How to motivate adult students?

Question

Hi,

I give private lessons to schoolkids now and then, and now, I was offered to give a class to adults at our adult education center. I had two lessons so far, but they (10 people from 35 to 60) are not really motivated. They behave like it was an entertaining evening and only three of them did their homework. At the end of the course though, they are supposed to sit a test and get a certificate. Some of them need it for their work (it's business economics).

There are still 10 more classes to come and I don't know what to do, as all of them are older than me. It's so rude though, they're not even quiet and chat when they like to. I mean, the stuff is not too entertaining, but I try to make it. But after all, they chose to come.

Any advice?

Answer 1

Tough question ... not sure there's actually an answer to that, though.

Both the previous respondents gave you terrific advice.  My 2cents, so-to-speak is addressed to you -as an instructor, as someone younger than the so-called students, and, quite simply, as a person.

You are instructing this group of individuals because (it is assumed) you have the competencies needed to accomplish the task.  Reflect on that -and be proud.

Based on your competence and the goal of the class, work backwards (if you haven't done so already) to design and develop the necessary lessons needed for any individual to succeed.  While doing this, remove the group [personalities, genders, ages, etc.] from your mind.

You want to remain as objective as possible as you design and draft relevant lessons and outcomes that, combined, lead to an individual successfully completing your course and being awarded to pass a test to receive a certificate.  You must establish those guidelines and then share your expectations -as the instructor- to the class.  As already mentioned by someone else, they are adults and they alone need to find a source of motivation -not you.  

Your immediate task -in my view (and yes, I do teach and have been teaching adults [workplace as well as classroom] for nearly all my professional life)- is to:

(1) Clearly articulate the expectations for completing the course successfully (even if you've done this previously, do it again as a means for "reeling them in" and reinforcing you as the center of control).

(2) Clearly articulate your expectations for them regarding classroom behavior -from being on time to engaging in side-bars while you or someone else is speaking, to completing assignments, etc.  No need to be Cruella D'ville, but definitely a need to be clear -and comfortable- with letting them know this is your classroom (and that you want to succeed as the instructor).

(3) If you haven't already, use the beginning of your next class to review each of the 10 remaining classes and the expectations for those classes ... from the required readings and writings to the importance of how each week's lesson is integrated into the entire lesson plan ... share it as your strategy for being successful as their instructor.

(4) Facilitate instead of lecture.  That is, if your class is 4 hours in duration, over that time, you -as the facilitator- maybe are speaking 20% of the time.  Most of the time, the class is speaking and you're standing back observing, listening, and pretty much acting like an orchestra leader ... moving the issue along, making a correction or filling something in (only as needed).  You are also responsible for "transitions" so that when one concept, exercise, discussion is complete (by your standards), you then move the class to the next issue on your list of objectives for that particular lesson.

(5)  Please be comfortable with being younger than the class ... in the long run, and in the course of the leader/follower dynamic, your age is irrelevant to the successful outcome of this course -from your side as well as theirs.  Be proud of being selected to teach the course and know -always- that you are there not because of your age, but because of what you know and what you can help others achieve.

Please feel comfortable in sending me an email with your lesson plan or anything else you'd like me to review and comment on ... I enjoy doing what I do and I'm always want to be available to help others doing something similar.

You can do this ... have fun, and good luck!

Answer 2

Doesn't sound like they "chose" to come to the class if it's required for their job.  If people are at a class because of a requirement, they'll probably not be too attentive to the discussion.  Especially if they can blow it off and still pass the exam at the end.  You should give people the opportunity to take the exam right off the bat - those that choose not to do that will  be more apt to pay attention to your lecture.

Answer 3

Adult students should be self-motivated.  If they are not, you can spend a few minutes telling them about the test they will be required to pass, and let them know that it's not within your power to change their grade if they fail.  Then it's their decision as to whether they are motivated to do well or not.  You've been upfront with them.  They're adults - - they can sink or swim.  It's their choice.  You're just doing your job.