Teaching Non-Traditional Students in Academic, Corporate, or Community Settings
By Deb Peterson, About.com Guide
Adult Learning Theory
Adults learn differently than children. They bring wisdom and life experience to the classroom, and it's important to understand that they learn better when teaching is learner-centered rather than teacher-centered. Do you know how best to teach the adults in your classroom?
Lesson Plans
Could you use an effective lesson plan format? How about an ice breaker for the first day of class or an energizer when your students are snoozing? You'll find them here. I'll be working on a trainer tool box, so check back often for new teaching tips.
- Easy, Effective Lesson Plan Design
- 10 Warm Ups for Lesson Plans
- Customize Lesson Plans with TED
- Top 12 Lessons on Aging for the Teacher of Adults
- The Importance of Teaching the Hero's Journey
- 5 Games for Test Review
- Can You Adapt Learning.com for Adults?
Ice Breakers and Games for Adults
Whether you're teaching a class, facilitating a meeting, hosting a group, or attending a casual summer party, getting to know the people around you can be intimidating or very fun. Break the ice with a game from one of our collections. People Bingo and Would You Rather... are two of the most popular, and we have accompanying idea lists for you. All ice breakers are printable!
- Alphabetical List of Ice Breakers
- 5 Reasons to Use Ice Breakers in the Classroom
- Ice Breaker Collections
- Top 10 Ice Breakers for Adults
- 10 Fun Introductions for Day One
- Be Creative - A Game for Lifelong Learners
- People Bingo Idea List No. 1
- People Bingo Idea List No. 2
- Would You Rather... Idea List No. 1
- Would You Rather... Idea List No. 2
Learning Styles
Learning styles are controversial, but that's partly what makes them so intriguing. We're adding to our collection of learning styles inventories. If you're a skeptic, find out for yourself if you have learning preferences of your own. I'm guessing you do.
- What's Your Learning Style?
- What Is Visual Learning?
- Ideas for Visual Learners
- What Is Auditory Learning?
- Ideas for Auditory Learners
- What Is Tactile-Kinesthetic Learning?
- Ideas for Tactile, Kinesthetic Learners
- 3 Reasons to Try New Learning Styles
- Learning to Learn - A New Learning Style
- Your Personal Intelligences
- Your Peak Learning Time
- The Four Quadrants of Learning
- Are You a Grouper or a Stringer?
- A Practical Reader in the Universal Design for Learning
- Learning Styles in the Workplace
Classroom Management
Your students are adults, but that doesn't mean classroom management is a breeze. We've all encountered the know-it-all student, or the one who monopolizes the conversation. Find tips here from managing disruptive behavior to effective seating arrangements.
- Participant Table Preparation - Inspire Creativity
- Managing Disruptive Behavior
- The Importance of Meaningful Conversation
- Are You Choosing Stress?
Corporate Training
When you're a corporate trainer, every one of your students is an adult. Understanding adult learning is essential for you. So is making your training as effective as possible. Training dollars are some of the first to be cut when times are tough unless you really contribute to corporate strategy. I'm working on this section. Let me know what you need most and I'll help you deliver.
- 10 Steps to Conflict Resolution
- Training Phone Answering Service Staff
- Continuous Learning at Work
- Needs Assessment in the Workplace
Books for Teachers
I love my shelf of training books. Whether you're looking for theory, skill development, lesson ideas, ice breakers, seating arrangements, presentation help, whatever, there's a book out there to help you. I'll keep adding to my reviews.
- The Global Achievement Gap
- A Practical Reader in the Universal Design for Learning
- Made to Stick - 6 Sticky Principles to Make Anything More Memorable
Extras
Extras are good. Here are a few little extras for the teacher of adults.