In the past, adult learning disabilities were rarely detected. Even if they were, no remedial reading programs were available to help struggling students. Many seniors in their sixties and seventies have lived lives full of frustration, low self-esteem and hardship. They can’t write shopping lists or greeting cards, they can’t read books or signs, and they can’t reach their full potentials. Older adults may decide that “enough is enough” and opt to return back to school to get this monkey off their back once and for all.
Teaching adults can be challenging at times. Naturally, as we age, we experience changes in vision. We may no longer be able to focus on close objects, deal with the glare of a computer screen for long periods of time, read smaller 18-point font size, see colors as they actually are or see around physical barriers like tables. To teach adults, instructors should take all of these factors into consideration to reduce stress on their pupils. Hearing impairment is another challenge for adults of an older age. Some may learn to do some lip reading, but it’s always best if a loud voice can be used or have a clear microphone installed. Teachers should ensure a quiet setting with limited background noise, have all cell phones turned off and be careful not to distort their faces while speaking.
Many older adults in basic education courses also suffer with a learning disability. For these students, it’s extremely important that instructors take different adult learning styles into consideration and approach the classroom with multiple teaching modes. Some students prefer visual learning (with charts, videos, diagrams and illustrations), while others prefer auditory (with lectures, music, group discussions and tapes), while others yet prefer kinesthetic learning (with hands-on activities, field trips, role playing and experiments). It’s important that instructors keep the learning disabled students motivated by sharing helpful techniques, building on the students’ strengths, giving positive reinforcement and showing how short-term goals connect with long-term goals.
Understanding how older adults learn and retain information is crucial. For instance, older students learn best through practice and rehearsing new information. It helps if they can practice while the teaching is going on to receive constructive instructor feedback as well. Students should have guides like cue cards or handouts while going through their adult learning training, so they don’t feel lost or confused. Many seniors opt to take further education for the social aspect as well. They like meeting and interacting with others, so group exercises would be a good way to instruct older pupils.
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