Respond to each of the following points:
· the challenges of being a learner at your age
· the joys of being a learner at your age
· your hopes for the next decade as a learner
· your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
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217 comments:
1 – 200 of 217 Newer› Newest»The challenges of being a learner at your age.
I am not a patient person, so I do not like using blogs when I could save time by using the discussion boards. Online learning has its challenges, especially when I am not engaged directly with other learners, so it makes it difficult to understand professors and students inputs often.
• The joys of being a learner at your age.
I don't have to waste time driving to a campus just to sit in a 400 person auditorium where no one knows me, plus I can finish my degree faster in the online environment.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
To learn how to pay back the student loans without starving to death.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Wait until you are sure of where you want to go in life. Too many young people are pressured into education when they are not mentally, or financially prepared to do so, and thus, they have a higher rate of failure, and still be in debt. Seek knowledgeable, concise and realistic advise before you jump in.
Bill Thompson
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
When I was a child and a young adult I was hungry for knowledge and I spent a lot of time and energy learning. Now I am filled up. I enjoy taking classes, and have my whole life, to learn or augment my knowledge in small ways. Taking on a degree program, however, which is large in scope and in effort required is exhausting and undesirable. I never had these feelings of begin overwhelmed by a project like this when I was younger.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The chief joy in learning for me is its application to what I already know. Adult learning theories about building on one’s experience being important to the learner really resonate for me. As I learn new things, the fabric of my understanding of the world changes. I can actually feel and see myself changing and growing with new knowledge.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope that I can continue to have a positive and humble attitude about learning and that my sense of being overwhelmed by this particular big project will not cause me to become bitter. Fighting against becoming a bitter person should be on the to-do list of everyone as he or she ages. It’s a terrible way to grow old.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would advise people learning at my age to dispense with the negative kicking-ourselves-thoughts that we should have done it right the first time, learned these things long ago, been “set” and wise by this point in our lives. My experience is that people who know, or think they know, everything because of their age know much less than they think and do not live as fulfilling lives as those who still feel there is much to learn.
--Gina Cannizzo
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
I have been increasingly conscious that reality is indeed, a cognitive constructive process. This construction consists of cyberspace, emailing, blogging and participating in live chats. All of this to include the demands for completing assigned tasks had been very challenging and dismissing past assumptions the things that I through was truth.
• The joys of being a learner at your age.
I can now fulfill a lifelong dream without the many demands of raising small children; yet I still have an 11 year old but he is under control. Learning is power I can now have conversation with other outside of corrections and fill great about the knowledge that I have inquired. Learning is an ongoing process; the more I learn the more I want to learn.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I hope to be in a position that I can have a positive effect on those I will teach.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice to people who are entering my decade as a learner would be due to the continuous and fast changes in the workplace, motivated in part by globalization and the rapid growth of new technologies, it would be reasonable to say that adults will need to upgrade their existing skills and learn new ones. Welcome challenge.
The challenges of being an online learner at your age.
The challenges I have is to constantly strive for balance in all my affairs,in addition to life bringing the unexpected and still meet deadlines,responsiblities, without decrease in quality of standards.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
The joys of being a learner at my age, is being able to accept my experience without judgement, guilt or apology, and knowing that I have a strong desire to learn, and will love any circumstance,good or not so good, because in the end, I will have learned something that I can use to grow!
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
It is my desire to experience how to be an effective instructor of adult learners and to be involved in designing a classroom managment program for teachers.
The challenges of being a learner at age 45
One of the biggest challenges I face as a learner at my age is one that many others face – time to dedicate to my studies. I travel a tremendous amount for my job as an instructor for the Department of Corrections and find this takes me away from my routine. This in turns disrupts my best intentions in reading and preparing homework assignments. Additionally, after a long day of teaching for eight hours, I often find the last thing I want to do is use my cognitive skills to work toward writing posts or papers – or reading.
An additional challenge I faced was understanding myself and where I wanted to go in my career well enough to focus my education. I started out in my career working as a Psychologist, but was promoted to the Training Academy several years ago to teach others. Now I feel as if I serve two masters – treatment and adult learning. Sometimes they are seamless, but at other times they seem to pull me in separate directions. I struggled for many years trying to decide if I wanted to pursue a degree in education or one in psychology. I actually started in psychology, but switched to education this past year.
The joys of being a learner at my age
The one thing I find about learning at this age is that I can apply a lot of what I learn in the classroom almost immediately to what I do day-to-day. I am also learning new theories that are helping me improve my skills as an instructor. The information I am learning has helped me step back from what I have been doing for years and reconsider if there is a better way to do it. This has brought new enthusiasm to my work that was growing stagnant after 11 years of teaching. I am now looking at people and how they learn differently and am not afraid to try new things in the classroom.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
The one hope I have – other than successfully completing my degree – is to continue to find ways to keep my enthusiasm for my work. It is easy to grow stale by doing the same thing over and over. The challenge lies in keeping your edge in a field were the competition is tough. I am a use-of-force instructor and there are many of us that are constantly seeking to find ways to improve the skills of the officers we teach. However, like anything else, after teaching firearms instruction for 11 years it has become routine. Since starting this program I have found myself asking how we can do this differently and still have a quality – or maybe even an improved – program.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner
Understand what it is that you really want to do before jumping into your education. School is extremely expensive and you may choose a career out of pressure, but find you don’t enjoy it as much as you thought you might once you get into the day-to-day. I believe this is especially true of advanced degrees. Work in the field for a while before committing yourself to a graduate program. You will know if you really are cut out for it – or if it interests you – before spending the money. You will also bring a lot of experience and knowledge about your chosen field that can help make the learning easier. Your knowledge may help others by being able to answer questions and concerns about what it is REALLY like to be in that career.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The obvious challenge at this point in my life is the fact that I work two jobs and I am attending school at the same time. Add to that mix three boys ages 6,10, and 14…. Time is a premium at this point in my life. I have found myself questioning the decision to attend this program because of this situation.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
I think the fact that I can put into practice a lot of the things I have learned throughout my professional career is a big source of joy. Having a more mature frame of mind that allows me to consider different angles to different problems also helps. The personal satisfaction I get from learning new things is the main source of joy at this moment.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope I don’t forget that learning is an ongoing process. I hope that I can continue to learn and to stay abreast of future developments in the field of adult learning. I hope I can actually earn this degree.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would advise them to take some time to organize their affairs before starting the program. I would ask them to take the time to ask the enrollment advisors some very specific questions. I would advise them to get the name of one or two instructors and to contact them to get a feel for what their expectations are. I would advise them to discuss the decision at length with the family, as this is something that will affect them just as much. I would advise them to believe in their own abilities, and not allow others to talk them out of the decision if this is what they really, truly want.
The Challenges of Learning in your 40’s
The challenges of being a learner at my age (40) are so different than they were when I originally started college. My priorities were different; my lifestyle was different; I was different. At 40, I work fulltime as an educator; I have a husband, a child and a mortgage. I had none of those things when I started my college endeavors years ago. The responsibilities I have now are so grand compared to what little responsibilities I had 20-something years ago. I am responsible for the children I work with, my family and our household (especially since my husband is deployed right now). All these challenges sometimes make education take a back-burner.
The joys of being a learner are great. Being able to converse with people who have an interest in the topics at hand is something I really enjoy about our discussion boards. It is exciting to hear what other people have to say. I have long since passed that point where I think I know it all. I realize I have so much to learn and others can teach me. I enjoy that part of learning. It is exciting for me to see others get excited about what I have to offer as well.
As I age, I hope that my next endeavors of learning will take me to a higher level. Being able to actually implement the things I am learning and continuing to share them with others who are interested in learning.
Anyone who enters learning in their 40’s, I would have to provide the following advice – learn because you want to. Enjoy what you are learning. It is never too late to start learning something new.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The biggest challenge for me as a learner at this point in my life is trying to balance everything. I have three children, 2 in high school, both of whom play lacrosse. My youngest is in 7th grade and has ADHD. I work part time at a local university. There are times when I feel overwhelmed with my responsibilities as a wife and mother, a teacher and a student. Sometimes I am afraid of not being able to get it all done and fear that the sacrifice I chose to make today will have negative ramifications on my family or students.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The greatest job of being an adult learner at this point in my life is that I LOVE it! I am motivated and thoroughly enjoy each module I work through. I am looking forward to being finished, but I am enjoying living in this moment. If feel that the online format has enabled me to be successful and allows me to “get it all done.” If I had to attend an on the ground school, I do not think I would be able to manage all the aspects of my life successfully.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope that it does not take a decade to earn my degree! However, when I do earn my degree, I hope to be employed as a professor at a college or university and teach in the education department. At this point, I do not see myself pursuing another advanced degree, but I thought I was done when I earned my Master’s degree.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice would be to recognize your limitations and be willing to say no at times. You will have to make sacrifices but try to make sure that the sacrifices you make are balanced between friends and family. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Walden has many ways of supporting students to allow them to be successful, do not be afraid to take advantage of those services.
Challenges as a learner of my age...
It has been a challenge being a learner right now only due to the multiple commitments that I have in my life. I have managed school, my career, my family and my personal life pretty well, thus far. But it takes focus, perseverance and bit of time to relax in between.
Joys of being a learner at this age...
It is from a different perspective of my life that I treat my educational endeavors with immediate purpose. At this point, I am able to promptly apply the wisdom that I gain from the courses at Walden to the duties in my career. In the past educational programs, I studied for future steps towards my career goals that were still years ahead. In addition, with the courses at Walden, I am able to participate in the discussions with more knowledge from the experiences in my life. As a younger learner, I was more passive by listening to discussions with very little participation. Finally, in my personal life, I enjoy learning about financial management strategies which are helping me to decrease my debt, while building my assets.
Hopes for the next decade as a learner...
My hopes for the next decade is to continue my pursuit towards financial prosperity. In addition, my ultimate hope is to complete this doctoral program and move on to the next level as an educator of adults in a post secondary institution.
Advice for future learners...
I would advise upcoming learners to enjoy the learning experiences as much their focus on studies. In addition, set aside time for studies, but still enjoy everyday life. Stay positive in your pursuit of your goals and even as challenges arise, continue to keep your eyes on the prize of achievement.
For our discussion this week we are asked to look at aspects of the adult learning theory, specifically focusing on Levinson, and how we see ourselves as adult learners. The answers to the following questions will help me to do this.
1. What are the challenges for being an adult learner at my age?
I found the reading this week very interesting and could see myself in many many ways. As an adult learner at this point in my life I am challenged a good deal. I am a wife and a mother. My two children, ages 15 and 11, are very busy and in turn that keeps me very busy. I work full time as a nursing supervisor for a large school division and I am very active in my church. Even though I have all of this on my plate, the biggest personal challenge is that I am very driven and find myself constantly seeking more and more knowledge. While some would find this to be an attribute, I am driven to a fault at times and find myself unable to say no when I should. My thirst for knowledge as an adult learner is great and I love learning. I often find myself wanting to do so well on an assignment that I procrastinate for fear that I won’t do all I need to do to be successful. I get very frustrated with myself at these times and know that I sometimes just need to let go of my fears and get the work done.
2. What are the joys of being a learner at my age?
I have many joys at this point in my life as an adult learner. I find myself attaining goals that I had once never imagined myself setting much less reaching. I could relate well to Daloz when he shared some of Levinson’s theory with us. I was one of those people who was very comfortable in my comfort zone. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1987 and was very content for years. In 2005, just after I turned 40, things changed for me and I found myself drinking in every bit of knowledge that I could get. I suppose that is midlife change. I enrolled in Walden’s Master of Science in Nursing program and loved every minute of it. While it was stressful and very overwhelming at times, I knew that I was working hard toward an achievable goal and was very excited about it. After receiving my Masters in 2007, I still wanted more and now here I am in this doctoral program. I have moments where I have panic attacks when work is due but the joy I feel far outweighs the fear. I am elated to be on my way to achieving this goal and I am going to promise myself that I will enjoy the journey along the way.
