Supporting Adult Learners

Posted by Joni Rose Aug 10, 2008

Donna was a single mother of a teenager and had one last course to take in order to receive her certificate in adult education. To take this course, it required a long two and a half hour drive each way. The course ran from January to April and so the added stress of driving in snow was a huge concern. She had made this drive countless times to complete her other courses but had recently opened a business that was successful and taking up a lot of her time. The thought of adding the last course to her already crazy life seemed over the top. Donna was at the end of her rope and was worrying that this added responsibility would cause her to have a nervous breakdown. The problem was that if she didn’t take the course at that time, she’d have to wait another year to complete her credential.

She made the decision to withdraw from the course and prepared a speech to deliver to the instructor. With tears in her eyes, Donna told the instructor that she would be withdrawing from the course. Her instructor, an astute adult educator, asked her, “What can I do to help you finish this course?”. She was dumbfounded and repeated her problems. The instructor repeated the question and this time got the response, “Not to have to drive the commute in the winter”.

What would you do as the instructor in this situation? The solution to this case will be presented in the next blog.

Related articles in this Principles of Adult Education series:

Part 1: Self Direction and Experience: Learner Control and Prior Learning

Part 2: Learning Needs and Application: Design Practical, Vital Training