Teaching Non-Traditional Students in Academic, Corporate, or Community Settings

1. Adult Learning Theory
2. Lesson Plans
3. Ice Breakers
4. Classroom Management

5. Corporate Training
6. Quizzes
7. Books for Teachers
8. Extras

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?

• 5 Principles of Teaching Adults
• Andragogy
• 5 Crucial Skills for the Teacher of Adults

• You Are What You Think
• Learning Styles vs. the Universal Design for Learning
• Education Quotations by Herbert Spencer

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
• Top 12 Lessons on Aging for the Teacher of Adults

• 5 Games for Test Review
• Can You Adapt Learning.com for Adults?
• "...mere activity masquerading as learning." -- Rosemary Clark

Ice Breakers

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! All ice breakers are printable!

• Alphabetical List of Ice Breakers
• 5 Reasons to Use Ice Breakers in the Classroom
• 10 Fun Introductions for Day One
• Top 10 Ice Breakers of 2011
• Top 10 Ice Breakers for Adults
• Top 10 Active Ice Breakers

• 10 Party Games as Energizers
• 5 Games for Test Review
• 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

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
• Are You Choosing Stress?
• Managing Disruptive Behavior
• The Importance of Meaningful Conversation
• Inspirational Quotations for Teachers

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

• Easy, Effective Lesson Plan Design
• Time Management Tips
• 7 Tips for Improving Your Speaking Skills

Quizzes

Whether you call them quizzes, assessments, evaluations, or tests, these handy tools can give you valuable information about your students. This section is under construction, so your feedback is welcome. What would you like to see?

• Needs Assessment in the Workplace
• Listening Test
• List of Internet Quizzes

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.

• The Best of 2009 for Teachers of Adult Students
• 5 Ways to Improve Adult Literacy
• Share Your Wisdom and Advice