If you're excited about the challenge of reaching and teaching adult learners, then you're in the right place! In this course, you will discover how to use the newest educational methods to create a student-centered classroom that's perfectly suited for adult learners.
First, you will be introduced to the unique needs and motivations of adult students and find out just what they expect from your class. After that, you will examine your students' different learning styles and multiple intelligences and look at how you can teach to each learner's strengths.
Next, you will delve into a host of innovative teaching techniques that will turn your students into active learners and set them up for success. You will discover high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech educational tools you can use to capture and hold your students' attention.
Following that is a challenging topic: how to organize your material effectively and design strong lesson plans. In addition, you will learn how to create effective tests and how to teach your students good study skills. You will also explore a wide range of assessments and how to grade them. Finally, you will learn how to make your classroom accessible and enjoyable for students with disabilities.
Annemarie Thompson is an award winning learning designer with over 15 years of experience in the distance learning industry. She produces courses on key teacher development topics including Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Discipline, and Classroom Management. Her courses have been offered by more than 100 colleges and universities and were the basis of an accredited online master's program.
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
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Lesson 1
A great classroom starts with a great teacher—and that’s you! In this lesson, we’ll look at how you can grow in your job as an adult educator by enhancing your professionalism and managing your time effectively. In addition, we’ll look at ways to boost your confidence and establish your authority in the classroom.
Lesson 2
Adult students are different than kids, and understanding those differences can help you reach and teach them. Today we’ll look at what makes adult learners tick and how you can best meet their needs. In addition, we’ll talk about preparing for that big first day by getting your paperwork in order. Finally, we’ll look at seven different seating arrangements and the pros and cons of each.
Lesson 3
Jill is a risk-taker who loves testing the rules. Germaine is a shy bookworm. Claire is an artist, while Dave’s your most popular student. All of these adults have different learning styles and intelligences—and to win them over, you’ll need to teach to their strengths. In this lesson, we’ll explore two different models of learning styles, and take a look at the eight intelligences you’ll want to factor into your lesson plans.
Lesson 4
Zzzzzzz. That’s the sound of Darren snoozing in the corner as you’re trying to lecture. Meanwhile, Emily and Sherelle are too busy gossiping about their weekend dates to pay any attention to you. Does this sound like your classroom? If so, you’ll enjoy today’s lesson, where you’ll learn loads of tricks to get misbehaving students back on track. We’ll also talk about ways to get shy violets to participate, and look at an effective conflict management technique.
Lesson 5
Remember the old days, when teachers lectured for hours while students took notes or dozed? Those days are gone—and good riddance! Today, we’ll talk about a host of innovative techniques, from window paning and role-playing to mnemonics and visualization, that work like magic in a student-centered classroom. But we’ll also take a peek at lectures and other classic teaching techniques, and see what part they can play in a modern-day learning environment.
Lesson 6
"Proper prior planning" may be a cliché, but it’s also an excellent idea. In this lesson, we’ll look at the up-front work that can set you up for success in the classroom. First, you’ll discover the 12 steps for creating a dynamite course outline. After that, we’ll delve into lesson planning—and finally, we’ll talk about laying the groundwork for a welcoming orientation.
Lesson 7
Just as an interior decorator accents a room with bright colors and great fabrics, you can accent your classroom presentations with the right audiovisual aids. Today, we’ll look at high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech educational aids and technology you can use to capture and keep your students’ attention. In addition, we’ll talk about setting up your classroom so that everyone can benefit from videos and other on-screen material.
Lesson 8
What motivates your students to learn? Today, we’ll look at the 10 needs and desires that bring learners to your classroom—and you’ll discover how to tap into those motivators during your presentations. We’ll also look at how to create powerful presentation openings, content, and closings. Then we’ll explore the art of questioning and talk about the best way to ask and answer questions in your classroom.
Lesson 9
In this lesson, we’ll discuss the A-B-C’s of grading and talk about ways to write top-notch test questions. In addition, you’ll discover great tools for assessing any type of skill, from cake-baking to hairdressing. You’ll also find out how to avoid the most common mistakes teachers make when they assess students, so you can achieve the Goldilocks standard of grading: not too harsh, not too easy, but just right.
Lesson 10
You want every student to feel welcome in your classroom—so today we’ll look at making your class accessible and enjoyable for students with disabilities. First, we’ll look at the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and you’ll learn how to comply with this law. Next, we’ll talk about learning disabilities—in particular, dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And finally, we’ll explore ways to show courtesy and respect to students with any type of disability.
Lesson 11
Even if you create great lessons, your students will succeed only if they’re good studiers and efficient test-takers. In this lesson, we’ll explore ways to beef up your students’ study skills and look at strategies for test-taking. In addition, we’ll discuss test anxiety and talk about tailoring your tips on studying to each learner’s strengths.
Lesson 12
Enough about your students—today's lesson is all about you! Whether you're a brand-new teacher or an experienced educator looking for new classroom opportunities, you'll find tips here on how to power up your job search. We'll start by talking about two keys to a successful job hunt: a great résumé and a winning portfolio. After that, we'll discuss how you can target the right schools and wow them with your letter-writing and interview skills.
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