The first thing you have to do when teaching senior citizens is realize that their motivation is different from a younger person wishing to learn what you are teaching. Most of them may be older than the teacher. They may want to learn about it just feel "left out" when somone talks about this new science.

Before you even get started you must first convince them that you do have something that they will want to know. My experience has basically been teaching rudimentary computer science to adults wanting to know what it is all about. They want to know because their grandchildren use computers with such ease. They forget that these young people started in kindergarten to play with computers.

Many older people are afraid of the subject they have signed up to learn. To ease this fear you must start out slowly. You must also make sure that everyone understands what you are saying before going on to the next step.
Try not to overload then with data the first few sessions. This is a must. Adult students tend to take each fact and try to fit it into their conception of what it should be. It is best to have models of what you are trying to describe.

Use a blackboard. A lecture is fine for young students followed by individual class sessions. This is also the worst way to tell adults about your class work. Write down the important points on the blackboard. Constantly refer back to what you have written. It is good to suggest that the adult student also copy into a notebook what is written on the blackboard. Repetition is an excellent way for them to retain what you have told them. Again, make sure that everyone understands what you are doing.

In closing it is best to have them use the models you have provided to demonstrate that they have understood what you have been telling them. I the case of learning computer science, I insisted that each student have his or her own computer. Nothing beats learning better than doing.

Praise for the student when they do something right is essential. In computer science the older student is facing something brand new. They need to feel that they do understand this very new science.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Fiegel.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for teaching adult learners instead of younger learners?
We want to hear your view. Write now!