I had to go back and review Erikson's model which was interesting. I will target my own middle adulthood age group known to be at the stage Generativity vs. Stagnation by citing the need to "create or nurture things that will outlast them". I think many people over 40 reassess their career choices at this age and find themselves back in school. In my experience, I have found these adult learners to be highly motivated and excited about learning something new. Whlle still relatively young, I think there is a sense that you need to make life count, you are not going to be here forever. As adult educators, I think it is important to understand this stage of development. These learners need to be challenged and respected for the experience and perspective they bring to the classroom.
I like how you state that "these learners need to be challenged and respected for their experience and perspective they bring to the classroom"!! That is so important. As facilitators we need to create a safe yet challenging environment.
I had to go back and review Erikson's model which was interesting. I will target my own middle adulthood age group known to be at the stage Generativity vs. Stagnation by citing the need to "create or nurture things that will outlast them". I think many people over 40 reassess their career choices at this age and find themselves back in school. In my experience, I have found these adult learners to be highly motivated and excited about learning something new. Whlle still relatively young, I think there is a sense that you need to make life count, you are not going to be here forever. As adult educators, I think it is important to understand this stage of development. These learners need to be challenged and respected for the experience and perspective they bring to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI like how you state that "these learners need to be challenged and respected for their experience and perspective they bring to the classroom"!! That is so important. As facilitators we need to create a safe yet challenging environment.
ReplyDelete