Adult Learning Theory: Applications To Non-Traditional Students

The article, Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students, focused on identifying the present day non-traditional college student is and the strategies that educators need to apply when teaching these students. The authors provide a broad overview of the present day non-traditional college student. Those students are identified as financially independent, between the ages of 25 and 50 with minimal previous college credits. Many of these students have been recently unemployed, retired military personnel or employees returning to the class room for a career promotion or change (Kenner & Weinerman 2011).
The article goes on to explain the adult student has developed learning styles and strategies from the work place that are not always helpful in the collegiate environment. The authors stress the importance of the instructors to identify those strategies and help the student learn to adapt those strategies while incorporating new learning habits. They then recommend educators review three common learning theories when developing course materials for adult learners. The theories referenced were the tacit theory, the informal theory and the formal theory (Kenner & Weinerman 2011).
Therefore, they look for more meaningful assignments that can be adapted to their everyday life. The article provides a solid review of the student and also the tools that can be used by instructors to help ensure the success of the non-traditional student. They highlight the importance of adapting the curriculum to keep the interest of the adult learner as they have a higher non completion rate than a traditional student. The authors also provide a practical application of the theories mentioned to develop meaningful curriculum that will keep the adult student