3. What are my hopes for the next decade as a learner:
As we have heard over and over through Walden, life-long learning is so important. I plan to be one of those life- long learners. My hope as a learner is to use my knowledge to help others reach their goals. While I am doing this, I know that I will learn so much from my students along the way. It is also my hope that my children will see, through me, the value of an education and continue to set their own goals higher and higher.
4. What is my advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner?
One of the most important pieces of advice is to be true to oneself. Always seek out those people who have been where you are and allow them to help you along the journey. Mentors are essential in education and in life. They help us in so many ways. I also recommend setting goals, making good choices, reflecting on your progress and doing your best every day to achieve academic excellence.
Lisa Minor
To Bill Thompson,
I read your post with delight. It was very enjoyable and funny.
I completely connected with you when you said that you were not a patient person. I want to do what I am supposed to do and move on. The blogs seem a bit confusing to me and this course is the first time that I have ever used it. I suppose that is what some of our adult learning is all about.... learning new ways to work with technology. I am glad though that I have learned this new technique because I would not have learned it otherwise aside from this course.
Thanks for sharing your post and good luck on paying back your loans without starving to death. I am very confident that you will succeed at that :)
Lisa Minor
Hi Claire,
It is good to see your name in this blog and get to connect with you again. Thanks for sharing your post. I enjoyed it and connected with it in many ways. Being a busy mom, working and going to school is definitely challenging. I wrote about that too in my blog. I would be curious to look at some of the other blogs ( ages 20-25 or so) and see their comments. It is so different when you are at that age,(not married and no children in many cases) and getting an education. I remember those days well but I would not trade where I am for all of the extra time in the world. How about you? Good luck to you.
Lisa Minor
After reading the many postings at this site (to date) of individuals in this age group, I must admit that as difficult as it all is now for me in my age group, in so far as time management and things to do go, it was worse back then--in your age.
I am in the next adult phase because I am 55. While I am what I could describe as insanely busy, I must admit that I am beyond the craziness of your phase of life.
My two sons are mostly grown--not that they do not need me still, but one has his master's and the other is getting his bachelor's this spring (end of this semester). Again, there are moments when motherhood can still be very consuming, but for the most part it is less so than it was, say ten years ago!
And as far as career is concerned, even though I feel as if it is very demanding and consuming, I am more focused on retirement than I am on advancement. Yes, I am looking forward to my EdD and the accompanying salary advancement, but then again, that's mainly with retirement in sight. In fact, when things get too intense with work, I look to my hands and count my fingers, for I will be retired before I can count all of both of those digits!
So, best to all of you forty-somethings. Like with changing diapers, the demands of your age is something I don't miss after all.
You make me feel good by comparison. :)
Carol Jones
One of the many challenges of being a learner at this age is balancing the demands of home, work, and school. Prioritizing each of the areas outlined while trying to make time for oneself adds to the challenge of being a learner at this age. Another challenge is time; time in terms of knowing that I am not getting any younger, and when I am finished with my Doctoral degree I will be even older still, and utility of the degree is of the essence.
The joy of being a learner at this age is having the knowledge of what I want to do and being able to focus on a specific goal with a defined purpose. I do not feel the uncertainty I felt during my undergraduate or earlier collegiate years. I am focused, goal directed, and purpose driven.
During the next decade as a learner I hope to embrace the technology that continues to change education, and society as a whole. I hope to pass the knowledge onto adult learners who may not be as familiar with technology, and who may be intimidated by it. I hope to see a change in education as a whole where there is a decrease in the dropout rate, where students receive equal opportunity to the best education, and an increase in how technology is used in the classroom.
The advice I would offer to new learners is to know what you want to do. Being focused and goal directed eliminates stress, gets you through the touch times, and brings satisfaction with even the smallest accomplishments, like completing a semester. I would further advise the new learner to listen to his/her body, know what causes stress, and be kind to, and take care of him or herself. The demands of life are many and school is a huge responsibility especially when coupled with family, and work. Finally, always find time to relax, even if it is only for an hour or two.
The challenges of being a learner at the age of 41.
The challenges in which I have encountered upon re-enrolling in another degree program is that I have had a strenuous time to bring a level of cohesiveness or balnace between school, work and to my personal life.
The joys of being a learner at my age.
Each day as I login into the class is a great joy to me. It gives me the opportunity to learn from my professor as well as colleagues. It also lets me participates with class discussions and also allows me to become familiar with and operates the various technological tools which is need in this class.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner would be that I would become a better person that I am now and that I would use the skills learned from this program to make my community a better place to be. Also, I would like to be a part of the adult learning process where I would continue to encourage the adult learner to reach his or her goals. Finally, I would like to be part of an advocacy group that promote adult learning.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice for upcoming learners would be to develop a working schedule that would be manageable and conducive to their needs and remain with it. Also, learn to pace themselves and to remain focus to their educational goals.
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
I'd say my biggest challenge is my failing memory. When I was younger I had a nearly photographic memory so never relied on notes. As such I never developed good habits for note taking or journaling. Another challenge is the on-line forum. I do learn much better face to face, but this medium is the only way to go unless I were able to move to another city.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
I am a bit wiser now and learning is much more important to me than it used to be. I've learned some lessons the hard way. Now I'm pursuing my goals in a much more methodical manner. I have developed a passion for learning, so even though I have my moments of frustration it does not seem so much like work.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I hope to transition from being solely a student to also being an instructor. I believe learning goes on for life. You learn as much teaching as you do being a student.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Learn to take notes and manage your time well.
Elizabeth Gatz (age group 40-49)
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
Life in itself is complicated at this stage. Many factors combine to further make life busy and stressed. Family needs, work and other people who need things from this learner manage to make learning moiré difficult. Fitting the required reading and writing assignments into this busy life is difficult and at times almost impossible.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner are that I want to learn. I enjoy the pace and the expectations. Right now this week is not going well time wise. I have too many things on my plate but the class work is truly engaging and rewarding. This is something I do for myself.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I do hope that things will calm down. As the children leave home and I have fewer commitments in terms of children with school and sports, I hope to be a real learner. Looking forward I think that I will be able to devote more time to the learning process and become a real student.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Advice for new learners at this time in life is that you can do it. I had major doubts but I am finding that it is working although there will always be things I wish were different. I tell my students that they will never regret working on their education. They will only move forward with an advanced degree.
thanks for reading! eliz
The challenges of being a learner at your age
At 45 years of age (yesterday!), I believe that the greatest challenge facing me as a learner is time and stress management. The daily responsibilities that I owe to family, faith, citizenship, and occupation intersect with the unexpected adventures in life. This forces me to attempt to manage “nine lives in one.” In fact, a few years ago—when life was even more complex as I had to be one of the primary caregivers for my dying father—I was diagnosed with severely high blood pressure. My physician sarcastically said, “It’s no wonder your blood pressure is high…you are trying to live nine lives, but you only have one.”
I would not be surprised if time management was an issue for most learners at my age. The responsibility of raising a family, making a living, while trying to balance school into that equation is a daunting task. The fact is I know I can do the work, but the problem becomes finding enough time in the day to do it right! That said, I have come to realize in my EdD journey that I need to stay on top of things—as much as humanly possible—each week. However, when that cannot happen due to life and its unexpected adventures, I remind myself that I am just a human being. Therefore, considering the challenges of learning at this age with special regard to my EdD journey, I have adopted the following motto: “Survive and advance…one module, one week, and one project at a time.”
The joys of being a learner at your age
Joy…what joy in spending hours a week reading and writing about adult development theories! Of course, I say this with “tongue in cheek.” I feel the greatest joy is that because I have gained a wealth of rich life experiences, I contribute more to the learning process. It feels like I am now able to develop my own learning narrative, rather than having a teacher espouse the narrative for me to memorize.
At this age, I have come to fully appreciate the process of “learning to learn.” In my traditional learning years, I perceived that I was being “forced to learn.” Hence, this negative attitude led me to “downshift” sometimes in the learning process. However, as a learner at age 45, I truly embrace the concept of learning. By embracing this concept, I find myself open to new ways of thinking, developing new prisms in which to view the world, and most importantly, I know that I am growing. In short, I am now “wired” to say, “I want to learn about that,” as opposed to “I have to learn about that.” The joy comes from the fact that I now—to quote the words of Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers—“respect the process” of learning.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade (and each subsequent one) is to remain open to the experience of learning. I realize that with each passing year I continue to grow and develop (either through formal academics or contextual life experience). In particular, I anticipate the day when I will join the ranks of Walden alumni as an EdD. However, if I am so blessed to complete this EdD journey, I hope that I do not feel—after earning a terminal degree—set for life with regard to the learning process. Thus, my hopes in a post-Walden era, would be to continue on the learning journey fortified by a doctorate.
A remarkable event that I hope does not affect my learning into the next decade is my midlife transitional crisis. In moving from my midlife crisis to the second half of my life, I hope that the despair of the crisis does not inhibit my continual growth as a learner and as a human being. As Levinson (1986) reported in discussing the midlife crisis, men in particular begin to face their own mortality between ages 40-45.
For me, confronting my own death has recently become a very real phenomenon. I was humbled by the realization that there is more life behind me than there is ahead of me. In fact, this critical look at my own death has put a drag on my ambition (especially with regard to my EdD journey). I have some doubt about whether I really want to keep pushing myself at this stage of my life (since life is more than half over for me). I think sometimes, “I don’t really need a doctorate. I have several degrees and that is more than enough education for what I want to do for the rest of my life.” To that end, my hope is that I will get through this midlife transitional stage with a renewed vigor to pursue continual life learning in the next decade and the decades to come.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
The best advice I would give to someone entering this decade as a learner is to slow down the process of living and remind yourself that you are simply a human being. I notice that there are a number of days where I say, “I just don’t feel like I got anything done today.” I go to bed frustrated and wake up already feeling overwhelmed. It feels like life is just going by so quickly and spinning out of control. Consequently, this feeling inhibits the learning process.
When I was younger I felt invincible and that with hard work I could accomplish anything. Yet, at the midpoint of this decade, I see that age is the great equalizer. Although I have gained wisdom and experience over the years, the trade off is that I have noticed an incremental decline in my energy levels and industry. I am humbled by the fact that I just cannot do what I used to be able to do (in work, school, or life). I am also humbled by the fact that at this age time seems to move as though it were on fast forward.
I remember as a younger man my mentors explaining these subtle changes, but I simply could not relate to their message; now that I can relate, I remind myself when feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated, that I am simply a human being. Moreover, when I feel like life is going by too fast and spiraling out of control, I remember to measure time in minutes and hours versus weeks and years. Hence, in conclusion, my first bit of advice to anyone entering this decade as a learner is to remember that you are limited by your human condition; this is not an excuse, rather it is a fact of life. Second, when you feel like your internal clock is on fast forward, remind yourself to “live just fifteen minutes at a time!”
Reference
Levinson, D. (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3-13.
Response to Lisa
I agree with you about feeling out the field before truly investing in that field. Now while I agree with that statement, I would also say that there is no perfect circustance you will be in, or no perfect time to fit school into a schedule of your life, but sometimes you just have to jump at the chance. I think many times because we are afraid to take chances we lose out on a lot of experiences we could have had in the process. This is not to say jump foolishly into something; however this also does not mean to be so cautious that one must feel out the field for 10 years just to decide if it is the right field for them. I always enjoy reading post from you!
Inez (20-29 Group)
The challenges of being a learner at 40-49 years old
To take full responsibility for learning and other critical decisions related to my life choices, the challenges I were faced with mostly concerned on how to develop my study skills and time management with my family responsibility. Harder, (2002) noted that Erikson observed that in middle-age we tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family. Overall, I focused on being more involved and committed to my work and family. Harder, (2002) also found that strength comes through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society. “This family of theory is powerful because it asserts that growth involves more than becoming a well-adjusted member of society, it also means coming to see one’s own culture from a critical stance and establishing loyalties that go beyond one’s immediate community” (Daloz, 1999, p. 45). On the other hand, the advanced learning system I am challenged with as a learner at my age enabled me to develop my intentional learning strategies, which was a valuable tool to empower me to be more self-reliant and confident.
