Studying and learning need not be restricted only to youngsters in schools and colleges. The learning process accompanies a person throughout his (or her) life. Be it out of interest, better opportunities, or to gain knowledge, adults keep on learning new things frequently. But adults cannot be tutored in the same way as youngsters. Teaching methods and strategies differ as they have different perceptions and understanding abilities compared to kids and teenagers. Moreover, they might have already completed their education, worked, and have an insight into the world. Hence, Andragogy (methods and techniques used for adult learning) is used while teaching adults.
Effective ways to teach adults
Here are some effective teaching methods and strategies for adults:
1.Start at the beginning
It is a good idea to make absolute beginner-grade study material, that leads to your advanced courses, available on your e-learning portal for adults to start at. An example of such a course is Node.js for Beginners listed at Get Me A Course. Once fundamental concepts are clear, there is no stopping an avid learner! Age does not matter!
2.Do not deviate from the subject
School and college students like a break or fun time between the hectic class. Unlike them, adults allocate a part of their time from their busy schedule for the course. Hence concentrate more on the subject and cover as many topics as possible.
3.Give assignments
Give small and easy tasks that will help them grasp the concepts. Avoid bulk homework as adult students would not be able to devote the required amount of time.
4.Make sessions interactive
Do not make your sessions only about delivering the content. Instead, make it interactive as it helps in exchanging knowledge and keeping the learning process interesting.
5.Be flexible
Adults are usually working and might find it hard to dedicate the required amount of time. Keep the schedule flexible to help them to accommodate learning sessions into their busy schedules.
Follow these methods to deliver a productive study session to the adults. If you are planning to achieve a career in tutoring and mentoring adults, you can train from any college or online portal, which will make you a skilled trainer.
The blessing of e-learning courses!
Adults usually find it hard to cope up with their job, household chores, and busy schedule. Online study materials, e-learning portals, and learning websites are a blessing for adults who want to learn and gain knowledge. They can choose to learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. The study timetable can fit into the schedule according to their ease.
If you are a tutor, you can reach out to the majority of adult students through the internet. Make sure to make short videos filled with proper content.
Bottom line If you are teaching adults, make sure to research deeply about the subject and share both theoretical and practical knowledge with them. You can follow Andragogy and teach adults effectively. As an adult learner, you can take help from the countless learning websites which contain an ocean of information.