Education Reactionary Analysis: Pittenger & Term Paper

Thus one teaching strategy or method of lecturing will not serve the adult learning population as a whole. Rather the teacher would do best to incorporate tactics that allow more active participation, interaction and creative teaching principles in the adult learning environment.

Because an adult serves as his/her own architect, it is feasible to consider the possibility that the adult learner actually recognizes the teaching methods that will best work in their situation and assist them in their pursuit of knowledge. Teachers should investigate this notion and inquire about students learning preferences in order to facilitate an optimal classroom environment conducive to the highest levels of learning.

Boulmetis (2000) further supports the notion that alternative methods may enhance the process of learning for the adult, suggesting that teaching should be colorful and unique to be effective. The teacher has an obligation in the adult learning environment to modify the curriculum and structure of delivery to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners.This can be done in many different ways. An instructor may incorporate a variety of teaching techniques as well as adopt ideas from the adult student body. A classroom that encourages student participation and even student teaching opportunities may further enhance the learning experience. Learning in the adult classroom is a give and take phenomenon. The teacher and the students share equally and must equally participate in the learning process for learning to be effective and meaningful.

Adults posses the unique ability to approach learning from many different perspectives and utilize multiple strategies to interpret information (Boulmetis, 2000). Likewise educators should utilize many different methods to apply a multiple method teaching approach.

References

Boulmetis, J. (2000). "A potpourri of approaches to adult learning." Adult Learning,

Lones, P.S. (2000). "Learning as creativity: Implications for adult learners."….....