarships are available. You may also inquire from other adult students you know who may have already benefited from scholarships. There are several websites you could go to which suggests programs that you may qualify for. Most of scholarship opportunities for adults are not highly advertised, so you would have to look hard to find these programs.

When doing your search for financial aid to continue your studies, check the deadline for submitting applications to these programs and act as quickly as you can in fulfilling the requirements, as these grants and scholarships are usually very competitive.

Get education with Grants, Scholarships and Financial Aid!
http://www.edu-grants.net/

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Do you have what it takes for teaching or training adults?

This article focuses on on a fundamental question you should ask yourself before starting out, ” Do I have what it takes?” Not an easy question to answer if you don’t know what your looking for, but let me help. While I’ve already said above that teaching and training adults can be a most gratifying experience, it can also carry with it a lot of responsibility, so it’s important that you save yourself any embarrassment and be sure that it’s for you.

The PEAK test

We’ve developed an acronym at the Irish Academy that helps identify four of the main characteristics that form the foundation of excellent teachers and trainers, it is the PEAK acronym and stands for

Passion, Enthusiasm, a willingness to help others develop, and Knowledge. Much of the research would indicate that these characteristics are what makes the difference between good teachers and excellent teachers. Lets have a brief look at them individually.

Passion

Passion can be the inner emotion, or feeling, which we associate with something we adore. A feeling that gives rise to commitment and actions and can inspire us from the moment we wake up. Without it, our efforts to teach or train others can become lifeless, and manifest in our physical behaviours and actions. Much of the Academic research, and research we have conducted at the Irish Academy, would show that the excellent teachers and trainers talk about this “inner feeling” that drives them towards wanting to share knowledge and skills to help others develop. The “inner feeling” that they talk about is passion

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is mainly portrayed in physical behaviour, as educators enthuse about their subject. Its the physical outpouring of eagerness and enjoyment, evident in teachers and trainers who present information in an animated fashion. It can be demonstrated through their body language in facial expressions, hand gestures and interaction with their learners as they engage them in their subject matter. An enthusiastic educator is much more likely to inspire and motivate their learners.

A willingness to help others develop

It is said that a willingness to help others develop can be one of the strongest beliefs and motivators for our existence on earth. It is one of the beliefs which I have adopted into my personal and business life, and to date it has not let me down. A willingness to help others develop, can be carried out in many ways, but I have chose to do it through the medium of training and educating so as to empower others and help learners towards realising their goals and ambitions. I find it is a key trait in many of the teachers and trainers who train at our college. A willingness to help others develop rates highly on the reasons why people choose a career in teaching or training adults.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the subject you are teaching is crucial to building rapport with, and gaining the respect from learners. This may sound like an obvious pointer but its amazing how many lecturers can underestimate its importance. Knowledge can also be key for building your confidence, as you are ‘confident’ when entering the classroom that you can answer any questions and deliver the information that your learners need to know. However, there’s a flipside to knowledge. Too much of it, and delivering information beyond what the learners need to know. Some lecturers can be guilty of ’showboating’ and trying to impress learners with all the knowledge they’ve acquired. Information to learners should be delivered at a ‘need to know’ level and relative to the aims and outcomes of the related programme or workshop.

Thanks

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I do hope you found it helpful.

If you are interested in teaching or training adults our next parttime programmes (Sundays, evenings or weekdays) commence in February, March and April. If you require any more information please visit http://www.teachertraining.ie

Next article

My next article will look at the interesting area of qualifications in Ireland for teaching and training adults

Talk soon,

D O K

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Working Adults Have a Need

Education has a profound impact on life. It sets direction, trains the mind, and cultivates discipline. Adults should be given access to this kind of education. The benefits of a college education go beyond just direction-setting, mind-training, and discipline-cultivating qualities. In fact, for adults, the benefits of a college education can be far greater than they are for younger adults. Especially if you are taking classes in the career you are currently working, a college degree will only help put you in the front of the pack. They can also improve their position within their present organization. A college degree is a great leverage tool when wanting to improve their salary. There are so many advantages involved in keeping your mind sharp and developing new interests.

But Working Adults Face Challenges

For all its possible glories, though, adults face a challenge in earning a college degree. Full time work is, after all, full time. Talk of earning a degree or going back to school is just about as ethereal and unrealistic as winning the lottery. Time? Money? It’s just not available. Besides, who can fit an unwieldy college class schedule into the 9-5 work day of most American adults?

For Working Adults, There Is a Solution

Finally, in our digital age, we’ve reached a point where many schools are realizing that there is a solution. Colleges are answering the call of those looking for alternatives and online degree completion programs are fitting that need. Through an online degree completion program, working adults can watch lectures, participate in class discussion, work on class projects, take tests, and gain the whole-package education experience—all online. The main problem that faces adults wanting to return to school is their schedule.

Online programs allow their dream of a college degree to come true by giving them the opportunity to work around that schedule. Not only is the time benefit huge, there is also an upside in the area of tuition costs. By not having to travel to the campus and already having access to the Internet, you are cutting down hugely on overall costs. Online degree completion programs allow students to to as many courses or few as they can handle. You are able to work at your own pace, take the classes you can afford, and finish on your time table.

Many more working adults are experiencing the benefits of college educations due largely in part to online degree completion programs. It allows them to “go” to class while still providing for their families.

Johney Maron, part time author, is interested in college student ministries and education. Colorado Christian University provides students with the education they need to make it in today’s world by arming them with the proper tools. From Adult Degree Completion to Graduate Degree Programs, CCU makes every effort for students to obtain the education they need.

