Teaching Adult Learners

This course offers an overview of distance learning: its history, current status and future progress. Participants will also receive an introduction to learning theories and be introduced to different types of online teaching course design and educational technologies. Using case studies and a historical perspective of the evolution of online teaching, students will understand the challenges and advantages of establishing a distance learning course or program. The course will discuss course design, development, implementation and evaluation and the concept of building community.

This course presents an overview of curriculum development & an introduction to the Instructional Systems Design Model. Participants will learn to design & evaluate curriculum, develop instructional materials, assess student learning & measure instructional outcomes for use in online classes from K-20 and beyond. Topics include preparation of course outlines & syllabi, development of lessons plans, design of evaluation instruments and an explanation of how learning objectives & evaluation strategies affect the selection of content and materials.

This course features practical strategies & effective instructional techniques for holding the attention of adult learners, thereby enhancing their educational experience. Topics include ages & stages in adult development, characteristics of adult learners, adult learning/teaching styles, establishing instructor/learning relationships, overcoming barriers to learning, increasing adult motivation to learn, building problem solving & critical thinking skills, promoting self-learning in adults, enhancing knowledge through experiential learning, and dealing with diversity in the adult classroom.

Adults participating in continuing education and post secondary programs reflect a wide range of interests and are of various ages and economic levels. Because we are all unique, educators must be able to facilitate effective communication among the students. Imaginative yet reality-based methodologies and techniques are presented. Topics include the principles and behavioral laws of adult learning (with attention to special populations), group dynamics and the functions of leadership, as well as guidelines for adult educational counseling.

This course provides students with perspectives on working with adults from diverse backgrounds in divergent settings. This course focuses on the differentiation of teaching and training to build upon the educational and life experiences of adult learners. Special topics include: current issues in teaching adults; compacting content; pacing; working with non-native speakers of English; and project-based teaching and training.

This course presents effective research-based strategies to maximize adult learning in a variety of contexts. Effective Strategies examines Androgogy, the science of adult learning, including the following topics: learning physiology of the adult brain; learner demands and purpose of learning for adults; roles played by instructors of adults; task-focused curriculum and instruction; creating a productive learning environment for adults; and evaluation and assessment for adult learners.

This course explores the current and future directions in learning and adult education, focusing on successful techniques for developing relevant and effective adult-oriented educational programs and the practical application of adult learning theory. Topics include dealing with the diversity of adult learning styles, developing dynamic instructional strategies, and using learning retention techniques. The course will also cover the educational requirements for entering the field, and information for those who are preparing to teach at the community college level.

As learning has become a lifelong pursuit, educators as well as the media are placing more emphasis on adulthood. This course explores some of the issues that impact adult education, with a focus on understanding the legislative process, governing boards, adult education funding sources, delivery systems, diversity among students and communities, and occupational trends as they impact adult education.

This course is designed for individuals interested in teaching, counseling, and administrative opportunities in the community colleges. Students gain an overview of the California community college system and the clientele it serves. Instruction includes information on where to find out about job opportunities, both full and part time, as well as guidance on preparing effective job applications and resumes. Strategies will also be presented for enhancing a job seeker's potential for receiving a job interview and the best way to prepare for it.

This course will introduce participants to leading learning management systems (LMS). Participants will receive an orientation of what tools are available in each LMS, as well as best practices for accommodating various assessment and collaboration assignments. The course will also explore how to connect instructional tools with sound teaching pedagogy. In addition, ancillary tools that can extend the functionality of these LMS's will be explored.

Students will work collaboratively with a program advisor to create a final portfolio. This portfolio will consist of a compilation of highlights from throughout the program and a personal review of their progress. Students will submit this portfolio to a program advisor for final review.