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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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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The franchise that you choose will give you many kinds of advantages that you like to have. As a user, you can utilize their easy to use search tools to locate a franchise that fits your specific desire and criteria that you need in it. The services in this site is provides you with an informative on-line web brochure with detailed information about the concept with photos in each franchise or business opportunity that they offer in the franchise for sale services that they provide for you. This is a fantastic website for folks looking to own their own franchise or business that they need.

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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- Asia
- Middle East
- Europe
- Latin America

Is it Too Late?

Students all over the world may be studying English as a second language – whether it is a requirement or not, but what about adults? It is common knowledge that it is much easier to learn a language when one is very young and still developing early language skills. In fact, the very best time to pick up any language is actually before five years of age. Does this mean that it is virtually impossible for anyone over the age of 5 (or 10 for that matter) to learn a new language such as English? The answer is very simple – no. It may be a bit more difficult and unnatural for an adult to learn English, but it is definitely not too late. It may require more work, studying and practicing for an adult to truly learn English, but it is by no means impossible.

Factors in Learning

There are many different factors that will influence the level of ease or difficulty each individual will experience when learning English as an adult. Some of these include age, disposition, behavioral attitudes, native language, frequency of practice, etc. Generally speaking, the greater the amount of time that is spent on studying and practicing English, the quicker and more thoroughly the language will be learned. This is true of any foreign language that is studied – not only by adults, but also by youth and children.

Adults Learning English in the U.S.

There are a great number of immigrants, visitors and students in the United States who wish to learn to speak, read and write English. Below are some things that are known about the adult English language student population.

- Native Tongue

The majority of individuals who speak a language other than English at home speak Spanish (60%). The second most prevalent language is Chinese. The remaining eight of the top 10 languages spoken are (in descending order) French, German, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Italian, Korean, and Polish (U.S. Census Bureau, 2003).

- Level of Education

Adult English learners have a wide variety of educational backgrounds, ranging from no education at all to advanced degrees.

- Ability to Speak English

The English speaking ability of adults learning English will typically range from low beginning, with means the individual has limited opportunities to use English outside of class, to high advanced (near native proficiency). Most English language learners enrolled in adult education programs for English are in beginning literacy or beginning ESL classes.

Conclusion

With so many adult students of the English language (in the United States and all over the world) it is easy to see that learning English as an adult is definitely possible. It is very encouraging to see that no matter what age or station in life one is in, it is never too late to learn even a complicated language such as English.

Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills with our online English courses. Online English school is dedicated to helping students achieve their English language goals.

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Nevertheless, DSI Solutions will give you the best solution that you will never get if you join the other companies. This company will give you the best services that will give you easiness either to create your own credit card. Not only that, but this company, presented by this site, will give you the excellent access through the “fix my credit” options, if you think that there is something on your credit stuffs that needed to be fixed. One of the most advantageous things that you can get credit repair services in this company is that this company will guarantee you with your entire money back, if in one certain time you are not pleased with the services given, while the other companies will only give you only “some” of your money.

It enriches your standard of living. Continuing education can be done at any stage of your life. Many adult education centers are available for you to continue your education. It also enhances your job opportunities, if you had been unemployed for quite some time. National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) ensures any adult to continue education at any stage by providing a quality education.

NAAL states a steady progress in the rate in adult education in the nation. According to the report stated by the NAAL, the average literacy points rose 8 points from 1992 to 2003. The respective prose and document literacy level of African Americans has increased from 6 to 8 points. More effective and accessible options are now available in a much interactive way which has been developed by the educational department.

Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) helps Americans improve their life standards by helping them and offering a high quality of education. There are lots of people who have not been able to finish their degree or graduation as they wish to do. Many prefer to continue their education in schools. Those who need to obtain any degree in the later period can do it with the help of continuing adult education programs. Continuing adult education helps you get a better qualification, when you feel the degree you obtained is not enough. It helps you resulting in improvement in business, work culture, and family standard. The department of education improves adult education programs with lots of options and choices to adults who wish to continue their education.