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One of the most common concerns is that adults with real world experience who are used to working with people their own age don’t want to be surrounded by people who aren’t “on their level”. They assume everyone is significantly younger than them, and can’t relate to their experience. On the contrary, colleges are filled with students from diverse age backgrounds. According to Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest college student loan company, students 22 and older make up 58% of the college population. It’s not hard to find adults returning to college who are working on the same goals as you. Even as an adult, you will learn new facts that will help you in your life.

Many adults returning to college know the benefits of completing their education. Yet, they still hold themselves back from enrolling in college courses. They reason that they are too busy, they have a family, and they already have a full-time job.

Professional adults and people who are trying to open up new opportunities for themselves can take advantage of the flexibility of course schedules that are making the college experience more convenient for adults returning to college. They can take an online, evening or weekend class. They don’t have to take more than one class at a time if they don’t want to. They are encouraged to move at their own pace. After all, the point is to take time to really study and learn as much as you can, not just to get it over with.

The ultimate reason from keeping anyone from doing anything extraordinary like seeing the ancient pyramids, starting their own business, or getting a college degree is the money issue. Everything costs money, so why not use it for something that will enrich your life or make you more money in the long run?

Non-traditional students, like adults returning to school or starting a new career, can find money in federal, state, and community programs that have free money set aside for adult learners who meet certain requirements. The admissions and financial aid process can be a confusing and frustrating experience; there are counselors and people available to guide you through the process.

Are you going to be taking courses in anything relating to your current job or industry? Ask your employer if they have tuition reimbursement programs that you can use to help ease your college money woes.

Dave Freeman is a staff writer at GetRetrained.com. GetRetrained.com is linked with hundreds of schools throughout the nation. After you have chosen a new career path to begin, we connect you with training programs in your area. Our exhaustive list allows you to view several schools and review what they have to offer. From helping you select another career path, to linking you with a school in your area, to helping you find a job, we at GetRetrained.com are here for you every step of the way.

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Adult Learner Cognitive Characteristics

Generally speaking, most adult learners share the following characteristics:

- Tend to be self-directed and want control over their own learning

- Have self-imposed cognitive barriers due to years of academic failure and lack self-confidence

- Can be resistant to new ideas or approaches-are less open-minded than youth

- Under-estimate their ability to learn

- Desire pragmatic and relevant instruction that they perceive as valuable

- Are intrinsically motivated – Interpret new learning in the context of old learning

- Learn at a slower pace than that of youth

- Are very concerned about the effective use of their time Adult Learner Social Characteristics Generally speaking, most adult learners share the following characteristics:

- Can be resistant to group work

- See teachers as peer partners in the learning process

- Demand teacher availability and easy access

- Want flexibility and see learning as secondary to other pre-occupations in their lives Adult Learner Instructional Strategies

Adult learners need to be actively included in their own evaluation of assessment data. Students set personal goals and use learning activities that directly address assessment deficits and demonstrate incremental progress toward their short-term and long-term goals. Reading workshops can easily be individualized to allow adult learners to work at their own pace.

A few talking points may be helpful to bolster the confidence of adult learners and to provide the motivation needed for success:

- “Unfortunately, some of your past reading instruction was poor; it’s not your fault that you have some skills to work on.” a.k.a. “blame someone else”

- “You can learn in this class. If you come to class willing to try, you will significantly improve your reading, I promise.” I will be flexible and work around your schedule.

- “I know you have tried before, but this time is different.”

- “You will be able to chart your own progress and see what you are learning in this class.”

- “Don’t give up. Adult learners can learn. Although they sometimes learn a bit more slowly than children, they learn at a deeper and more memorable level. The pay-off will be huge for you when you complete this class.”

Mark Pennington is an educational author, presenter, reading specialist, and middle school teacher. Mark is committed to differentiated instruction for the diverse needs of today’s remedial reading students. Visit Mark’s website at http://www.penningtonpublishing.com to check out his free adult learners teacher resources and books: Teaching Reading Strategies, Teaching Essay Strategies, Teaching Grammar and Mechanics, and Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.

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First, let me explain why most adults need to either go to college or get the online education.

One: Trying to advance in your career.

Two: Seeking a raise.

Three: Enjoy learning and acquiring new skills.

These are the most common reasons that motivate adults to further their education. Even if you don’t fall under one of these three categories you may still have your own personal reason for wanting to get more education. So what choice should you make about how you get that education?

If you like to learn in a college environment then you may want to choose this option then. However, for those of you who don’t like this environment and prefer to learn on your own, then you will want to choose the online adult education class. The choice is really up to you and how you learn better.

There are many benefits to getting your education online. These include but are not limited to lower costs, you don’t have to travel and you will have access anytime you need it. These are just a few of the benefits but they are important for the adult learner to know. When you are an adult who has to further your education you are probably going to have to juggle your studies along with a full time job. Getting an online education will definitely make that much easier for you.

Here are the characteristics that you must have if you are going to be taking an online adult education class.

Firstly, you need to have a computer and internet, and know how to use it. Otherwise you will end up struggling with your assignments.

Secondly, you will need to be able to learn through written words because you won’t have an instructor to help you most of the time.

Thirdly, you will also need to be a self motivating person. No one will be around to tell you what needs to be done or when it needs to be done. This will totally depend on you.

When you choose an online adult education class you will have to be able to work in solitude. You also won’t have to worry about having to speak in a classroom full of people you don’t know. Another advantage is that you will have more time to think over your answers before sending in your written answers. So these may all be really good reasons for you to choose online education if you have the characteristics to make it work for you. Learn more about adult education classes at www.eighttips.com.

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