Online, Graduate and Adult Learners
The information in this section is intended to give you a brief but informational look into adult and online learners.
Adult Learners
Adult learners are experienced, self-directed, motivated, and ready to learn. Adult learners generally need to know why they are learning a new concept or information through problem-solving and doing. It is essential to explain why the skills or knowledge are being taught and how it relates to their academic learning experience.
When teaching adult learners, create learning experiences and task-oriented assessments and avoid busy work (additional activities/assessments meant to meet time requirements). Recognize that each student brings different levels of education and experience to the classroom. Encourage your learners to take charge of their learning and create opportunities that require them to problem-solve. Tell your students why they need to learn content/skills and tap into their motivation.
Graduate Students
Graduate students are unique individuals driven by their passion for learning and desire to make a difference in their fields. They’re often self-motivated and goal-oriented, enthusiastically diving into advanced studies and research. Many have developed strong analytical skills that help them tackle complex problems, and they embrace adaptability, knowing that the academic landscape can change quickly.
Balancing coursework, research, and sometimes jobs require solid time management skills, but these challenges only fuel their resilience. Collaboration is also key; they thrive on working with others and sharing diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich their learning environment. Networking becomes a natural part of their journey as they build relationships that could shape their careers. Ultimately, graduate students are not just scholars but passionate, committed individuals eager to grow, connect, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Online Learners
Online education allows many students who lack geographical access, such as rural students, military members, out-of-state students, and working adults, to obtain a college degree. In addition to an increasing number of adult students who prefer online learning, online learning is now attracting younger and first-time students. More students are choosing programs that fit their specific educational and career goals. If unavailable at a local university, they enroll in online programs that meet their educational needs.
Characteristics of successful online learners:
Initiative/self-motivation: The students initiate much of the learning in an online course, which differs from a traditional course. In a traditional face-to-face course, students meet at a regular time weekly, and the professor delivers a lecture on all the weekly learning materials. In contrast, online students must take the initiative each week to log onto the Learning Management System, complete readings, and view lectures without guidance or defined time.
Persistence: Online students have to be willing to persevere through the learning materials, technical issues, not understanding/liking content or assignments, lack of teacher contact, and even knowing that they have a long night/weekend of studying/homework ahead to meet the course deadlines.
Organization: Being organized (time, course materials, study space) is essential for juggling a job, a family, and schoolwork.
Engagement: The professor and other students have much to offer to the online learner’s experience. The professor can help build a learning community by providing ways to engage with other students. Students can learn from each other’s experiences with the content, motivate each other, and cultivate friendships.
Communication skills: Online students must communicate clearly and effectively to professors and other students in the learning management system while practicing proper email and online netiquette.