Scott Rafalski
1/30/2013
Blog
Personal Experiences this Month
We have learned so much about adult education in such a short period of time. This month has allowed me to really take a step back and consider the true differences between working in a K-12 setting as a teacher and working in a community college with adult learners. So many differences truly do exist and we must treat each group differently. What an amazing challenge also when you think about adult ed and the differences between people.
I think that this month has really given me a chance to step back in my professional life and become much more open minded. I have thought a lot about the population that I work with and the challenges that they face everyday as adult learners. So many are working, have kids and school has just been added to that. It is important to realize that school can't always be priority number one in these student's lives. I have spent some time thinking about my own personal biases that may have emerged over the years working in the field of education and although I have some great stories I also have had moments and times of amazing frustration.
I am really just still trying to soak it all in but the theories have really given me a basis and foundation for adult learning in general. I am not going to say I have agreed with everything that I have read but it is engaging, thought provoking material and writing in our weekly discussion boards has been easy because I feel like I am retaining the information but also have something to add or say.
Group Where are we at?
In terms of our group we are really trying to determine in the next month if it is feasible and possible, depending on location, to meet together. We need to determine what each persons interests are in completing the following work and assignments. Other than that I think and feel we are pretty set and ready to go.
Program Investigation due 3/3
Program Design due 3/31
Program Evaluation due 3/31
and Project Demonstration (bringing it all together) due 4/22
-Paul posted to blog group 1 and 5.
Hi, Scott:
ReplyDeleteIt truly is amazing just how much we have learned already! Although I don't have any teaching experience, I have taken several courses focused on child and adolescent development. The learning processes between young people and adults really is quite different in many aspects.
I like that your group in looking into whether it would be possible to meet in person. Sometimes communication is much easier that way because you are able to see body language, hear inflections in others' voices, etc., and much of this can be lost in translation when you communication solely via Internet. I hope this is something my group would be able to do, as well.
It seems as though you have a strong grasp on this course and its associated content. Keep up the good work! I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Taylor
Thank you for sharing your perspectives. I think it is a very important point that you bring up about students, especially adult learners having other obligations than school. Right now, I not only have 12 credit hours, but I'm also taking a LEAN Six Sigma class for work and my sons are both in basketball, plus I still have my employment obligations. It can be a lot to juggle at times. I rely on solid time management skills to get me through!
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Jennifer Hindman
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been doing a lot of contemplation regarding the differences between teaching K-12 (specifically 9-12 in my case) and working with adult learners. I've found that as I read more from our text and our discussions, I begin to see just how different the two groups really are. It's fascinating to have a background with both groups in order to apply examples from our own practical experiences.
Like you, I'm hoping that my group will be able to meet in person even if just for a session or two. It is so much easier to coordinate and truly interact with each other in person. I also miss the brainstorming which goes along with meeting together and just verbally hashing out ideas and thoughts.
I really look forward to hearing more from you as we move forward and wish you all the best with your project!
Sincerely,
Mindy Blech
Hi Scott. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI must agree with you and others who have commented on your post, I have thought more about the differences between the children and that of adults than I could have ever expected (in such a short time). I work with elementary educators and students but it has been interesting that I have learned so much about how to better educate children because of what I have learned about adult learners. Many, many differences and necessary considerations BUT it is so easy to see the connection--We are better for children and we are better for adult learners as we get to know a little about both. That's what is happening for me, in this course.
Also, I am SO with you on trying to find a way to meet with your group members in person. I desire that for my group as well. My learning style needs it.
Good luck on your project. I know you and your group member will do well.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteGreat perspectives. I think it is important that although we don't all agree with one another in class, we respect and learn from each other none the less. You hit that nail in the head about understanding how busy adults are, that the focus cant always be on the classroom. I think we all have things going on in life right now as adults that prevent us from focusing 100% on the classroom. We have to take the lessons and things we experience as adult learners, reflect on them, and apply them in our own teaching of other adults.
Looking forward to future words of wisdom.
Annie Mack
Thanks for sharing. Your group seems organized and focused. I can relate to what you said about trying to soak in all of the different theoretical information in class so far. I also appreciated your discussion about the difference between teaching children (pedagogy) and adults (andragogy). I look forward to seeing what you do next.
ReplyDelete