Characteristics of Adult Learners

Adult learners are qualitatively different than younger learners. You certainly can “teach an old dog new tricks” by understanding the cognitive and social characteristics of adult learners. Using the right instructional strategies to maximize the learning advantages and address the learning challenges of adult learners can make all the difference in their success.

Adult Learner Cognitive Characteristics

1. Generally speaking, most adult learners share the following characteristics:
2. Tend to be self-directed and want control over their own learning
3. Have self-imposed cognitive barriers due to years of academic failure and lack self-confidence
4. Can be resistant to new ideas or approaches–are less open-minded than youth
5. Under-estimate their ability to learn
6. Desire pragmatic and relevant instruction that they perceive as valuable
7. Are intrinsically motivated
8. Interpret new learning in the context of old learning
9. Learn at a slower pace than that of youth
10. Are very concerned about the effective use of their time
Adult Learner Social Characteristics
1. Generally speaking, most adult learners share the following characteristics:
2. Can be resistant to group work
3. See teachers as peer partners in the learning process
4. Demand teacher availability and easy access
5. Want flexibility and see learning as secondary to other pre-occupations in their lives

Adult Learner Instructional Strategies

1. 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.

2. 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.”

Montessori Distance Learning – Comprehensive Training for Teachers of the Young

Montessori distance learning courses are designed for continuing education in the field of child education. These programs help to develop excellent teaching credentials and provide extensive practical training in Montessori education. These days, most comprehensive distance learning programs are available for aspiring Montessori teachers worldwide.

Montessori distance learning programs include Montessori methodology and practice, five of the most important ideas in Montessori education, how to prepare the Montessori environment, how to prepare yourself as a Montessori caregiver, communicating with young children the Montessori way. Some programs also offer contemporary ideas to supplement Montessori methodology. The combination of the ideas past and present can truly enrich a child’s educational and social experiences.

Montessori Education Overview

Distance education allows you the freedom of studying and submitting your course work at your own pace without disrupting your current job, leisure activities or family life. Comprehensive curriculum manuals support distance learning programs. Instructional materials and support systems like CD, DVDs and online access to educational video presentations guide you step-by-step through each and every lesson.

Generally, Montessori distance learning programs are divided into different levels. Infant or Toddler Program is for the children under 3 years of age. Pre-school or Kindergarten is for the children in 3 to 6 years age group. Elementary or Diploma program is designed for the children in the 6 to 9 years age bracket. These programs cover all the critical stages of development. Some institutions offer Elementary Montessori Environments programs for 9 to 12 years old children.

Institutions Offering Montessori Programs

Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited distance learning school founded in 1987. They have enrolled over 1,200,000 students in the US and in 100 countries worldwide. They offer affordable, no-interest monthly tuition plans. They regularly update their course materials to reflect new technical advances and research.

The United Montessori Association offers a 9 to 12 month, comprehensive on-line Montessori Teacher Training Program. The Montessori teacher training program is an exclusive distance-learning email based program. Students receive the lesson responses in the form of Microsoft Word attachments. Teaching manuals, CDs and DVDs are mailed via the postal service and are inclusive in the tuition fees. Reference books required for reading assignments may be purchased separately and are not included in tuition fees.

Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington offers four self-paced videotape courses covering all the levels of Montessori education.

Montessori distance learning programs provide a thorough understanding of the adult-child relationship as well as a complete knowledge of the physical layout and operation of a Montessori classroom.

Gardening with Young Children