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Chris Sivewright and Almost Random Theatre

This is a course created by an Instructor with a wealth of experience in Adult Education as an Instructor/Lecturer but also as a mature student. Recognising that situations and subjects and teaching/working environment will differ from country to country, educational institution to educational institution, this course is a collection of strategies/tips and overall advice.

But the course does not end there.

Owing to the differences, students are encouraged to post in the Q/A with their specific questions. Post to comment - and/or post for advice.

Topics covered include:

Read more

This is a course created by an Instructor with a wealth of experience in Adult Education as an Instructor/Lecturer but also as a mature student. Recognising that situations and subjects and teaching/working environment will differ from country to country, educational institution to educational institution, this course is a collection of strategies/tips and overall advice.

But the course does not end there.

Owing to the differences, students are encouraged to post in the Q/A with their specific questions. Post to comment - and/or post for advice.

Topics covered include:

1. Quick tips and when to use them

2. Case Studies

3. Snowballing

4. Key elements of teaching adults

5. Distribution

6. Correcting and corrections

7. Tension

8. How to teach adults

9. Passion

10. Engagement

...and many other topics.

Throughout the lectures real-life examples are given.

How long will this course take to complete?

You could watch the course in a couple of hours - but that's not really the point. The whole idea is for you to watch and then apply the various strategies and THEN report back via the Q/A. Maybe you will have questions, asking how 'lecture 6' can be applied to your class of 50 year-olds etc etc.

See this course as a useful extra to any training you are undergoing as you prepare to teach adults. As you have lifetime access you can therefore ask questions for ever.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
The December workbook
The workbook
VOLUNTARY WATCH - ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical strategies and tips applicable to diverse adult learning environments, which can be immediately implemented and assessed in real-world teaching scenarios
Encourages active participation through Q&A, fostering a collaborative learning environment where instructors can share experiences and seek tailored advice for their specific challenges
Covers a wide range of essential topics, including teaching methodologies, classroom management, and student engagement, providing a comprehensive overview for educators
Includes topics such as 'Tension' and 'Correcting and corrections,' which are essential for managing classroom dynamics and providing constructive feedback to adult learners
Explores various teaching methods like role-playing, problem-solving, and snowballing, which are useful for creating interactive and engaging learning experiences for adults
Includes modules on mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which may be useful for instructors to manage their own stress and promote a positive learning environment