The joy of being a learner at my age
Improvements to articulate my own learning preferences, an increase in the sense of responsibility with autonomy as an older learner, and the feeling of overall academic success are the most aspects I enjoy when I am involved in learning. Based on Daloz (1999), “developmental perspectives of this sort help to improve the quality of education in a number of ways” (p.44). Hence, I am aware more on my learning pattern which affects my academic success. When I access the sequentially organized presentation of this course material, its schedule left me little time to enjoy any other life activities but I believe I am beginning to enjoy my paper research work more. “It is time for the realignments that took place during the last transition to settle in and give more lasting meaning to our relationships, work, and spiritual commitments” (Daloz, 1999, p. 57). This means that I have made something of myself, and after completing my journey, I will gain a certain support that is hard to get without a doctoral degree. It will be one of the proudest accomplishments in my life.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
Hopes to continue to enhance the learning areas that can help me feel more connected to a wide array of activities, including many leadership and service opportunities. First, as a learner I hope to become more proficient, more confident, and more motivated on taking charge of my learning success. As Kegan (1994) wrote “information make demands on our minds, on how we know and on the complexity of our consciousness” (p. 5). This will lead to become more engaged in the learning process, rather than simply trying to pass classes. Further, when faculty members engage in the process of deepening the students understanding of learning, as the way they design this course instruction, the charge of the student-learner explicit. As a result, I might represent my knowledge differently from that I might have overlooked in the past or misunderstood. The sense of belongingness begins with the process itself, as it sends a message that I learn and develop at the same time. I hope to demonstrate this by providing myself “the opportunity to learn about myself as a learner and to become empowered with mental organization” (Kegan, 1994, p. 21). The opportunities to develop advanced levels of learning and the skills necessary for successful lifelong learning.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
As an educator and a learner, I spend my days encouraging students to strive for excellence in education. In this ever-changing, technologically advanced, global society, one must be educated in order to survive. Kegan (1994) calls for the way that educators get younger students to change their behavior for tomorrow is in how educators will change the way they think today. What better way to show my students how much I value education, than to get my doctorate? My good advice to younger people is to understand their learning challenges to balancing them with their challenges of life, career, and family. Harder (2002) explains that as our children leave home, or our relationships or goals change, we may be faced with major life changes and struggle with finding new meanings and purposes. If we don't get through this stage successfully, we can become self-absorbed and stagnate.
References:
Daloz, L. A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners. San Francisco, CA, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jossey-Bass
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erick Erikson. Support for change. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from http://www.support 4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.heml.
Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads: The mental demands of modern life. New York: Harvard College.
The challenges of being a learner at my age are not so much about the learning itself, but more about things in my life that are competing with the learning, such as time, energy, and financial resources. As Malcolm Knowles assumed in the Theory of Andragogy , I feel a strong need to learn only those things which will have an immediate benefit for my busy life. As I have reached a stage of mid-life, I find my motivations changing. Whereas I purposefully chose to not pursue a terminal degree in previous decades, I have a strong internal motivation to complete that educational program. While balancing outside pressures is definitely a challenge, there is also a residual challenge of inadequacies left from as far back as high school. Success, at any age, requires finding a strong internal motivation and the ability to manage the demands of life’s pressures.
The joy of being a learner at my age is found in working toward established educational goals. As I have entered my decade of the 40s, I consistently find myself more focused on educational and career paths and more determined than ever to follow those paths to measurable goals I’ve set for myself. I also find a great joy in enjoying the process of learning. I recall learning in my past as being very task oriented and not immediately rewarding. As a mid-life adult learner I have a wealth and depth of experiences on which to draw as I link my learning with my life experiences. Finally, I find great joy in the tools and innovations in adult learning that have developed throughout my adult life. Changes in the landscape of learning make learning not only more accessible, but more enjoyable and more attainable.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner seem to be in a path of continuation. I hope to remain a lifelong learner and to have learning experiences that continually teach me new ideas, concepts, and skills sets. As I move into the decade of my 50s, I hope to find myself established as a career higher education administrator and able to take advantage of more advanced learning opportunities, such as educational travel, program development, and intercultural consultation. I anticipate a world where educational tools and opportunities will only multiply, enabling more learning activities than we can now imagine.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner would have to be to embrace every opportunity of self-development and enjoy the challenges that present themselves through every learning environment. While difficult, meeting the challenges is well worth the effort and expense. As we all develop as productive adults, I would hope that all could see the value not just in what is learned, but in the value of the learning experience as well.
My primary theme for learning and development at this time in my life centers around preparing myself for being a part of positive social change. I want to be of service and make meaning of knowledge to apply and share.
In this age group for women, the challenges are chiefly driven by the scope of current life activities, whether raising a family and/or pursuing a career and/or addressing other concerns or life issues. Learning challenges could include finding the time and energy to embark upon an educational journey. My challenges include finding the time and ability to focus and concentrate fully on a given aspect in life (work, family, education, leisure, health, etc.).
My joys of learning at this age include firm commitment and determination, will power, drive and understanding how this degree will and has impacted my life, and life’s enjoyable patterns and expectations based on experiences I have gained. I am enjoying a quiet assurance that each day brings me closer to my goal.
My hopes for learning in the next decade are that I maintain my thirst and enthusiasm for learning and that I have the capacity to again transform myself through continual learning and development. I want to experience growth and a deeper, more spiritual way of understanding and knowing most things. I want to actually feel the things that I know and learn. Knowing in this way will help me achieve my other goal of possessing the ability to transfer this knowledge, meaning and understanding to others. I want to practically apply the knowledge.
My advice for people entering this decade as a learner would be to take it seriously and try to understand and realize how it applies or how you can actually apply it to your life. Of course, I would recommend that one be of service to others and aid them in applying it to their own lives. Stand tall, and be an inspiration because this will only drive and move you to press forward to that next level of knowing and being.
Elizabeth
The challenges of being a learner at the age is trying to keep up with the technology. This method of learning is helpfu and it fit into the life of a busy engage learner. student who has other committments like jobs and families, but yet it offers excellent opportunities to learn the new trends in teaching.
The joys of being a learner at your age; I love to meet other students for other states in varying areas of education. The diversity in the student population gives to the class a vast amount of perspectives on the similar subject, with varying degrees of experiences. I also enjoy being able to access the class from home and being able to get the related resources from the library. I enjoy instant and personal mail with the instructor. I also like learning at my pace.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner; After completing my degree, to put what I have learned into practice with new instructors. I hope to make learning easier for my students, by using newly advanced theories, with evidence based positive outcomes. I hope to learn new strategies to use to keep and engage students in the learning process. I hope I can apply a theory developed by me into the education . Another hope is to learn from the student that I am currently teaching and mentoring student teachers to do what I do now.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Go for an online class when you have so many other commitments in life, you learn in a collaborative learning environment, you learn at your own pace and keep up with technology and become involved with any educational process that enhances social change.
Thanks for reading my post.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age.
My life in my forties (just acknowledged my 43rd birthday yesterday!)can be quite hectic at times. Making the most of my time is a necessity. I am a high school teacher, an adjunct instructor at a local community college, a doctoral student, a mother of 2 (a son in 7th grade and a son in his second year of college) and a wife. Deciding to take this challenge of earning my doctoral degree was a huge undertaking for me. So far, I have enjoyed every step of the way! I thank God every day for this opportunity!
• The joys of being a learner at your age.
I love the idea of setting a new goal for myself. For the past couple of years I have felt a strong desire to become a full time college professor. I love the research that I have not had to do for quite some time. I also love the idea of reflective learning. I have started writing "ideas" or thoughts down about once a week in a journal. I'm not sure where that will lead, but I find it interesting to read over it once in a while.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
In the next decade, I hope to become a college professor. I want to teach people who aspire to become teachers how to become effective educators. I hope to be able to make a positive difference in the lives of many!
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Never give up! ... and...Have a good attitude! I find that it has helped to have a support group of family and friends in place to help you along the way. Whenever I get frustrated, I usually turn to my family. My husband's favorite quote to tell me at times like that is: "Well, if it were easy, everyone would do it!" My son is scheduled to graduate from college about the time that I hopefully will receive this degree. We encourage each other to keep going. I know they are proud of me and I am of them as well! It's the little things that mean a lot sometimes! So, just hang in there and follow your dream!
Jose A. Gonzalez
Leanring is a underful process for all ages. Never stop learning
• The challenges of being a learner at my age
There are so many challenges that a learner at my age needs to face. One of the most difficult challenges is time management. In order to be successful in class you need to organize your time between work, family, home, and social activities. Sometimes after a very stressful day you need to take a book or sit in front of a computer to write an assignment; at that point you really want to sleep or take time for yourself. It is difficult to maintain a balance among all the things you need to deal with. Also, the economic aspect of being in school is another challenge. In terms of the economic side, you need to close your eyes, sign for a loan and pay later. In my particular case the other challenge is the language. Spanish in my native language and living in Puerto Rico were we use Spanish most of the time, it is very challenging when we need to do all the class work in English.
• The joys of being a learner at my age
It is very difficult to express the joy and satisfaction of being a learner at my age. I have had over 24 years of experience in the education field but never had a formal education in education. At this point, I learned and understood a lot of things related to education. Learning is defined by Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, (2007) as “a change in behavior, is a process focuses on what happens when the learning take place” (pp. 277). That is the best way to define how I feel about being a learner because my behavior in relation to adult education is totally different from less than a year ago. Also, I understand better why some students act in one particular way and I feel I have the knowledge to work more effectively with them. When you have the knowledge you can talk about something with authority without offending others.
• Your hope for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade is to continue in the learning process. Now I understand better that learning is a never ending process. As educators you need to keep, like computers, upgrading your knowledge. New theories are always developing, new concepts emerge, and new ways to apply old techniques are introduced and we need to gain that knowledge in order to be effective in the classroom.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
It is never too late to learn. The journey sometimes looks hard, stressful, difficult, and dark but the end result is very satisfying and you feel strong. It is very important that as an adult learner you focus on your goal and see each step as important as the final goal. As an adult learner you need to overcome all barriers like, time management, family matters, work related issues, and the most important and difficult one, your-self. You have to do a cost-benefit analysis to realize that the benefits of being an adult learner are more important than the cost. Also, my final advice for them is that “someone can take your life but no one can take your knowledge away.”
Reference
Merriam, S., Caffarella, R. S., & Baugmgartner, L. M., (2007). Learning in adulthood; A comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA; Jossey-Bass.
• the challenges of being a learner at your age
One of the most significant challenges of being a learner at my age is that I often resent the time that I spend working on school assignments at this age. My mother always instilled in me that I should continue my education “until I was finished”…it’s so much harder going back when you’re older, she would say. She was right. I often think that if I had just continued earlier, then I would have been done with my degree years ago, but things didn’t happen like that for me.
I actually love school, but management of my time which includes a full-time job, a family, and community commitments make it difficult to devote appropriate time to readings and assignments. I do it, but sometimes I rather be doing anything else.
• the joys of being a learner at your age
I’ve been a student for more than half my life, so I really am good at being a good student. At my age, I have so much more life experience to add to the education that I receive. Many of the principles I learn about now have relevance to either something I’m doing as an educator or something that I’ve experienced as a student. I love that there is more for me to learn, and that I enjoy seeing new dimensions to what I think I already know.
• your hopes for the next decade as a learner
In the next decade, I hope that I am able to create new effective teaching techniques that can be applied to the education of my physician assistant students, and to PA students all over the country or the world, based upon the education I am currently receiving
• your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
The best advice I could give to someone who is entering my decade as a learner is to make certain that they careful organize their lives to accommodate the time education will require. I would encourage them to speak to their family about support in managing home and family activities, and to prioritize their current activities. I think that I would also advise that the student prepare for volumes of reading and school assignments. I would also advise them to work to find the relevance in their studies so that what they learn may ease their daily work.
