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Adult Learning

Understanding how adults learn is fundamental to being an effective instructor in higher education. Literature on adult learning often emphasizes that adults:

  • Are often self-directed and autonomous learners;
  • Are motivated to learn what is practical to them and has relevancy to their lives; and
  • Have an abundance of experience and knowledge, making them a rich resource in the classroom.

To learn more about adult learning, please see the resources below.

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a a Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom
Charles C. Bonwell and James A. Eison, National Teaching and Learning Forum
A concise research-based article which addresses these active learning questions: What is active learning and why is it important, and how can active learning be incorporated in the classroom?

a Active Learning
Kathleen McKinney, Illinois State University
Discusses benefits and drawbacks of active learning and provides wide-ranging examples of in-class active learning processes.

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a a Evaluating and improving undergraduate teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
National Research Council (NRC), Center for Education (CFE)
This report recommends a set of strategies to evaluate undergraduate teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is based on a study conducted by a National Research Council (NRC) committee charged with synthesizing relevant research in pedagogy and practice.

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a a Mature Students in the Persistence Puzzle
Lynne MacFadgen, School and Community Liaison, Vancouver Island University
Looks at the factors which influence educational commitment and persistence of mature students.

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a a Insights into Effective Educational Practices
Educause
Interesting article reviewing the recent National (USA) Survey of Student Engagement study.

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a a The Theory into Practice
Jacksonville State University
TIP database contains brief summaries of 50 main theories of learning and instruction.

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