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Reviews summary

Practical adult teaching strategies

According to learners, this course on Teaching in Adult Education is largely positive, offering a collection of practical tips and real-world examples. Students frequently praise the instructor's passion and extensive experience, finding the lectures engaging and the content highly applicable. The interactive Q&A section with the instructor is highlighted as a valuable resource. Many found it a solid introduction and excellent for beginners. However, a few reviewers noted that the course is quite basic and lacks depth for more experienced educators, with some feeling certain sections were disjointed or irrelevant.
Good introduction, but lacks depth for experts
"While it covers many topics, it stays relatively high-level. I would have loved a bit more depth..."
"Okay course, some good tips, but quite basic. If you already have experience teaching adults..."
"Solid introduction... Would recommend for beginners."
"More experienced educators might find it too simple."
"Was expecting more depth. It's mostly just a collection of tips without much structure..."
Instructor is passionate and responsive
"His passion for teaching adults is evident throughout."
"The instructor's experience and enthusiasm make the lectures engaging."
"Really enjoyed this course. The instructor's passion is contagious."
"The Q&A section is also very helpful and he responds promptly."
"The Q&A support is excellent."
Offers useful tips for teaching adults
"The instructor provides practical, real-world advice that I could implement immediately in my classroom."
"A very helpful course with lots of useful tips and strategies."
"Excellent practical advice. Easy to digest lectures... Very applicable."
"Provides a broad range of ideas."
Some sections felt irrelevant or disjointed
"It felt a bit disjointed jumping between so many topics. The 'voluntary watch' sections were a bit random."
"Some sections seemed completely irrelevant to adult education. Disappointed."
"Mixed feelings. Some lectures were very useful, others felt like filler..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching in Adult Education with these activities:
Understanding How Adults Learn
Gain a foundational understanding of adult learning principles before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Adult Learner'.
  • Read the key chapters on andragogy.
  • Reflect on how these principles apply to your teaching context.
Review Learning Styles Theories
Familiarize yourself with different learning style theories to better cater to diverse learners.
Browse courses on Learning Styles
Show steps
  • Research different learning style models.
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
  • Consider how to incorporate different learning styles into your teaching.
Discuss Teaching Challenges with Peers
Share experiences and brainstorm solutions to common teaching challenges with other educators.
Show steps
  • Organize a meeting with fellow educators.
  • Share specific challenges you face in your adult education setting.
  • Brainstorm potential solutions and strategies together.
  • Document the key takeaways and action items.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design an Engaging Lesson Plan
Practice applying the course's strategies by designing a lesson plan that incorporates engagement techniques.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic relevant to your adult learners.
  • Define clear learning objectives.
  • Incorporate various engagement strategies from the course.
  • Develop assessment methods to measure learning outcomes.
Develop a Case Study
Apply course concepts by creating a case study based on a real-life teaching scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant teaching scenario.
  • Describe the context, challenges, and outcomes.
  • Analyze the scenario using course concepts.
  • Propose alternative strategies and solutions.
Explore Active Learning Techniques
Discover new methods for engaging adult learners through active learning strategies.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Engaging Ideas'.
  • Read the chapters on active learning techniques.
  • Identify techniques that resonate with your teaching style.
  • Plan how to implement these techniques in your lessons.
Tutor a New Adult Education Instructor
Reinforce your understanding by mentoring a new instructor in adult education.
Show steps
  • Find a new instructor to mentor.
  • Share your knowledge and experience.
  • Provide guidance and support.
  • Offer feedback on their teaching methods.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching in Adult Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Adult Learning Facilitator
An adult learning facilitator guides and supports adult learners in a variety of educational settings. They create engaging learning experiences, facilitate discussions, and provide feedback. This course can help an adult learning facilitator better understand the needs of adult learners. In particular, the course's focus on 'key elements of teaching adults' and 'tension' will be especially useful. For the adult learning facilitator, this course could be truly valuable.
Adult Education Instructor
An adult education instructor facilitates learning experiences tailored for adult learners. This often involves creating engaging lesson plans, delivering instruction, assessing student progress, and providing feedback. This course is a very practical resource for an adult education instructor. The 'Quick tips and when to use them' section of the course is an excellent resource, as is the section that covers 'Key elements of teaching adults.' The course also addresses engagement, passion, and tension. The course's emphasis on strategies and real-life examples helps an adult education instructor be ready for a wide variety of student needs.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer develops and delivers training programs to employees within a company. They assess training needs, design training materials, facilitate workshops, and evaluate training effectiveness. This course helps develop techniques for training adults. Corporate trainers can also use the course as inspiration for the kinds of questions to pose to trainees. A section on 'Buzz groups - training games' may be helpful to this kind of professional. For a corporate trainer who wants to know how to get the most out of their trainings, the course on Teaching in Adult Education is a great option.
Community College Instructor
