by Peter Harris

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 14, 2010

When teaching older learners, there are many important factors to consider. There are some fundamental differences between adult education and younger learners and these need to be explored before a teacher or tutor can successfully deliver a course of any type.

Adult education, by and large, involves a bigger commitment from learners. They are not part of the school system and the compulsory aspect has long since disappeared, giving a different perspective on learning.

Many adult education courses, for example, target hobbies and enrichment activities. Many of the courses are academic, however, and individuals may have had to attend as a matter of urgency, often pressured from their employers to boost their existing qualifications without which they will be unable to progress in their chosen careers.

Another important point to consider is motivation. Often you will find adult learners more focused than younger ones since they have developed some life experience and have identified their expectations beforehand.

That said, of course, there will always be groups of adults who challenge any teacher, no matter what their expertise happens to be. Education equals opportunity and most adult learners realize this.

It is crucial that you pitch the content of your course at the correct level. If you teach an adult education course, the advertising of this course is essential. Here, you can lay down some basic requirements and explain exactly what the course entails so that potential learners can make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to join the course or not.

Ground rules are also of paramount importance. These should be stipulated at the beginning of the course, too, and reinforced at the beginning of each lesson. With adults, this could involve a range of things such as ensuring mobiles are switched off or turned to silent, the appropriate use of language, being courteous and respectful, punctuality - though obviously this applies to both adults and younger learners alike.

The most important thing to appreciate with adults is that their lives are different than those of younger learners. Many adults may be re-entering education after a prolonged absence. These individuals may find the experience daunting and may need appropriate support. Others will have family commitments which bring their own challenges in terms of undertaking independent study or attendance.

Group work and pair work is a favorite amongst adult learners since it enables shy people

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