A panel of current adult learners from various campus discussed their Penn State experiences as they juggle multiple roles as spouse, parent, student veteran and full-time employees as well as the best practices they have encountered at their campuses.
Moderated by Eric Hoover, senior reporter, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Quote: “As an adult, we’re afraid to ask questions because we’re adults and we should know all of the answers.”- Denise Gladd (panelist)
Reflection: I once had a discussion with an Indian friend/elder of mine. According to Hindu teachings, life if broken into sections. The first section is to be spent studying. The second is to be spent doing your life’s work including family commitments. And the final section is to be spent out of society preparing for death (in the jungle or as a beggar).
In the American culture, there are no real barriers. But I am often reminded how similar we are to the Hindu perspective. It’s expected that we complete all of our learning early in our lives. But to me, we really can’t frame the principles learn in our minds until we have a place to apply them.
Observation: There were differing opinions on adult learners working with younger students. Some are more annoyed by them while others are glad to have their insight. It seems like the more focused members of the panel don’t have time to work with the younger learners.
Quote: “The Elluminate Live is fantastic.”- Barbara Benfer-Caruso (panelist)
Reflection: It’s interesting that the student liked the synchronous tool. It just reinforces to me how tools, both synchronous and asynchronous have their place.
Observation: Denise mentioned how she appreciated having the opportunity to discuss the materials.
Reflection: Sounds like she is into social learning. I love hearing about this as a constructivist!
Observation: Maggie Kwok, Jacob Moore, Barbara Benfer-Caruso (panelists) expressed frustration to have to go back to take courses when they already have a strong background. Why can’t more military or life experiences count for some of the introductory coursework?
Answer from the crowd: A member of the audience mentioned that adult learners should consider CLEP for Veterans.
Observation: I have heard several times the word confidence.
Reflection: I think that we all need this to succeed. Not enough is made of how important motivation is to learning. During the panel discussion, I was reminded about how there were specific instances in my own life that I can recall that gave me confidence and lead to my success as a student.
Observation: It came up several times that the word is not getting out to adult learners about Penn State being available for nontraditional students.
Observation: Denise mentioned about having relevant and interesting examples in a course like Statistics to engage students and make prerequisites more useful.