A community college instructor teaches courses in a variety of academic and vocational subjects. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, assess student progress, and provide feedback to students. A community college instructor may find this course helpful. The instructor may find the sections regarding 'age groups' and 'visuals' particularly helpful, and should consider how to get the most of the strategies described. The course does a good service to the community college instructor role.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates effective and engaging learning experiences by applying instructional design principles. They analyze learning needs, develop learning objectives, design instructional materials, and evaluate learning outcomes. This course may be very useful for the instructional designer. The instructional designer will also learn how to correct learners appropriately. The section on 'correcting and corrections' will be valuable, as will the sections on 'role-playing' and 'key elements of teaching adults'.
ESL Instructor
An English as a Second Language instructor teaches English to non-native speakers. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course will help an ESL instructor better understand the needs of adult learners and how best to support them. In particular, the course's focus on 'key elements of teaching adults' will be very useful. For an ESL instructor committed to lifelong learning, this course is a good option.
Academic Coach
An academic coach works with students to improve their study skills, time management, and overall academic performance. They provide individualized support, help students set goals, and develop strategies for success. This course can help an academic coach be more aware of how to support students with different learning styles and backgrounds. The course's discussion of 'Learning styles' and 'Key elements of teaching adults' provides a foundation for understanding learner diversity. This is very helpful to an academic coach who wants to tailor their approach to individual students.
Academic Advisor
An academic advisor provides guidance and support to students on academic matters. They help students choose courses, develop academic plans, and navigate university policies and procedures. An academic advisor may find this course helpful in understanding different kinds of learners. The advisor may use 'learning styles' in order to better advise students with different needs. This serves the academic advisor well.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and creates educational materials, including lesson plans, assessments, and instructional resources. They work to align curriculum with learning standards and ensure that it is engaging and effective for learners. A curriculum developer may find a course that focuses on teaching especially helpful. The course provides a solid foundation for understanding how adults learn and how best to engage them in the classroom. Knowing how to apply 'role playing', 'problem-solving' and 'case studies' may be valuable for a curriculum developer.
Educational Program Manager
An educational program manager oversees the development and implementation of educational programs. They manage budgets, supervise staff, and ensure that programs meet the needs of learners. An educational program manager may find this course helpful. This course is an overview of strategies that are useful ways of engaging with adult learners. The course can help the educational program manager know how to make programs more vibrant and engaging.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools, organizations, and individuals on best practices in education. They assess educational needs, develop recommendations, and provide training and support. An educational consultant may find this course helpful. This course helps an educational consultant better understand the needs of adult learners and how best to support them. Specifically, the consultant in this role may want to pay attention to sections on 'correcting and corrections' and the section 'how to teach adults'.
Literacy Tutor
A literacy tutor works with individuals to improve their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. They provide individualized instruction, assess student progress, and create engaging learning activities. The section that covers 'engagement' is especially helpful, as are sections such as 'visuals' and 'role-playing'. This is because it has a very practical focus. For a literacy tutor who wants to know how to get the most out of their teaching, the course on Teaching in Adult Education may be useful.
Training Coordinator
A training coordinator organizes and schedules training programs for employees. They manage logistics, track attendance, and provide administrative support to trainers. This course may provide the training coordinator a vision for the possible. He or she may be interested to learn more about the content of different trainings. By considering the sections on 'role-playing' and 'correcting and corrections', the coordinator may be able to better understand the value of trainings.
Continuing Education Coordinator
A continuing education coordinator manages and promotes lifelong learning programs for adults. They develop course schedules, recruit instructors, and market programs to the community. This course may be a practical resource for a continuing education coordinator. As a reference, the coordinator may use the sections from 'teaching adults' to 'correcting and corrections'. This coordinator may be better able to design and promote programs after this course.
Training Manager
A training manager oversees the development and delivery of training programs within an organization. They assess training needs, manage budgets, supervise trainers, and evaluate training effectiveness. This can be a hands-on role and this course may be helpful. The course provides a solid grounding in the different options of how to train adults. A training manager may want to refer to the sections on 'role-playing' and 'problem-solving'.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Teaching in Adult Education.
Is considered a foundational text in adult education. It provides a comprehensive overview of andragogy, the theory of adult learning. Reading this book before the course will give you a solid understanding of the principles that underpin effective adult teaching methods. It useful reference for understanding the unique needs and motivations of adult learners.
Provides practical strategies for incorporating active learning techniques into your teaching. It emphasizes critical thinking and engagement. Reading this book will help you to expand your repertoire of teaching methods. It valuable resource for creating a more dynamic and interactive learning environment for adult learners.

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