As a technical college instructor, I have students who are 17 and 70 sitting in the same classroom learning basic psychology.  Needless to say, these students relate to the material very differently as well as responding to the reading load, the assignments which require basic technology skills, and tests very differently.  Although it occurs to me that somehow catering to an older population as an area of specialization may somehow make the class easier for both older students and myself, it also occurs to me that having such a diverse classroom provides a unique opportunity for students of very different backgrounds and experiences to share their perspectives with one another. In a lot of ways, students taking any class in this type of setting may be exposed to more viewpoints and thus may gain a broader understanding of the material than students who end up in highly homogeneous classrooms.

Certainly, older adults need material to be relative to their lives and they benefit from instruction that takes into account their slowing cognitive processes, but does it hurt younger adults to be exposed to these same things?  All people are more likely to learn when the content is relative to their own lives, and designing courses, assessments, and assignments which help adults make the most of their cognitive processes should only help younger students prepare to make adjustments they may find more and more necessary as they age.  

In short, perhaps training educators to specialize in teaching older adults is a great idea for the immediate future, but we should also be looking backward and forward.  We should be looking at the research that has been done on helping older adults learn and figuring out ways to design courses which cater to the needs of this population while simultaneously instilling skills in younger adult learners which they will benefit from (both immediately and eventually) as well.  Perhaps if we are successful at doing this, then the influx of older students will grow even more over the next several generations because older students will feel more confident in their ability (and the abilities of educators) to adapt to their changing educational needs.  

I realize I'm being very idealistic without offering any real tangible solutions for how to do this.  I'd be interested to know what others think...

-Liz
GSU

jennfwms at aol.com wrote:  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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