Linda Hemmila
Hello everyone, I enjoyed reading everyone's comments.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
Every 6 or 7 years, I have to do something different or learn something new so I am back in school. Like everyone else a lead a full life as a mother, wife, nurse, and educator. But it is time for me to restructure, realign and settle into something new and expand my world. So, I am back in school obtaining my doctorate, a life long goal. For me the hardest thing is time management. I always try to make my family first, work second, and then school. School always seems to get neglected but part of me loves to learn so I will continue to balance my life the best I can.
The other trouble I have had is learning to communicate online. I am not a talker or a woman of many words, so I have had difficulty with the discussions.
The joys of a learner at your age:
Learning new things at my age gives me a new perspective and allows me to set new goals, therefore I have something to look forward too. I only have one child at home and he will be gone in a few years giving me more time to take on new adventures. I feel, I am a role model for my children, students, and other educators by advancing my education. I have had wonderful mentors in my life who have guided my travels. I would like to do the same for someone else.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I feel getting a EdD will open new doors for me. I chose to complete a EdD program over the PhD in nursing for that reason. I love teaching nursing but I would like to expand into areas of educational research, curriculum and program development. Having been in health care for > than 20 years, I feel the need to go in a different direction utilizing my years of experience and doing something more creative and meaningful.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as learner:
I would advice others in several areas: 1) be financially prepared for the cost of the program 2)plan for time in your busy schedule to do school work 3) have fun with it
4) Despite any type of setback in life you can acheive your personal goals.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
Well, this one is easy to answer as I often think about my learning challenges, which include my poor organizational and time management skills. I usually meet deadlines but I am often overwhelmed because I find myself, forgetting things, loosing and/or misplacing things. I have tried keeping lists, using folders, binders, and calendars etc but I never use them or I may start out with good intention to use them but I never follow through. Since, starting this program I have accumulated many resources (articles, e-book chapters etc) that I am keeping for future reference. I bought several binders and I had plan to start organizing my resources so it would be easy to locate them when I need to. However, the binders are sitting under the desk of my home office and my resources are stacked neatly in piles against the wall. When I need something from those resources I find myself having to search through each pile (more than once) to find what I need. I have gotten a little better with time management since attending school online. I have been consistent with getting my assignments posted before the 12-midnight deadline. I can’t say that I would be doing this well with time management if I were taking a correspondence course that would allow me the freedom of turning things in at my own leisure.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
Wisdom and responsibility play a big role for me at this stage of my learning process. I realized that all of my learning experiences (educational, social, and cultural) will all be beneficial for my growth, development, matriculation, and networking. Therefore, I value every experience I encounter whether it is by choice or not.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
Research is available indicating the increase in successful completion of advance degrees and other learning process secondary to adapting learning strategies to meet the needs of multiple learning styles. Therefore, my hope is that all learning environments will begin to cater to the many diverse learning styles of adult learners.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
My advice is that people allow themselves to become flexible, open-minded, and eager to engage in that which may seem challenging and not to be afraid of change. The use of technology in learning environments is sure to take us further than we can ever imagine.
MiaT
I totally agree with Bill Thompson about the blog. I prefer the discussion boards.
The challenges of being an adult learner at 44;
My biggest challenge so far has to do with the online portion. I have had my difficulties navigating the site and using the e-brary during the first course but things have gotten better now. Time management has not been a problem yet. That's because it's winter and I hate the cold. Once nicer weather comes I will want to be outside so time management will be a future challenge.
The joys of being a learner at 44:
I am a MUCH better student now than I was during my undergrad years right after high school. Maturity is part of it but the main reason is time and experience. I worked too much, but that was a neccessity in order to pay tuition and living expenses. Fortunately, that hard work paid off and I don't have the extremely demanding work schedule that I had in my twenties and thirties. Also, my perspective has evolved. I don't have to be doing this, I want to (although I do sometimes ask myself why I'm putting myself through this). I value the experience and my previous experiences have greatly contributed to my new learning experiences.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My immediate hope is that I find a capstone project. I don't work in a school so my options are limited. If I get through that and complete this program I want to teach online and/or at community college.
My advice for 40 something learners:
Ensure that you can secure time and money so that you can focus on the learning. Also, identify your goals and know your motives.
The challenges of being a learner at age 46
According to Levinson, at my age I should be moving out of midlife and looking to enter into middle adulthood. I could fall into the category of “marking time until retirement” (Daloz, 1999, p.57). However, I chose to continue my education instead of sitting back in relaxation. Now that the actual learning process is in full force, sometimes I wish could relax. My major challenge is having enough time to dedicate to my studies since work can be very demanding sometimes. Another challenge is the program that I am enrolled in. I expected it to be challenging and I was not disappointed. The amount of reading that is required, although appropriate, can sometimes be overwhelming. In addition, being a math/science educator, the topics are foreign to me and require a lot more effort than I had hoped.
The joys of being a learner at age 46
I chose to return to school to complete the project of earning my doctorate that I started a few years ago. Although I have a very successful career, I still felt like a failure and knew it had to be done. Since I chose to be an adult learner at my age, every course that I complete is a joyous occasion for me. I also enjoy learning totally new materials and being able to utilize it in my courses and discuss it with my colleagues.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
First, I hope to never stop learning as I am alive. I definitely hope to have completed my doctoral studies by then. Since adult education is fairly new and theories are continually evolving, I hope to be able to keep up with whatever is current for the particular era.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner
Depending on the type of learning, enough time will need to be dedicated towards the studies. If enough time is not available, the stress level will be high. If the course is for self development or to improve on a hobby, then it might be more enjoyable. Otherwise, keep an open mind because it might not be what one expects. It helps if one is absolutely certain of what they need to learn and the reasons why the learning is necessary. This way the goals and objectives will be clearly defined by the learner and the motivation will continue.
Merriam, S.B., Caffarella, R.S. & Baumgartner, L.M. (2007). Learning in Adulthood (3rd ed.), John Wiley & Sons.
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners (2nd ed.), John Wiley & Sons.
Rtapia,
Your comment provides excellent insight and questions all of us should consider as we continue with this program.
I hope you are able to find a balance between time and family committments that will allow you to continue your studies.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
As a learner at my age I find it difficult at times to find a balance between work, school and my family. I am the mother of two very active children; a seven year old and a five year old. In addition, I work full time as a Training Manager at a pharmaceutical company. It often seems as though there are not enough hours in the day to devote to my normal responsibilities with the added responsibilities of a doctoral program. Having young children, I sometimes feel guilty when I have to take time away from them to complete school work. Although it is an important goal of mine to complete my doctorate, I do not want to miss important events in my children’s lives to meet my aspirations. By the same token, I see myself setting an example for them by committing to lifelong learning. In order to satisfy all of my responsibilities, I work hard at adhering to a schedule in an effort to fit everything into a days work.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
When I was younger, learning was not as important to me as it should have been. I would much rather have been playing sports or hanging out with my friends. Learning as an adult is much different. At this point in my life, I am learning because it is something I want to do instead of something that is required of me. In most cases, I have control over the subject matter I choose to study. I now have many more life experiences that I can relate fields of study to. This helps me make sense of what is being taught and relate it directly to my line of work. For instance, I was in a meeting earlier this week where one of my colleagues was presenting a new concept of computer based training to a room full of senior managers. As he moved through the presentation, I remember thinking to myself “this concepts fits perfectly with brain-based learning.” By gaining knowledge in this area through the HEAL program, I was able to help my colleague better explain why, and how, the concept would be beneficial for our employees. Having had the opportunity to use what I learned in my workplace gave me a sense of pride and confidence that would not have been there otherwise. Learning at a younger age, people often wonder when, if ever, they will use what they are being taught.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
In the next decade, I hope to continue learning and using the information to foster my success as an employee and as a parent. It is important to commit to being a lifelong learner so that I gain knowledge and then pass that information on the all that I may come in contact. Continuing along this path will enable me to be an effective leader and educator. Additionally, I can pass my knowledge and love for learning on to my children in hopes that they too will become lifelong learners.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I currently work in a production facility with individuals from various educational backgrounds. I continuously find myself counseling individuals in the importance of obtaining higher education. There are always reasons why the time may not be right or they may not think they can manage going to school and continue to handle their daily responsibilities. I always explain to these individuals that learning is their entitlement. I think that many individuals my age are reluctant because of a lack of confidence. It is important that they understand they have a lot to offer in an educational setting. The experience they have gained throughout their life will often relate directly to what they are learning. The knowledge they gain will be theirs and will be something that no one will be able to take away from them. Learning will help them grow not only as an employee of their company but as an individual.
I believe one of the challenges (and a trend among my age group) that may be common among 40-49 year old learners is time. I am a single mother of three, working and traveling professional, who continues to go to school, have some kind of social life, and at the same time, try to give back to the community. In addition to time, I believe that during this stage learners reevaluate their lives to find out what is really important and to concentrate on those things. A separation and divorce made me reevaluate my life. I looked at how I want to live the second part of my life and how I wanted to reconnect with “self”. In reconnecting with self, I look at what interests me personally, take on new adventures, and at the same time look to see what can benefit me professionally. Now that I am single, my aspirations are no longer limited to some else’s agenda. I now have “self” back. I am able to find a better balance between family, work, and a social life. I find it rejuvenating to be able to learn for the purpose of learning. It seems that as I continue to learn, it enables me to reflect and analyze. As a result, I am more charged to living my life and helping others. Although Levinson initially described the trends in the 1970’s, it still resonates in my life today.
My advice for the people who are entering my decade as a learner is to embrace your experiences and use it towards your learning. My hopes for me for the next decade would be to continue to listen to other perspectives and see how, and if, it can be applied in my life.
The adult phase theory may help me understand and identify what point the adult learner may be at, what is important to them; as a result, it may help me facilitate how learning should be directed.
Lorna Manglona-Williams
Deb Cipale: Adult Phase Blog
The challenges of being a learner at my age:
Challenge. “To confront with courage or boldness” (Merriam-Webster Publishers, 1989, p. 227). I keep this old thesaurus as a sort of talisman. It is thumb-worn and yellow with age, yet it is so comforting to pick it up and feel the pages in my fingers and read the teeny print and smell the old paper and glue. There is a red scribble mark on the face page where I checked an ink pen. In this old friend, I found my definition of the word challenge.
“Now work is most crucial.” Harder (2002).
At my age, the confrontations I face with courage or boldness are similar to those of my like-aged peers. Why wouldn’t they be, since we are at the same stage of adult development? I personify Erickson’s age of Generativity vs. Self absorption or stagnation. In my pursuit of generativity, I work. I am a wife. I am a mother.I am a daughter, sister, friend, and nurse. I am busy. To manage all of these roles in addition to participating in my chosen academic journey requires “courage”.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
The joys of being a learner at 45 years old mimic the challenges above and again personify Erikson. I am an educator. I have the joy of seeing the light of knowledge in my students eyes. I am a wife. I have a wonderful husband and son to support and encourage me. I have friends and colleagues who are willing to take a back seat while I experience the joy of a journey I never anticipated traveling.
Just a few other joys:
The joy of learning just for the sake of learning. Not because it is required for a job description or because it is expected by anyone.
The joy of being able to stay up until O’Dark Thirty and write into the night without feeling as though I’m neglecting something or someone.
The joy of recognizing something that I see in my students in the theories we have been learning. There really is a method to the madness.
Question: Are these joys perceived as such because I am successfully navigating Erikson’s Stage of Generativity vs. Self absorption or stagnation and preparing to move into the next stage?
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
Hopes and dreams are limitless. I have so many, I might as well dream big!
I hope to incorporate the knowledge entrusted to me by the program into my practice as an educator.
I hope to continue learning.
I hope to model method of adult education and higher learning that produce successful students.
I hope to mentor novice educators into the practice of thoughtful education.
