Strategies to become successful adult learners Essay Example for Free

Strategies to become successful adult learners Essay Weve spent more than two decades of our life in a classroom, learning the basics of  mathematics, science, language and the arts. Now we are mature, responsible adults. But somewhere along the way, something goes wrong. We get fired, we lose our job, and we arent able to provide for our family. What are we to do now? Most if not all adult learners partake in adult courses seeking out new things to learn in order to cope with specific life changing events such as getting married, getting a job, being fired, or losing a loved one. They are attracted to new information that is usually related to the events in their personal life, and because they know they can use it in their own jobs or interests. (Zemke, 1984) Considering these then makes becoming successful learners as easy as 1-2-3. First thing you have to remember is that you are learning as a means to an end, not as the end itself. There is a finish line waiting for you at the end of the really long, sometimes strenuous road. Motivate yourself to learn new things. A good source of motivation is active participation. Dialogue between student to teacher and student to peers  is crucial in a good classroom environment, so make practical use of it. (Lieb, 1991) My final tip in becoming a successful adult learner is to enjoy every second of it. Don’t stress yourself if you haven’t grasped the topic yet. Try again. We only spend more than two decades of our lives in a school classroom we spend the rest in a much more competitive world the classroom of life. References: Lieb, R. (1991). Principles of Adult Learning. VISION. Retrieved on February 1, 2008 from http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm   Zemke, R. and Zemke, S. (1984). 30 Things we know for sure about Adult Learning. Innovation Abstracts Vol. VI, No. 8. Retrieved on February 1, 2008 from http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-3.htm