Meeting the needs of

- Diversity in the Classroom

Meeting the Needs of Biological Factors

Biological Factors

Age is a prime biological factor in learning. Many older adults are now attending & graduating college as seniors

Age affects the speed of which one learns

Hearing affects learning

Vision changes affect learning

Psychological Factors

Nature vs. Nurture – Heredity affects intelligence as much as environment.

Self Esteem affects learning

Good mental health is important to leanring

Socio-Cultural Factors

Starts in the home

Schools are normally the second stage of learning.

Socio-cultural factors grow into work environments, and community networks

Cognitive Factors

Factors that affect learning in adults The determination adults have to succeed in learning

Is Memory an Issue?

The Learning EnvironmentWelcoming & Supportive

Verbal Information

Films

Demonstrations

The learning environment will facilitate the need of the various types of learning

Communication should be Clear and Direct

Conclusion

Over the past decade diversity in adult learning has become the norm in higher education. Not only

from the various races, but more importantly the fact that age has become a prominent factor. Long gone are the

days where the majority of the college students are young, but now more so a complete mix of ages ranging from

17 years of age to 70 years of age. It is because of this fact that teachers must understand, and recognize the

difference in how adults learn, and adjust the curriculum to meet the needs of their learners. Many factors come

into play with understanding these needs; biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and cognitive in order to

understand the needs of learners. This presentation gave you an idea of the factors involved, and a brief overview

of the type of learning environment that should be in place for effective learning.

References• Crawford, D., 2012. The Role of Aging in Adult Learning: Implications for Instructors in

Higher

Education. John Hopkins University, copyright 2012.

education,hu.edu/PD/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/higher-education/implications/

• McGraw-Hill, 2003. Cognitive Development: Piaget and Vygotsky. Hetherington Park Child

Psychology a Contemporary Viewpoint.

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072820144/student_view0/chapter9/

• Mohs, Richard C..  "How Human Memory Works"  08 May 2007.  HowStuffWorks.com.

<http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/human-memory.

htm>  16 February 2014.