Less lofty…I hope to improve my employability in the distance/online learning venue.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner:
Run away! Run away! (Sorry..I couldn’t resist!)
Be sure that you are ready to make the commitment and do what is necessary to be successful. This journey is not for the faint of heart or soft of tread.
Maintain accountability for your experience. You will get out of it exactly what you put into it.
Less philosophically…
Organization is key to juggling the challenges in order to experience the joy. It is easy to procrastinate and midnight on Sunday comes around so fast.
Learn how to manage technology.
Buy a paperback thesaurus and use it.
Deb Cipale
References
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html
Merriam-Webster Publishers (1989). The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, Inc., Publishers.
Although Erikson’s developmental stages are a bit different from the age ranges presented for our responses, they give good insight into what we are likely facing during each phase. I found the descriptions and factors presented by Erikson to reasonably accurate for my current stage of 40-49.
Many challenges exist during this phase. Work is the most important activity in daily life and though we try, it seems as though it is never caught up. I have an amazing wife and three beautiful children (11 boy, 7 girl, & 6 boy). Keeping up with their school and activity life is a constant challenge. They are all at stages that demand lots of time and energy so that we can do the best we can to instill the proper values and character that we hope will stay with them as they grow up. All of these time demands create the most significant challenge for me as a learner. I am trying not to neglect my family and work responsibilities but it is proving to be a constant struggle. Sacrifices have already been made when certain assignments have been due or when work has been overwhelming and extra hours there were required.
The biggest joy I see thus far is that I am finally able to apply a good amount personal experience to the new concepts I am learning. Being able to apply much of what I am learning into the practice of my profession is also an energizing experience. The HEAL program is a perfect match for my career as I currently work in an adult degree program. This program is much more practical than my MA was and certainly my BA. I am also enjoying the cohort of learners that we have. Though a few have changed, most of us are starting to get to know one another better and develop relationships that will likely last well beyond the end of the program (if I make it of course…).
My hope for the next decade of learning is that I will be able to stay current with the changes in my field. With more and more online programs and the growth of distance learning, I want to make sure I don’t have the field pass me by. I don’t think I will ever stop trying to learn more. I have a passion to serve adult learners and finding out new and innovative ways to meet that goal is something I see growing even deeper over the next ten years. I also hope to be in a role where I can assist and educate those in my field who are younger and still at earlier stages of development. Being able to mentor someone professionally is something I hope to be able to do. The final hope I have for the next decade is to give my kids as much attention as I can as they enter the teenage years and hit early adulthood. Not only do I want to be a productive learner toward my profession but I also want to learn how to be a better husband and father.
My advice for anyone entering my decade is to make sure you have a clear set of goals to guide you. There are many important responsibilities during the 40’s. It is a time in life where we make some of the most important decisions for the future of our careers and families. The difficult part is that very few of the big decisions in this stage are simple and without struggle. Being able to balance the many things that demand your time is critical. Time is precious. You can’t simply rewind so the decisions you make must be thoughtful and purposeful. Keep the important things at the center of your heart and the details can be taken care of. And finally, don’t be satisfied with where you are at the beginning of this stage. There is always room for improvement and growth but cannot take place if we rest on our laurels.
GJ
Reference
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson
The challenges of being a learner at my age (40-49)
The biggest challenge I face as an adult learner is the making the decision to decide to put life or higher education first. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on the day, the choice is extremely difficult to make. As an adult learner, a mother, full-time employee, wife, and parent care giver every decision I make ultimately affect another person’s life. I am constantly trying to find a happy medium between life and higher education. Both are extremely important to me and I strive to be the best I can at both but find that I constantly have to make choices between them. Ultimately, I find myself sad and sick and questioning my choices after making a choice even though I know why I should.
The joys of being a learner at my age (40-49)
The biggest joy of being a learner at my age is choice. I have total freedom to make the choices about higher education and its purpose. My decisions are based on my goals, aspirations, and desire for success. I also feel that because I am an adult learner, my life experiences make learning relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is complete my job as an eternal student. I hope to share my new found knowledge with many others making a contribution to society and in my profession that is a positive reflection of me personally and Walden University.
My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Trust in your choice to complete higher education and never let anything or anyone make you feel guilty about the choice to improve as a person. Be flexible and open to all learning styles and possibilities. Give yourself credit; you probably know more than you think you do!!!!!!!
For Bill T. from Shaneisha D.
I enjoyed reading your posting (hopes and advice).
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
To learn how to pay back the student loans without starving to death. This is very important. It is hard to find financial support for education especially with the economy in such bad shape. I have a great deal of loan debt.
advice
Wait until you are sure of where you want to go in life. I agree with this 100%. Some people attend college because they were forced and end up in careers where they are not happy. This usually results in them paying more money for traing or school to do what really makes them happy.
• The challenges of being a learner at my age
At the age of 45, I have reached at certain position in the social ladder just like most of my other colleagues. It has been fruitful because I have worked hard professionally and academically. Eventually my work has become the top priority in my life. According to Erikson, middle adulthood is when we can expect to “be in charge,” the role we’ve longer envied (Harder, 2002). The challenge for me as an adult learner who is in midlife transition would be to create balance among working, studying, and personal time.
• The joys of being a learner at my age
My learning experience brings me joy by boosting my self-esteem. I am more confident and competitive in teaching because I believe I am developing and improving myself. It seems clear that my educational experience changed the quality of my midlife transition in significant ways (Daloz, 1999).
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to see more female minority leaders and scholars as mentors. Levinson’s subsequent study of the lives of women confirms that mentors appear far less prominently of women… I hope that as more women enter positions of power, this will change (Daloz, 1999).
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as learner
Adult learning engages both the cognitive and emotional dimensions, and the learning activity is influenced by social interaction with others. Further, society’s expectations are internalized by the learners (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007, p. 99). The learning process itself is less focused than the economic, historical, and sociocultural context in which that learning takes place. Questioning and critiquing taken-for-granted worldviews, structures, and institutions of society are the first step in changing oppressive and nonemancipatory practices (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007, p. 241).
References
Daloz, L. A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners (Rev. ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Harder, A. (2002). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Support for Change. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html.
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood. A comprehensive guide (3rd Ed). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
First allow me to say that I really do not like this blog thing. Perhaps, I am too old to enjoy it or relate to its effectiveness.
To Bill Thompson, I concur with your sentiments completely. I think my patience is vacationing with my energy somewhere in the South of France.
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
The challenge of being a learner at age 40 is balance. I have a family, husband, and a full-time job. As much as I am really enjoying most of the reading and assignments. As Business Chair, I have a demanding schedule. Unfortunately, career colleges do not have teaching assistants and research assistants. As a result, I have to substitute for absent teachers; assist with student activities; close the building; assist in the bookstore; call absent students; assist recruiting in "selling our programs", etc... Needless to say, these tasks tremendously subtract from the time that I would like to spend on completing my coursework. I would like to read the supplemental reading assignments. I went out and bought Levinson's book - only if I had the time to read it.
In addition, I believe that my attention span is decreasing for things I do not see immediate value. I find myself regularly reading and rereading information for clarity.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
The joy of being a 40-year old learner comes from achievement. Eventhough I get discouraged, I know that each class I complete gets me closer to achieving my goal. Another joy comes from finally knowing exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life and pursuing it.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is to continue this journey of learning. Although I will have compled my doctoral studies, I intend to be a lifelong learner. As a result, I intend to continue studying adult learning and I intend to be published in a few educational journals.
My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living. Growth demands a temporary surrender of security."
– Gail Sheehy
My advice for someone entering my decade as a learner is stated so brillantly in the Gail’s Sheehy’s quote listed above. Change is unavoidable. The only question is how you will prepare for it. For those of us that have embraced learning as a neccesity of growth, the journey is a lot more rewarding. Likewise, if we do not grow, we die-both intellectually and literally.
Bill,
I echo your thoughts on taking courses online vs. the campus classroom, and the student loan
issue. Let's hope we all survive
the latter and land a position that
forgives them all(ha ha!). I do believe that the education we are obtaining will be well worth the time, effort, and money and we will
see the payback. Bill, I have worked as a Career Counselor at at the two year Community College in which I still work currently as an administrator. What I have seen over the years have been exactly where students have entered college without having a clue as to what it is they would like to do or have never been assessed as to what curriculum of study would lead them into the direction based on their interests and aptitudes,(keeping in mind, there are exceptions to this rule), interests change, and abilities may oftentime exist, that are not always evident by tests alone.) I am happy to say that now a better job of this is being done, after our state has established the EEDA Act which has been implemented. Career profiles are put in place for students while in Junior HS. The student courses are tracked are charted throughout high school until completion. In many instances the students could take dual enrolled college courses while still in HS that would transfer into a 4-year college. The dual enrolled courses could be taken as early as in the 11th grade and a student could graduate from HS with at least 12-15+ Semester hours of college credits.
The challenges of being a learner at your age
Learning in the early forties has not been easy, it involves joggling activities of almost equal priorities and finding time to complete readings and assignments and assignments amidst family, work and other engagements. So far i have been coping.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
This has brought me closer to achieving a life time goal of acquiring a doctorate degree which has been in the works for some time now.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
It is my hope that more convenient ways of learning will be developed to improve the convenience of learning as an adult.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
They should set their priorities right and set out to do things they really love to do. Effective time management is key for success
The Challenges
I am mostly challenged by personal limitations at this age since I don’t have children. I finished a master’s degree online five years ago and I notice the difference in myself over just that short period as a learner. I can’t stay up as late at night to work on homework or work very long periods as I did just a few years ago. I find it more difficult to motivate myself to do homework after a long day at work. When I worked on the master’s degree, I used to work all day, go to the gym and come home and do homework. Now, I find myself taking a nap after work in the evenings before I begin homework!
Of course, five years ago, I did not have high blood pressure either. Although I am on medication for high blood pressure and my last checkup was good, other changes have occurred in my body and mind during that timeframe that may also be having an effect on stamina and concentration. Unfortunately, everyday we get older, a little bit at a time.
The Joys
What are the joys of learning at my age? To a certain extent, I am glad that I have waited till later in the life to return to school for advanced degrees because it allowed me to build some life experience to pull from. I am also glad I waited so technology and communications came around and has allowed me to obtain an advanced education without having to physically go to a classroom. I never liked sitting in a traditional classroom, I was always bored very quickly because the transfer of information was so slow and linear.
Hopes for the next decade (as a learner)
I believe I am still young enough to be able to apply whatever I learn during the degree program for quite a lot more years of my life as a full time employee and hopefully, beyond retirement to include writing or consulting in the field of education on a part time basis.
I hope to be a lifelong learner and never allow my opinions or perceptions to become “locked”. I enjoy learning and hope that I will be able to keep my mind sharp so that I can incorporate new ideas in the years to come.
Advice for people entering my decade (as I leave it)
I would advise someone entering their forties to “clean their plate” before attempting to obtain an online or terrestrial degree. I saw many students drop out of the master’s program because they couldn’t balance family and work with school. In most cases, it was because the children were still young and required a lot of attention. If you wait a few short years until your children are a little more self-sufficient, it will make a big difference in the amount of time and energy you have as a student to dedicate to a program.
My Response to Gina(Tumbleweed)
Gina,
You have summed up exactly what I communicated as one of my challenges as an adult learner. When I was an undergraduate I too was hungery for knowledge desparate at times depending on the class. I had so much energy, I could stay up all night and still be on time for class the next day.These days, When I stay up to read or complete my work, I am hand in hand with a coffee cup the next day. I do feel my desire to have an impact on the world around me has become profoundly greater as as an adult. When we were younger, we wanted our degree so we could get a job and meet our immediate needs. Today,many of us have met these needs and now we want to do something more meaningful then get a job.
Additionally, being kind to oneself is crucial as an adult learner. I was so happy to read that part of the post. My computer decided to go into a comma this week and I was unable to post on time. This brought on feelings of great disappointment. Even though the circumstances were beyond my control I started to beat myself up. Thank you for the encouragement.
