Hello all:

When olders adults return to community colleges we must take into consideration their purpose for returning and the best strategies for educating them. We must certainly consider Malcolm Knowles literature on adult learning:

"Every adult group, of whatever nature, must become a laboratory of democracy, a place where people may have the experience of learning to live co-operatively. Attitudes and opinions are formed primarily in the study groups, work groups, and play groups with which adults affiliate voluntarily. These groups are the foundation stones of our democracy. Their goals largely determine the goals of our society. Adult learning should produce at least these outcomes:"

Adults should acquire a mature understanding of themselves

Adults should develop an attitude of acceptance, love, and respect toward others.

Adults should acquire the skills necessary to achieve the potentials of their personalities

Please checkout this website on Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy .

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-knowl.htm

Thanks,
Fred Gibson
GSU


-----Original Message-----
From: jennfwms at aol.com
To: workplace at nifl.gov
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:11:34 -0500
Subject: [Workplace 1070] Re: Older adults and community colleges


Lalitha:



Thank you for the article reference on the elderly and the influx of 65 and over students returning to the classroom. What I wonder is will this large increase in aging students drive the university systems to look at this as a distinct field and develop undergraduate and graduate programs centered around education for the aging. If a physician can specialize in geriatric medicine, why not an educator? We prepare so much for their decline with help for medication and living assistance. Why not prepare for their expected interest in keeping their minds sharp through rigorous education programs . (beyond crafts and bingo)

Great article.

Thanks
Jennifer Williams 
GA State University 


-----Original Message-----
From: Lalitha Garapaty <lgarapaty at yahoo.com>
To: workplace at nifl.gov
Sent: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 9:06 pm
Subject: [Workplace 1067] Older adults and community colleges




In an AARP report, titled "The Back-to-School Money
Book 1996 - 1998", Schlachter, says, "the fastest
growing age group on campus is currently the one
labeled women over 65." Also, from other readings I
gather that, older adults constitute a considerable
percentage of community college population. While many
go to college because of their passion for education,
most often it is to improve their work related skills.

 
Several research studies indicate a gradual decline in
cognitive and sensory processes as people age. When
designing instruction for elderly,consideration for
such declines may have to be incorporated into the
instruction. Though, there are several studies on what
kind of programs have to be developed, there are very
few resources available dealing with instructional
design for the elderly. Anyone aware of such
resources?

All these studies were concentrated around late
1990's. Are there any new studies on older adults in
community colleges? 
Also any information about availability of PG level
course offerings in community colleges.

Thanks,
Lalitha 


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