Challenges, Strengths and Weaknesses of Adult Educators - Essay Example

? Adult Educator ? Challenges, Strength and Weakness of Adult Educator Teachers play a central role in the training of the adult learners. Thus, as an outstanding teacher is required to be enriched with a wide range of qualities. This ought to work in line with his/her duty to realize the main goal. It is true that being an adult educator is an extraordinarily diverse job marked with different forms of work domains and different kinds of institutions. Research has it that there is a greater degree of informal learning. In fact, from the researchers, eighty percent of all we learn is acquired informally (Usher et al, 2007, p.99). Conversely, only twenty percent of the learning process takes place in the learning institutions. In this case, teaching done in the institutions is given the bigger attention. This follows that, this is the section of learning which involves adult students that can be influenced by using combined forms of learning. What strengths propel one to be an exemplary teacher of adults? First, it is obvious that knowledge is a prerequisite quality for a good teacher. In addition to the professional knowledge, it is noteworthy for the tutor to consider enlarging his/her general knowledge on culture, humanity, society, methodology, psychology, politics and history. This will in turn, serve to boost the effectiveness in providing what the students need to know. In addition, this knowledge places the teacher in a good position to deal with the student’s curiosity and satisfy their diversified requirements. Devotion and passionate love for students are another quality that a skilful teacher needs to have. In general, the adult student exhibit diverse behavior. Consequently, the teacher must be well acquainted with methodologies of handling the students in gentle and loving manner. Paying scrupulous attention to the students and knowing how to keep calm in any situation is imperative at this point. This will help much when giving the students advice and help them realize where they have gone wrong to realize positive change. The only perfect and absolute trait of all good teachers is being reflective. This is so, as without it none of the other characters fully attains its goal. It has been observed that an outstanding teacher is required to think and reflect on their classes from time to time. In addition, the teacher gets so concerned over their students, methods of teaching and even materials used to teach. Following these, comparisons are made and contrasts drawn. The distinctions and parallels will be highlighted with respect to reviews and restoration. This works to ensure one keeps connected with the teaching and learning process. A respectable adult teacher should be comfortable with not knowing. This is a case where one is required to be honest about the dilemmas that cannot be solved immediately. This is notable as one is dealing with mature minds that require honesty. A teacher is expected to live with the dilemma for a while, while trying to come up with the solution (Usher et al, 2007, p.74). Another notable attribute is the ability to enjoy the work and students in class. This character serves to build up motivation and creativity and avoid burnout. Workings within the right parameters will help avoid making students feel irrelevant, misunderstood, or left out. Here, close observation, carefully evaluation, and acting on the finding are indispensable. Finally yet importantly, is the drive to inspire the student’s passion to undertake a study both under the guidance in class and out of class on their own? This quality is highly appreciated owing to its undeniable value. This is of enormous benefit, as class work does not sufficiently provide all the required knowledge; therefore, an excellent teacher succeeds to motivate students to carry on their active and successful self-study at home. Obviously, teaching students on how to do their study independently, resourcefully and successfully is something that every teacher should strive to realize. In what areas does one face challenges as an adult educator? Differing geographic conditions are one of the significant challenges faced as an adult educator. This is because there is a vast divide between town, sub urban and rural areas. Rural areas have been mostly associated with lack of sufficient resources that are deemed vital in the learning process. This has constantly impeded the efforts put in place in the quest to realize greater results. Demographic factors deem formidable challenges .Here, Age and sex work to dictate the persons who participate, with younger and middle aged adults participating more than the older ones. The young adult’s quest for education has been closely linked to their desire for promotion as opposed to the older adults who feel contended. Level of education is a nifty tool used to predict who is likely to continue participating in educational activities. In this case, young adults seem to score highly (Usher et al, 2007, p.130). Ones sex also plays a significant role on the areas of the challenge faced by adult educators. Women adults tend to participate less as compared to their male counterparts. In fact, their participation is qualitatively dissimilar from men’s. This varies according to geographic conditions, with women in the developed nations participating as much as men do. In contrast, the less developed countries have remarkably few opportunities offered to women. In addition, social economic conditions of the adult learners form part of the areas of challenges experienced. From this, learners with a relatively rich background tend to participate more in education as compared to those from less wealthy families. This is not only blamed on the fact that they lack financial capacity to beef up the recommended system of education. It is imperative that they may encounter difficulties with speaking the same language or even adapting to the established norms. The last challenge faced is the cultural determinants of the learners. This is profoundly affected by the difference brought about by the social groupings. In this case, groups considered as minority participate less in the learning process in comparison to the majority ones. The tendency of the majority groupings explicitly prohibiting the participation of their counterparts partly carries the blame. Obviously, social groupings that have developed mistrust towards particular forms of education feel uncomfortable participating in them. In addition, immigrant’s population has a lower degree of participation as compared to natives. What strengths and weaknesses does one bring to teaching? Good teaching warrants placement of values on the method involved in giving feedback to the student’s. Taking this part of learning more seriously and giving a tough approach with love is strength to be mentioned. In addition, a remarkable advancement in phonology lessons is strength to be appreciated. Consequently, many students tend to grasp the importance of pronunciation practice Regarding weaknesses, there is a powerful tendency to be intolerant and condescending. Trainees who refuse to do their work serve as a great bother to the training session. In addition, Student’s flippant attitudes towards teaching and laziness are intolerable. How will one use your strengths and overcome your weaknesses to teach adults? To overcome the weaknesses mentioned above, the strong love approach will significantly serve an immense deal. This approach will not only help to drive points home during the learning sessions, but also to build a robust interpersonal relation with the trainees. Consequently, the trainees will learn to appreciate the reason behind the tough approach that will only serve to make them better. In conclusion, adult teaching is a demanding profession that can be tremendously productive and fulfilling when approached in the best way (Usher et al, 2007, p.294). This calls for one to employ a greater level of skills. Moreover, trainers with rich personalities have an upper hand as far as this discipline is concerned. The future demands that a holistic approach be adopted .This will require critical analysis of all the elements in this field. In addition, political agreement on needed competencies in this area will help to a great extend. Finally, there is an absolute need to define the standards for adult educators to avoid the common problems associated with this field that can be avoided. Reference Usher, R., Bryant, I., & Johnston, R. (2007). Adult education and the postmodern challenge: learning beyond the limits. New York, NY: Routledge. 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