Serena Huggins
Response to Gary,
One of my fears is not having the ability to retain information as I get older. I hope to be able to complete the Ed.D. program before my memory wanes.
What strategies have you used to learn the material? How has it worked for you thus far?
Bill.. I enjoyed your maturity as found in your post. You are right to many students are thrusted into an academic program without an opportunity to explore what is right for them. I would agree that the online environment has its benefits and I too also miss the one on one converstations with classmates
For Deb,
I enjoyed reading your Blog. You offered a simple yet critical peice of advice for the adult learner our age.
Higher education is so very important and does offer an inividual many wonerful benefits in return. However, as stated, making the commitment is a choice no one should make lightly. As adult learners, many of us struggle with the commitment of choosing betwee everything which seems to be a distraction of time. Your advice to learn to organize and manage time is vital to the adult learners success. Thank you.
Lawana
For Kim Brown,
As I read you post on the biggest challenges, I immediately felt as thought I was looking in a mirror. After reviewing Erikson Stages, I have a much better appreciation of what and why adult learners 40-49 struggle and face the challenges of time, work , and family commitments. We can't help ourselves. We thrive from the relationships with our families and within our work places. Erikson calls it generativity. 40-49's main goal in life is to contribute to improving society, our families and our way of life.
I think the only solution is to begin higher education before 40 and mid-life crisis!!!!!
Lawana
I confess that I read through this adult phase blog to see what I had to look forward to in my next 'learning stage of life'. I must also confess that I am disappointed to learn that the only difference between learning in your 30's and learning in your 40's has to do with the level of work and obligations to deal with! Nobody ever told me it gets worse! :0)
In all seriousness, it seems that a common trend across the 30-49 age range is balancing family and work and life obligations. Many of us will still be rearing small children in our 40's, so obviously that doesn't go away... but also I discovered something I hadn't previously considered... It is in our 40's where our experience meets (often times) with our educational achievements and many get promoted while in this age category. This causes the typical work obligations to increase - thus causing life obligations to increase - thus causing the family/work balance to once again be an issue to be reckoned with... Wow, it seems that I better get this balance figured out now before it becomes increasingly complicated!
On a final note however, I did note a sense of calm in the comments from this group that was lacking in some of the younger groups. It truly seems that you have this whole 'learning' thing figured out, and you are comfortable with your own schedule and obligations. This gives me hope and I thank you for paving the way for those of us who will one day follow in your very accomplished footsteps!
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
At this point in my life, I am concerned with results and identifying the most efficient way to achieve them. Taking the long way around frustrates me, such as using the blogs. It is a redundant and time-consuming activity.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
I don't really know if there are joys. There are highs and lows to continuing your education later in life. The upside is not having to deal with the chaos of a traditional campus setting.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
My hope is that I have achieved the goals that I originally set for myself and that I am doing something that I enjoy as a result of my training and education. I need to have a sense that it was all worth it.
Your advise for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Have a plan. Know what you want to do and design a plan that will help you accomplish your goals. Take into consideration time it will take to manage a "lifestyle" while trying to further your education. And, most importantly, don't be so hard on yourself. Do what you can, the best way that you possibly can and don't worry about the rest.
Response to Bill Thompson:
I totally agree with you, especially regarding using the blogs. As adult learners, we have enough on our plates. The thought of participating in something that holds no value for me personally is frustrating. My purpose for enrolling in an online program was to streamline my life and balance my activities that I could continue my education in a timely and efficient manner. A traditional campus setting would not have worked for me; however, I still expect the online program to provide an opportunity for learning, dialogue and discussion in a productive way.
To all who feel that balancing the life load and school load is a challenge at this age:
I agree with you all! There are so many things going on in our lives now that some of us did not have to contend with in our 20's. Even though I still had some issues in my 20's (single mother), working full time, etc., I knew that I needed to further my education. I have been in an adult learning environment for over 10 years trying to complete a bachelors, masters and now a doctorate while working and raising a child. Now, I have a mortgage, a husband and a 4 year-old grandson. Can anybody say "headache"? Yeah, it's hard, but we all have a goal and are learning how to balance life and education. As we go forward, we will be the stronger for it.
Felecia Tyiska
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
Where do I start...There is so much going on in my life at this point and that is what makes it most challenging. My job, my family, my relationship that has completely fell apart is often the things that hinder me from being more on top of what I need to accomplish in this course. This is my first online course and I am not a blogger at all. I am adjusting accordingly. Another thing that is difficult for me is having enough time to think through and digest what I am learning.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
I feel confident in myself, knowing that at my age, I still have the desire to learn. It is exciting to read about others' ideas, problem solving techniques, and teaching skills. I learn best through collaboration and the online discussions have given much new insight toward learning.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope to stay focused and constantly open minded to new ideas about learning. I want to continue to build my own theory about how adults learn best and be able to consider the many views that are constantly being put forth. I hope that I will be in the position to help others like myself get on the path they need to gain the tools they need to be successful.
You advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
I advise people who are considering entering the field of learning again at this age to think carefully about what you desire to do and to develop a plan for your goals. Seek as much help as you can that will help you make the best choices. Believe in yourself and stay focused on your goals. You will get there.
It was interesting to read many of your Blogs that your age group share. I am in the age group 50 to 59 and have many interests and concerns as some of you described. For example finding time to complete all of the assignments and make sense of all of them. Some of your financial concerns are no different as you age, some of mine are more concerning since I am older and have less years to pay back the loan.
What I found different is many of you are less challenged with the new technology such as using Blogs and Wikis. I have not heard of either until several weeks ago. As I am struggling it appears all of you seem to be very confident and ready to pursue your careers.
Good luck!
Bob
Bill and all the other 40-49 learners, Thank you for your insights to the decade I left a few years ago. It is interesting that many of you talk about focus, balance, complications with life, doing too much, failing memory and the learning process as life long. I know I felt all of these back in that decade but now that I am well into the 50 somethings, I find that I can still work on some of the goals I didn't get to then, the memory is still something to deal with but my notes are better now, and that at time, opportunities that you didn't count on can come to you. So, remain flexible and ready to try something new as you move into this decade is my advice back to you!
To all of you younger learners!:
Your fears and concerns and hopes and ambitions are just about the same as those of my age group (50-59). Having finally gone back to college at 50 I was totally scared and did not know what to expect. Being in IT made the online component somewhat easier because I understood how it worked. In my 40's I had a very secure job with a very good salary. But alas my company went bankrupt and there I was with no job and no college degree. As I said in my previous post in the 50-59 group, you are never ever too old to go back to school. Education will change change your life. Most obsticles can be overcome and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel! Believe me. Been there done that!!!
Gary,
As one who's living with stroke-induced memory problems, I can recommend 2 things:a PDA and highlighters. My MD recommend them to me when she saw me right after the stroke. Said they would help; the PDA for noting something down when I thought of it and not depending on my memory, and the highlighters for use on books. So far, it's working.
Your frustration with the online forum style I think is common to all of us 40+ folks. When we got our BS/BA degrees and ,for most of us, our MS/MA degrees, face-to-face was the only way. Now we're presented with a whole new world of learning in a whole new way. What are we to do? Just learn. I'll admit that this blogging thing is somewhat over my head, but I'm willing to learn.
Good luck with becoming an instructor. It can be seriously frustrating, but it's awfully rewarding too.
M
Bill,
As another person who has limited patience, I agree with you.
Your hope for the next decade made me laugh. And wish that I, too, could learn it.
M
Frank,
You injected realism to this education-a loss of a job. Some are here because life situations caused them to reflect and take action. As I mature, I recognize and value the strengths of "older" adults and I am enjoying my company.
Dolly
Maryjane,
I agree with your sound advise. Flexibility and opportunities are very important. You have to be prepared for future opportunities.
Dolly
Kate's response to Bill:
Your response made me laugh. It's not often someone says what they really feel in this environment. I appreciate your honesty.
1. I agree with your thought on the blogs. I think this forum is highly beneficial in a more organized fashion. Blogger is not a well organized means of communication when multiple individuals are commenting, but there are some more organized blog sites out there.
2. I completely understand your concerns regarding student loans. I had this discussion with a coworker the other day. Is the debt we are accuring going to earn a degree that will offset the costs? In today's economy, it's hard to tell. Which is scary. I am optimist that in the long run, it will be the best decision.
Good luck to you!
Kate
Lisa Hernandez:
I totally agree with your advice. When I returned to get my BS (age 42) and MA (age 45) I got both in Management even though all I wanted to do was teach. I did the management degrees because that was what I needed to have in order to get ahead at work. I am now retired and able to do what I wanted do since I was a child. Do I regret my decisions - No! I did exactly what I needed to do in order to get through. Now is my time.
Never give up because every experience I have had actually makes me a better teacher, counselor, mentor, etc.
Challenges of being a learner at your age.
I am a person who does not like to blog. I feel as if we are doing double work. Also when we start reading the blogs, they seem as if they go on and on and on. Since my classes are on-line, I have to get used to not having that face to face contact with my classmates.
The joy of being a learner at my age is that there are so many new ways to receive information that was typically only able to be received in a classroom. I like the fact that on-line learning lets me spend more time with my family.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is that I will be finished with academic learning and that I am somewhere in Egypt learning about the pyramids and doing and actual dig.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is for them to be very good with technology. Also, to know that age does not matter in learning and that if it is what you want to do, then do it.
In response to Tumbleweed
I can agree that I too feel overwhelmed with many of the assignments and projects.
Hi Gina,
The feeling of being overwhelmed seems to be ageless. It’s hard to appreciate the small things in life when you’re in a constant rate race.
In response to Patricia!!!
Like reading your post, being from an older “phase” could not help but notice that still now I still feel some of the things that you mention in your post. So it seems that not too many things have change for me, but if you think about it, we are indeed “lifelong” learners. In your case I wonder if you have a family and the impact of the family in your decision to get this degree. Also which of the stages theories, Levinson’s or Kegan’s do you consider closer to your experience as an adult learner?
Thanks for your consideration,
Héctor…
In responce to Sharyl:
Hi Cheryl:
My God, to read you was to read myself back when I was in that age range… same things happened to me, including a fail marriage. Sorry to say, that from the perspective of the impact of having a family and trying to get an education, still, is going to be what will continue to challenge you throughout your life. Some you might want to keep in mind. In the matter of stage theories, do you think at this time in your life you are in the “conventional or post-conventional stance? “
Thanks for your consideration,
Héctor…
I have read over a few other blogs in this section, however, I am enjoyed Bill Thompson the most because he is so honest and pretty funny. I like when he stated in the next decade, finding a way to pay back his student loans without starving to death...that cracked me up. I also enjoyed reading his advice and when he stated that it is important to know who you are and what your purpose is and the fact that alot of people are pushed into continuing their education and they don't even know what they want to do. It is a sure way to fail if your mindset is not right.
Charlene,
I think my patience and energy are off somewhere in Timbuktu. I could only wish they were in the south of France; they'd be closer and I maybe could recover them.
Great quote from Gail Sheehy.
M
I would like to preface this posting by saying that for me, life did not begin until age 30. So at age 40, I am happy and sound in my life after many years of trying to develop my career path as an adult.
The challenges of being a learner at your age: The challenge for me is having the time to devote to my continued education. Until recently, I found the new technologies associated with continuous education a little hard to get used to, but having completed my Master's Degree online I have found it to be my best strategy for self-learning.
The joys of being a learner at your age: I find having the ability to incorporate transformationa learning into my everyday role as an educator, student and professional nurse very enlightening. I will say that I have transformed my capabilities to learn new things over the last 10 years that I thought would never happen.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner: My hopes for the next decade are that I continue to stimulate my brain by learning not only in my personal life but in my professional life as well. I hope to maintain my health in body and mind to live out a very long life of learning.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
The best advice I can give is to never give up on your hopes and dreams. If you want to go back to school for an advanced degree, you can do it!