Adult Education provides detailed information on Adult Education, Adult Education Schools, Adult Continuing Education, Adult Education Online and more. Adult Education is affiliated with Life Centered Career Education [http://www.e-CareerEducation.com].

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But how can I afford to go back to school when I’m need to make money every
day and support a family and pay for my house? No problem!

Today it is very easy to get a degree in many ways. A correspondence course
is one way to start. The Internet has also many courses for you to
choose. Every one of the possibilities has one thing in commom. You have to
be motivated. By choosing to take courses over the net or by correspondence
you can study whenever you want in your own tempo. You can study when you have
time to do it. The best however is to study every day.

You can easily split the courses and payments up in several parts that fit your
economy.

If you don’t like to study alone you can be networking with other people
thru the internet. That will make you feel less isolated than studying alone
at home. You do also have people around you to help you with the questions
you might have.

An education can even improve your health, and a number of research studies
have shown positive correlation between completion of higher education and
good health, not only for oneself, but also for own children.

Adult education can give you a better memory.
When you use your brain you will in fact get more braincells and can even
delay Alzheimers disease by keeping your brain more active. Adults have often
easier ways to pick up things since they are in fact more experienced in life.
Adult continuing educatione keeps you healthy and prevents brain deterioration.

It’s easier to get a new job. You could be selfemployed. In modern times you can
only expect to keep one job for a short time. You are going to need to retrain
for next job. Remember: You can’t be sacked if you are self-emplyed, but you can
get broke. It is best develope home business part-time until it is earning you
twice as much as your job. Then if you are retrethed from job you won’t care.

Why not go for a College Education?

More data and research shows that a college education not only increases a graduates
earning power but also opens new doors and opportunities that would not exist before
they completed their degree. A college graduate gets jobs easier also.

Where do I find information about schools, courses, internet studies and colleges?
Easy. Search Google. There are also several sites around the net that can help
you choose.

Online learning can be completely dynamic and engaging. Whether it is due to health,
excessive job travels, military personnel statoned overseas, or living in a remote
or rural area, contiuing your education and earning your degree online is possible.

Stein Pettersen, age 44, father of five. Working parttime on the net. Daytime work at a local diary as a buyer. Many interests. Writing about mostly everything from dog care to Search engine optimisation. Norwegian.

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Today’s jobs may entail the same responsibilities and rely upon the same levels of experience, but the good jobs usually require education and experience. Young people fresh from high school don’t have this combination; and many much older people, while experienced, lack that important piece of paper. For the typical adult in the middle of these categories, golden opportunity exists, but often only for the ones with a degree.

If this is the issue you face, you must decide. Is going back to school to get that paper worth it? Of course it is. It’s the only way to be competitive. But then anxiety sets in. Those nagging questions may plague you day and night. But what you don’t realize is, you’ve got it made before you even step foot through the doors! To help put your mind at ease, here is a rundown of just why there’s really no need to fear. After all, you really are on a whole different level in so many ways.

