Characteristics of Adult Learners

A recent article on population statistics identified "Millennial's" as the largest living generation in the US. www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/25/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers/

While this is an American study, we often see similarities in Canadian Statistics, and is worth reviewing.

Why is it important to understand the age and origin of our population?

Millennial's are identified as being 18-34 in 2015, and are increasing comprised of individuals immigrating to the country.

How can this impact a classroom?

The classrooms for adult education will need to have an understanding of cultural differences in communications styles. Beyond gender differences, hierarchical vs. collaborating communication for example, (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 1995) a traditional area men and women can differ in prefered communication styles, culture can add additional subtle differences that should be recognized. Body language and eye contact for example can largely differ in meaning from culture to culture. Direct eye contact in the mid west of the USA could represent sincerity, where as could be disrespectful in a conversation with someone of native indian or Puerto Rican culture. (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009)

Spacial proximity can also impact classroom harmony and vary from culture to culture. McKay etc al. identifies conversations individuals of Latin American decent tend to move closer while Anglo Americans distance themselves. (2009) The cultures can find one another's interaction inappropriate or standoffish in turns, and disrupt the classroom harmony.

What can we do?

Keep reading and be aware of the possible needs in your classroom. Building awareness among faculty, as well as in the group as they move through the stages of group development will help keep the empathy high as the adult participants move towards their goals.