Kelly Betts
I agree with pgirl-I don't like the blogging so much. I can't keep up with the topics and who is discussing what. I like the discussion boards better.
Kelly Betts
Gordon,
I chose to read this age group since I will be entering it in a few years. I was interested in what I will face as an adult learner and person at this stage. Interestingly, I am experiencing much of the same issues in my 30's trying to balance work, learning, and a family. The reward will definitely be when we are able to dedicate more time to the family after accomplishing our educational goals. Although we will still keep learning, it will be a huge accomplishment to complete the formal program.
The challenges of being a learner my age have to do with family. It seems every time I settle in to really start working on something, that is the exact time a member of my family needs me and it can never wait, it's always 'an emergency'. It drives me crazy. I finally get my children to cooperate and then it's my parents. I never realized this would be the age I would become a parental type figure to my parents. I do find there are joys in being a learner my age. I like working via the computer and enjoy learning overall. My hopes for the next decade as a learner vitally includes being able to remember what I learn and being able to continue to learn. I've found as I get older I don't remember things like I used to. I can never seem to find my keys. My advice for people who are entering this decade as a learner is to take it one step at a time and luckily at this age I think we are better able to go with the flow, as they say. Relax and enjoy the learning.
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
I have a career that demands a lot of my time. The blogging is not an asset in this case because with the limited amount of time, I am not able to blog and then do the discussion. It is best with the demanding schedule to do one or the other not both.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
The joys of being a learner at my age is the fact that I can bring much experience to the table and relate to various concepts by placing those experiences into realizations. Also, it is a joy not to have to drive to a campus everyday to sit in a classroom for hours after leaving an eight to ten hour job.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
My hope is to help others to realize their potential and to evoke social change within the workplace. Also, to make more money and acquire even more skills and foresight.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice to others entering as a learner is to be patient and persevere at whatever you set out to accomplish. Keep deadlines, reach goals, help others along the way in the process.
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
As an online learner, it is difficult sometimes not to have face to face contact with others. Sometimes I get frustrated with the vagueness of the assignments.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
I have a greater appreciation for the opinions and perspectives of others. I am more open minded.
Your hopes for the nect decade as a learner.
I hope to continue to pursue opportunity to grow and evolve as a learner. I hope that I am able to utilize what I have learned to promote social change.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice would be to enjoy the experience and make sure that you don't lose yourself in the process.
Kim W.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenges of being a learner in my late early to mid-40’s amounts to keeping things in perspective. For example, making the decision to pursue a doctoral degree on a full-time basis has been a serious endeavor because so much is at stake and so many sacrifices are being made. This decision has meant budgeting tightening, putting a career on hold while working part-time, the stress related to the possibility of failure (with high numbers of people not being unsuccessful in completing the program), and not to mention raising a teenager. Moreover, the energy level I had twenty years ago was one hundred times more than I have now. At one time I could run two miles in 15 minutes - today, I would find it difficult to walk one in an hour. Finding a way to improve my physical stamina and mental alertness is a constant battle. I now require more sleep, but I don’t sleep as well. I realize the foods I eat impact my mental alertness – so I have had to change my diet in order to function. All factors, considered, I have found it takes more effort to be successful at learning at my age.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner at this stage of my life stem from the ability to bring a myriad of experiences to the learning environment, which I use as basis to connect to the subject matter and collaborate with colleagues. Most people my age have reached a point in their careers where they supervise others and lead projects. When I look at the many hats I have worn (e.g. parent, spouse, educator, community leaders, adult student, etc.), I realize the knowledge and wisdom gained from these experiences can be easily applied to everyday problems. For example, a few years ago I attended an eight-month leadership development program designed for the purpose of addressing local issues. Due to my background in grant writing and prior experience implementing youth development programs, I was selected as the Project Manager and primary researcher with the ultimate tasks of writing a proposal aimed at securing federal funds for an afterschool program/services.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner include embodying in letter and spirit the definition of a “life-long learner”. As someone who has earned two degrees via distance learning (and hopefully a third!), I look forward to developing new and improved strategies that will allow military personnel the opportunity to continue to pursue distance learning options. I would also like to gain a better understanding of the instructional technology aspect of online learning versus curriculum development, which means more formal learning even after I complete the doctoral journey.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Advice that I would give to students who will soon enter my decade of learning is to embrace learning as a life-long prospect because we live in an ever changing society. Find a healthy balance between learning and living – find a way to make money doing the thing you love best! Surround yourself with like-minded people who are socially conscience, and let go of those who are dream killers!
Response to Josephine Reid....
I really enjoyed your blog Josephine! I am 26 years old so I do not hold as much experiental knowledge as you do. This is a huge struggle for me because I believe I would have much more to offer as a doctoral student if I had more experience and knowledge to offer. I also agree that attending Walden online is very benefifical to any age group as it cuts down on wasted travel time and one can access the course anywhere at anytime when internet capablitiies are available. I am really taking your advice to adult learners to heart! I will try to be as patient as possible in determining what path I will decide to take as an adult learner.
Response to Kim
I enjoyed reading your advice, to not lose yourself during the process! I try hard not to do this but find it difficult at times!
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
The biggist challange is learning the new technology required. On line classes are new to me and all the new ways to talk to people.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
At this stage in my life I know what I want to learn. All of my earlier adventures have led me to this point. I have attended a lot of classes that had nothing to do with what I wanted to do with my life, and finally I have grown into being an adult and getting the point at last that I now know what direction I want to go.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
To be able to remember all the interesting side notes that I have learned during this decade. And to have patience.
Your advise for people who are entering your dacade as a learner.
Take time to understand what it is that you truly want to do, then go forward. Be open minded about the new things that are introduced to you, and enjoy the ride, bumping as it may be, you'll be okay.
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
I have learned over time that my short term memory skills seem to apply to the laws of diminishing returns. This presents considerable challenges as being a learner at my current age.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
One impression I can provide regarding this topic is that learning comes in many shapes and forms. It always seems to amaze me how we find more humor as we struggle to learn more things.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I anticipate that for the next decade I will continue to exceed my expectations as a learner in the field of education.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice is for anyone to become comfortable with technological changes. As we become more advanced in technology, the tools we can use will benefit everyone in all aspects of learning.
David Harrower
Response to Sandra W: I appreciated your comments about the challenge of monitoring and improving physical stamina and mental alertness. When I am sitting alone in front of the computer composing a posting or written assignment for school, feeling burned out, I often wonder if others feel the strain of too many tasks and not enough time. Knowing that we are all facing the same challenges makes them less daunting. Makes me believe that we all will succeed and graduate. AndyM
Response to Sandra Walker
Sandra, I enjoyed reading your perspective on how this journey has affected you. I admire the fact that you've earned two degrees via distance learning. My Bachelor's degree was earned in a traditional college environment, and my Master's degree was earned via traditional classroom and distance learning environments. Earning two degrees via distance learning and working on a third via the same method requires much discipline; I commend you for your achievements. I also liked the advice you offered regarding finding out what we truly want to do career-wise, earning a living doing what we love, and not allowing anyone to kill our dreams. I'm sure many of us encountered "dream killers" when we announced our decision to pursue the lofty goal of earning a doctoral degree. I figured there might not be as many "dream killers" in our lives past the age of 35, but I assumed incorrectly. I'm now learning to tune out such negative vibes by staying within myself and focusing on my ultimate goals.
Response to Kim W.
Kim, I agree with you regarding the lack of face-to-face interaction that accompanies online learning. I feel very isolated when working on my studies. Also, online learning requires much more discipline on my part, but I see this as a good thing as this forces me to stay on top of my studies and not procrastinate.
Lisa:
You mention all the demands at work and how sometimes it can be difficult to get the readings etc done. I understand exactly what you are saying. Your post prompted me to ask "why"? Why do we continue to push ourselves so hard? My mother was always taking a course. From 1972-2000 my mother was enrolled in something. Sometimes I think her 'hobby' rubbed off on me.
I truly agree with Levinson’s theory regarding “our lives moving rhythmically back and forth through periods of building, breaking, building, breaking, and building again, as we grow older and accommodate to the changing circumstances of our lives” (Daloz, 1999, p. 55). To obtain a real feel for my experiences as an adult learner, I reviewed the first journal entry I prepared two weeks into my first class in the program. It was a very difficult time for me. I wrote:
“I hope I have enough academic knowledge and skills to do well in the program. After reading my classmates’ introductions, which talked about their work experiences and educational backgrounds, I feel like I am at an extreme disadvantage in this program. I do not have a degree in education, nor do I have the extensive educational background and work experience that my classmates listed in their introductions. Maybe I should have enrolled in a doctorate program related to urban planning and economic development, which are areas that I know and feel comfortable dialoguing with others about the field.”
The podcast "Voices from the Field: The Doctoral Journey" had a major impact on me. It reassured me that I was not the only new doctoral student who felt like a fish out of water due to the new information I was learning. The podcast helped me to understand the concept of the reflective, scholar, practitioner and it caused me to want to achieve deeper learning. Dr. Lamoreaux discussed the concept of incremental fluctuations, which is similar to Levinson’s break/build theory. Incremental fluctuations are the joys learners feel when they master a concept. These feelings of joy can fluctuate back to feels of uncertainty, when new concepts are introduced. I wrote in my journal, “Each time I finish a module, I feel like I have made an incremental gain. Then I read the learning objectives for the next module, and those feels of confusion and uncertainty return.”
During the first week of the Adult Research and Theory class, I felt like the confused student I wrote about during week one of my first class. I can now say that after reviewing and becoming familiar with the theories and research on adult learning, I am experiencing joy. I have a better understanding of the adult learning and development theories. I am able to read books and journals regarding adult learning, form my own opinions, and compare and contrast theories. It’s a very liberating experience. I am engaged in metacognition and the transformative and embodied learning processes.
Levinson wrote, “We begin to move out of our midlife wilderness and build a new “life structure” for the second half of our lives” (Daloz, 1999, p. 57). My new knowledge and experiences as an adult learner has been very empowering. In the next decade, I plan to continue to learn and be transformed as I continue on this emancipating and transformative learning process.
My advice to people entering my decade as an adult learner is to let them know that the transformative learning process can be very frustrating and filled with uncertainties regarding your knowledge base, values, beliefs and the way you view the world. This journey will be filled with “building and breaking phases” in the learning process, but each fluctuation brings the learner closer to deeper learning and a stronger self-confidence.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
I began my college studies at 29; I was married with two children and a part-time job. I had some of the same responsibilities as today but I had a lot more energy. At this point of my life, the biggest challenge for me is trying to find a balance of time to take care of all my responsibilities. I would like to dedicate 100% of my time to my doctoral work, my job as a Spanish instructor, being a mom and being a wife. Obviously that is not possible. I have tried prioritizing with little success. Obtaining a doctorate is a life long dream that God willing I will complete.
Another challenge for me, not because of my age but because of my characteristics, is my difficulty to carry a conversation in person much less in an online discussion forum. For some strange reason I do not get nervous in front of my classes, but in front of my colleagues or my peers my nervousness shows right through my clothes. Hopefully by the end of my doctoral journey I will have overcome this.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
If I knew then what I know now… Life has given me much experience. I have learned a lot not only from books and education but from other people in my life. My Dad was a significant figure in my life he taught me the value of a good education and hard work. He was very wise. I value to this day everything my Dad taught me because it is through hard work that goals become a reality and every course completed is one step closer to achieving my goal.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade is to keep up with technology. Technology is ever changing and hard to keep up with. With technology we have the world at our reach. Obtaining a doctorate online is the ultimate test and would not be possible if it were not for technology.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Go for it! You must be motivated to learn anything, whether it be pottery, teaching, nursing and even a doctorate. Don’t be afraid of change. Prepare yourself for the long haul because nothing comes easy but once your goal is accomplished it is most rewarding.
