Name: Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans
Aud_Level: All
Length: 60 minutes
Description: This session will focus on the fundamental
learning processes for adults. The presentation will be a four-part
discussion. The first segment will address important perspectives
concerning adults and adult learning. The second topic area will
address the characteristics, both biological and learning, that
affect adult performance in new learning situations. Section three
will address the needs that adult learners have in learning environments,
whether formal or informal settings. The fourth and final area
will look at instructional barriers that adults encounter and
will provide practical suggestions for the classroom, especially
those applicable to technology-based learning.
The general format of the presentation will be a highly interactive
voyage of discovery, where attendees learn to identify basic age-related
characteristics with appropriate teaching methodologies. The obvious
goal of such a session is to help faculty to develop learning
activities that enhance adult learning by minimizing instructional
barriers that are not normally impediments to traditional students.
Those that attend the session will receive a handout of basic information that includes a bibliography for future readings. Session information and the bibliography will include work done by major researchers in the area of adult learning as well as including contemporary work done on adult learning and technology.
A possible visit to a successful instructional
web site will address practical applications.
Abstract: Teaching mature adults is often filled with frustration,
particularly when teaching technology-based material or when using
computer-based media. "They are my hardest workers, but..."
is a familiar thought to many instructors at the college level.
Unfortunately, content specialists are often missing a vital link
in the teaching-learning process. The link is simple; teaching
adults is not so much about "what" you teach as it is
about "how" adults learn. This presentation will cover
the essential characteristics of adult learners, the impact of
age upon learning and practical suggestions for the classroom.
Preferred Track: Track 3
Session Type: Lecture/Presentation
Address: Dixie College
Department of Science
225 So 700 East
St. George, Utah 84770
Affiliation: Dixie College
Equipment: Overhead and equipment for a Powerpoint presentation
as well as a web browser and connection.
Email: dillingha@cc.dixe.edu
Phone: 435-652 7805
Audience: General
Fax: 435-656-4022