1. Can I do it this time? Sure, math seems like Greek these days, but most schools recognize this. When you decide to enroll in college, the school will likely ask you to take a few tests. This is actually a good thing. You won’t get a failing grade on your record and they won’t tell you you’re not good enough. Fact is, the tests are a great tool. If you’re strong in an area, it places you right up in the required courses for your degree. If you’re weak in an area, it lets you take a little developmental coursework to refresh your memory, give you new knowledge, and work you quickly into the curriculum you’ll need to undertake. Either way, you win. So no matter what you may think your abilities are, you can do it this time. Your school will make sure you get exactly what you need to navigate the courses at your speed. Even better, I don’t know of any legitimate school that doesn’t have free tutoring and counseling for students. Short of just ignoring the class altogether, there’s no way you can fail.
2. Can I afford this? The better question is, can you afford not to do this? All accredited, worthy schools have financial aid departments just waiting to help you understand how to finance an education. Financial aid staff are very happy to see you at school because they know you’re serious and are far less likely to do anything that would jeopardize whatever financial aid you get. It’s actually a simple process. You complete one form that every student completes, the “FAFSA” (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You simply fill in your demographic and financial information and submit, wait a few weeks, and the school goes to work putting together a financial aid package that will work for you. You can even complete this self-explanatory, simple form online in less than an hour. Your award amounts are based on the anticipated cost of education (including books and transportation costs) compared to your family’s previous year’s income. Think you don’t earn enough to go to school? The FAFSA will reflect that and the financial aid department can put together a package that is very fair, often covering everything needed by way of grants, loans, and scholarships. And if you made one amount last year, but don’t expect to make the same this year because you may decide to stop working or decrease your hours, you simply talk to a financial aid counselor, fill out a piece of paper that says just that, and they adjust your award package. Schools are so happy to have you there that they bend over backwards to get you whatever financial aid you may need, so no unexpected or added expenses to strain your household budget. Better yet, many schools have special scholarship funds available, and while they won’t tell you this, you are often first in line to be considered for these because you need it more, you meet certain criteria, or they just want to invest in adult students who won’t let them down. Simply ask or apply for it, because there is always some grant or scholarship money your school is willing and happy to give you. Just be sure to respect deadlines and show initiative. It really is that simple. Bottom line? You can afford this, no matter what your income bracket.
3. What about the kids? Every problem has a solution, and this is no exception. If your kids are still young and you care for them at home, you can either go at night or get part-time child care. After all, for a typical course load of 15 semester hours, you’re only physically in class an average of 3 hours a day. You don’t even have to schedule it so you’re there every day. You could go only 2 or 3 days a week and still be a full-time student; or, you could choose to pace yourself and be a part-time student going only once or twice a week. There are also distance learning, online, and “course in a bag” classes to eliminate this problem. All you need is access to a computer and the internet or a television with a DVD player. Simply get the materials, review at home, and do the assignments. Your professor or tutoring center is only a phone call or visit away if you need help. If your kids aren’t still young and at home, you can work your schedule around theirs. No matter how you look at it, your kids aren’t an impediment to your ability to go. You can work around that the same way you would as if you were going to a job. As an added bonus, you’re setting a great example for kids watching mom or dad get a proper education!
4. How will I work and still go to school? Schools offer day or night classes which you can work around your job schedule. There’s also the convenience of those online and “course-in-a-bag” classes you can do during your off hours. Or, you could consider cutting your hours back and going to school during the hours when you would have been at work anyway. No matter how you look at it, you can keep your job-if you wish-and still get an education because of the flexibility schools offer adult students today. Better yet, many employers value education so much, they will let you work around your school schedule and even offer incentives like helping pay for your classes or giving you a promotion upon completion.
5. Here’s the best part: Professors and traditional students love adult students. While they don’t necessarily view you as peers, they do view you as serious adults. Sometimes when you need special consideration, professors will give it to you because of your circumstances, even when they wouldn’t give it to others. They want you to succeed. They respect you for taking this leap. And they value the perspective and input you bring to the learning environment. They’re happier to see you there than anyone because it makes them feel that there really is somebody in class for whom they are making a difference-and that’s the reason they’re teachers anyway. And those young students? They’re no match for you. You’re on a whole different level. There’s no need to feel inferior or self-conscious because in reality, those kids look up to you. They respect what you’re doing. They want to be like you. If you look closely, you’ll even notice them following your lead or asking your advice.

So if you’re thinking about going back to school, “just do it!” There’s no argument against it that can’t be solved and every argument for it that makes it the best move you will ever make. You’ll be more competitive, feel better about yourself, and win the respect of everyone around you. After all, you truly are on a whole different level.

Shannon Smith Harwell is a former Supermom who now enjoys freelance writing, business consulting, and helping clients plan their cruise vacations. When she’s not bogged down with a million things to do trying to give her kids the best opportunities possible, she loves taking occasional naps (ahh!). She raised and home schooled two successful children singlehandedly while getting her honors degree day and night, working full time, and coaching at least two sports-one for each child-simultaneously year-round. But at the end of the day, she’s just “Mom” and that’s the best title of all.

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