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.