Re: New to Adult Education

On 8/12/07, Angie wrote:
> I teach GED prep classes and I am also in a MAT program to teach
> Secondary Math and Social Studies. I'm not young. :) I'm 34 and
> 'retired' from my previous profession to begin living my dream. :)
>
> The best advise I can give you in regards to adult education is to
> please remember that you are dealing with adults. Treat them with
the
> upmost respect and treat them like adults. A lot of the people in my
> GED prep classes have struggled and lived a lot more than I have. I
> sincerely respect their life experience. I also like to talk to my
> students to find out why they are seeking their GED and give them an
> opportunity to tell me their story if they desire. I think it's
> important to know. I also pursue everything in the most positive
> light, even if the response is incorrect you need to find something
> positive to say first. :) I also begin by letting them know how much
> I truly respect them and admire their decision to pursue the GED.
> It's not an easy test and it's not an easy decision, it requires a
lot
> of hard work on their part. I also find that boosting their
> confidence level doesn't hurt either.
>
> It is different from educating children. The adults have a lot of
> baggage and the adults usually have to work and have families to take
> care of. The adults also have years of people reminding them of
their
> previous failures.
>
> I enjoy teaching the GED prep classes. I love working with adults.
> One more thing...you know that "I get it!" light bulb moment you
> strive for as an educator?...you'll see it with the adults too and it
> makes all the hard work worth while.
>
> Take Care & Good Luck
> Angie