By: S.O.L.V.E.D.
Let’s face it, as Adult Education Instructors, we are quite busy! Students are rolling in continually and moving in and out of your classroom from post-testing. There is never enough time in the school day to get everything done, but if we had a magic wand, I believe there are 5 factors we really wish we had more time to do.
Individualized Instruction
We definitely know how important it is to teach students at their instructional level, which requires small-group and some individualized instruction. With adult learners, having jobs, and other outside resources, we really have no control over how long they will stay, and if they will be full-time or part-time students. All of those factors can greatly impact the time we have for individualized instruction.
We know every student comes to us with different goals, and we want to meet all of their needs, but that isn’t possible in an adult education classroom. We want the time and tools to differentiate without teacher burnout.
Ready to Use IET Materials
We are all well aware of the federal government’s mandate for Integrated Education and Training to receive grant funding, but there is no single solution to it. We don’t have the time to create a curriculum from the ground up that encompasses an entire IET, let alone the resources, materials, and assessments that go along with it! We want to teach workforce skills, but we just need high-quality instructional materials that will not take 50 hours to create.
Professional Development that is Actually Useful
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to PDs that have wasted time and energy. PD’s need to apply to current times and the educational landscape. It needs to be something I can use immediately. If I have to wait months to apply it or put in another 20 hours just for it to land, no thank you.
Time to Analyze Data (not just enter it)
What’s the saying we all have learned in the College of Education, “data drives instruction.” Well, what time do we have to analyze and manipulate the data? In Adult Education, we collect a multitude of data to achieve specific Measurable Skills Gains (MSGs). Do we have the time to look at test scores and drill down into each student’s needs so they can improve to the next level?
Mental Bandwidth to Support Students’ Real Lives
Adult learners juggle work, family, transportation, trauma, immigration processes, health challenges, and instructors often become the first line of support. They want time, resources, and partnerships to help students without carrying it all alone.
Why this Matters?
When instructors have the time and resources to do well, students succeed! Adult educators are out here making miracles happen! Imagine what they could do with more support!
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