David,
Good comment on technology, there was a short time in my early thirties when I hated technology, then I taught introductory work processing and had to learn myself how to work the technology. Ever since I have been struggling to keep up, the changes happen so fast. It is better to keep up then to get behind. I use many things in my classes that are amazing so I am glad I did.
Rob
Bill:
You mention "saving time", "wasting time" while noting that your are not a patient person. Yet under advice, you choose to tell others to "wait until they are sure of where they want to go in life."
One comment and two questions:
1. I would add a third category for "time" to go along with saving and wasting and that would be "investing". Investing is must different than even "spending" time as it looks for the return on investment rather than on consumption which spending speaks to.
2. What is the genesis of your self proclaimed impatience?
3. What's your rush?
Lorenza
I was the same age when I started my education at the community college. I also did not feel comfortable talking in front of my co-workers/classmates unless I was very friendly with them. I had a provost that saw the potential that I was hiding from and changed my position at work. This position forced me to come out of my shell which has built up my self confidence in speaking in front of my co-workers. Speaking in class was easy as I was in charge and the students listened because they wanted the grade and I was teaching out of a textbook. Keep on working on speaking with co-workers/classmates and eventually you will be comfortable with it. Believe me I never thought I would. Now I get put on committees representing over half the college, so not only do I speak for my self but for them. So keep up the great work.
Response to Antoinette: Maybe I am naive, but I find it really suprising that a lot of people do not embrace or encourage what we are doing. I am finding that "ecouragement" is oftentimes given with a subliminal message - "good luck, but I hope you falter (or fail)". These kinds of comments have primarily come from people who have not achieved beyond a high school diploma (and maybe to some extent may be envious or threatend by our progress). This course has reinforced the crucial role critical reflection plays as we get older.
Response to Sandra:
As a member of the thirty somethings I look forward to continuing to be a life-long learner. A swith this post and posts from you made on the discussion boards I find that we are very similar. I wonder if we keep in touch if I will be able to look to you for guidance. I am raising a child that seems at times to be a teenager and she is only 8! Does the relationship between time management, family, school, and work ever get any easier? Thank you for your inspiration to lead me to the next stage in my life.
Adult Phase 40-49
The challenges of being an adult learner is very rewarding to me. Because adult learning is based on using experience I am fully equipped. I have 25 years of experience as a school teacher and I can use my own trials and errors.
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I understand what is being taught. I have related some of my learning in my classroom when I am teaching. I have been able to connect, associate and apply the knowledge in my own teachings.
My hope for the next generation as a learner is that they acquire some experience in the job force, in society, basically in life. Without experience, new knowledge at a late age with nothing to connect to, is devastating. This could actually be considered new knowledge that should have been learned earlier in life. So would you consider that being behind? Life is a time line and age cannot be repeated. If you start late you won't have that much time to put in. The way things run in this society for example; social security starts at a certain age, you have to have so much experience in to be accounted for. The same as an adult learner you have to have so much experience in order to relate to the topics
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner. You have acquired much experience through your lifetime. The experiences you have gone through may help someone in many ways. Your experience helps to define causes, reasons, and the grounds for many things that exist. Through your experiences, others will be accounted for and perhaps have had the same experiences as you. Therefore statistic's would be gathered and solutions, resolutions and answers maybe discovered. Learning never stops. Your thoughts and new experiences may add to the study of mankind.
Response to Phyllis Fisher
Your post is inspiring. Your enthusiasm rings through your words. Given your experience and accomplishments, I am curious as to what you would hope for your self in this area in tne next 10 years.
Rodney
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
I find that I currently I am a very busy person with many "task" standing in the way of what I actually like to do and that is learning new things. As a result, I find that my time quickly slips away and as a result, I don't get things accomplished in "my learning" environment as I should.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
I can be as selfish in my learning because it is not required of me to learn things in order to advance or meet deadlines (meaning I pay for going to college at this time and no one pressures me to perform in a certain manner. I decide what and how much I want to learn). If I decide I want to change my learning focus, I can.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
That I can continue to learn without having to deal with illesses that could impact the way in which I engage in learning.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
Take every opportunity to learn new and exciting things. Especially things that you are passionate about.
--
Donna Minor
Crystal, I enjoyed reading your post and appreciate your sharing of your journal entry. I am age 60. I can relate to your comments and felt much the same, even with the years of work in the field. I did not enter the program with a degree in education but an MBA plus post graduate work in business and law, however I’ve taught college courses for over 8 years (in my field) and am in higher education management. Much of what I’ve learned about higher education has been in the workplace, seminars, certificate programs, and my own reading. It’s really exciting to be able to dig deeper into the theories and learn the ‘language’. You are so right in that not only are we learning about ‘adult learning’ and transformation, but we are living it in our doctorate journey. I love it, but I don’t necessarily like it all the time. Like you, each time I look at a module’s discussion and assignments I experience a period of doubt as to whether I will understand what is being asked of me. But as I dig deeper I have many “ah-ha” moments and the information does come together. One of the most satisfying times to date in this study was the face-to-face presentation of the theory project. I chose Mezirow’s Transformation Theory and gathered a group of adults my age to talk about it. We ended up in much more discussion than I anticipated and it is continuing. I think they, like me, see how the process fits and are excited about possibilities. This is a personal journey for me and has already been satisfying, but as I mentioned in my original post to my age group I hope I never stop questioning and learning.
Response to Donna M.
I agree with your comment about not having enough time to learn all that I need to learn. Finding the right balance is difficult as an adult learner. It is a major challenge for many of us. Prioritizing our numerous tasks and finding the time to learn is a huge undertaking. It really helps me to set a weekly schedule.
Kim W.
40-49 Age Group:
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
Growing up in the l960’s and l970’s, I grew up at a time when there was no such thing as computers in the schools or being used by individuals. Learning to use the computer and other new technology has been one of the challenges of being a learner at my age. It has been a challenge for me to become more computer literate. By working on my Doctorate and completing my Masters degree online from Walden University, I feel it has given me much more self confidence in myself in using technology and in continuing my education.
The joys of being a learner at your age.
I went back to college in my late thirties to become a Registered Nurse after working for many years at my family’s car dealership. I use the experiences working as a staff nurse to help teaching nursing students at the local college now. I feel that the experiences I had working with the public and learning how to run the car dealership with my father gave me a wealth of knowledge and experience which helps me in achieving my goals today. My father always told me that you are never too old to learn something new and that you should try to learning something new every day. He learned to play the piano when he was in his late seventies because he wanted to play the piano at the church where he became a minister.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
My hope is to finish my Doctorate in Higher Education so that I can continue to teach full time as a nursing instructor at the local college. I also hope to work on some research and help make some social changes within my workplace and community.
Your advice to people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice to others who are entering your decade as a learner is to never think that you are too old to something and to never give up on your goals in life.
How the adult phase theory affects my practice as a facilitator of adult learning.
I feel that Levinson’s adult phase theory is helpful for me to understand the different phases that the adult learner goes through. Levinson found that many of his subjects in his research were guided by older men who acted as their mentor, and they were proof that their goals could be attained (Daloz, 1999, p. 20). Levinson’s explanation of the different transitions that adults go through helped me to understand the transitions that I have gone through in the past and will probably encounter in the future. “By the mid-forties, Levinson writes, we being to move out of our midlife wilderness and build a new life structure for the second half of our lives It is time for the realignments that took place during the last transition to settle in and give more lasting meaning to our relationships, work and spiritual commitments” (Daloz, l999, p. 57). I agree with Levinson’s theory that this time in my life I want to settle into a job that will be meaningful and will be a facilitator of adult learning in my job as an educator. I also want to work on making the relationships with others in my family and work more meaningful.
Reference
Daloz, L. A. (l999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners (2nd edition). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Response to David,
I thought it was interesting to note that your advice for people who are entering your decade was related to learning technology. It made me realize that your age group and older is where most people are who absolutely fear technology. I thought this was good advice for the next generation. But, I do believe that the age groups younger than yours are usually pretty good with advances in technology (most of them).
At my age, I would say the biggest challenge of learning is time management. I have young children, a fairly young marriage that still needs lots of nurturing, I am in the middle of my career ladder complete with the concurrent responsibilities, and my mother, while still healthy and independent, is of an age in which she may soon require some level of assistance. I believe they call this the "sandwich generation"!
The joys of being a learner at my age include knowing exactly where I want to be in my career. I choose to learn based on what is going to benefit me.
My hopes for the coming decade with regard to my learning include completing my doctorate degree and becoming familiar with new teaching strategies and information technology as they are made available.
My advice for learners entering my decade would be to evaluate their educational achievements and goals to ensure both are in keeping with where they want to be in their career and life in the next ten years, and then to do whatever is necessary to align them for a smoother progression toward their ultimate hopes and dreams.
Alex Winter
Phyllis Fisher
Hello Phyllis your advice is very encouraging for me. Not knowing what I am gone to be daling with as I enter 40-49 yours words fill in a few gaps. My hopes is to take my experiences to expand and share with others. I like how you state that new knowledge without anythin thing to connect to. Thanks for the advice it will be valued.
My response to Alex:
Alex Said:
"At my age, I would say the biggest challenge of learning is time management. I have young children, a fairly young marriage that still needs lots of nurturing, I am in the middle of my career ladder complete with the concurrent responsibilities, and my mother, while still healthy and independent, is of an age in which she may soon require some level of assistance. I believe they call this the "sandwich generation"!"
After reading most of these post it is kind of discouraging, because I do not see that much of a change in the stress level, time management and juggling of children and personal time.
My heart goes out to you Alex because I can feel the energy shift as I approach my forties as opposed to when I was in my twenties. I had all of what you are talking about then and boy I don't think I could do it now (well,I could if I had to).
I posted on the 60-69 range and it seems that life doesn't start to slow down until then. You brought up one of my concerns and that was parent care. Thanks for sharing and I am sure everything will work out.
Candi
Response to David Harrower:
David,
I do agree that learning does come in many forms and shapes (and sizes!) I, for one, am not a very good test taker, but put a blank canvas in front of me, and I can demonstrate my learning in a visual format. I used to think my unique learning style was a curse, but now that I understand how I learn, I find myself looking for ways to incorporate my talents and skills in any given task. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Sandra
Hi Gina
You wrote, “I was hungry for knowledge and I spent a lot of time and energy learning. Now I am filled up. I enjoy taking classes, and have my whole life, to learn or augment my knowledge in small ways.” This statement is a good example of how people associate learning with different stages of their lives. Erickson identifies this middle adulthood to “be in charge,” and this is the time where people do the role that has not been done yet. I strongly agree with you that learning is an ongoing process and there is always gain, self-satisfaction, and fulfillment when learning. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that as we age we tend to know better and get wiser, because learning does not depend on age.
I'm posting late to this particular blog because it was and is so very personal at this point in my life. I started not to post because, even now, as I share I'm crying. This is what I wanted to avoid. I'm not one for putting my emotions out there for all to read. As I read about DAVE (as I hope all of you have read), I found myself all so clear and questioning why am I doing this, now in my life. [Believe it or not, my favorite word is CATALYST; and, I love how DAVE defined it!] Here it is:
The challenges of being an adult learner is that of not having that special man around to comfort, discuss and have a real conversation with while progressing towards this journey. As an adult learner, for me, I find discussing my thoughts with a man who knows me and how I think, and telling me when I'm ok or going off the deep end. So, I've placed a mirror over my laptop station and I talk with myself or look at my face from time to time as I think, write and develop content for learning. This is why I tend to make sure that I'm available at all times for my adult students for conversations no matter how trival because they need what I know I need, too.
The joys of being a learner at the age of 48 is that I have the ability to think and read critically as well as analyze to bits and pieces information that I plan to use extensively. I remember not being able to do this because of my ADD, but soon learned how to help others develop a sense of learning that turns the ADD into a special learning tool for success, not failure. And, at this age, I'm able to focus more when I sit down to learn and read.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is to be wiser and provide better support for the adult learners who travel my way for learning and directions. I want to be there to listen and converse with those who are as I am, without that special someone to share. Believe it or not, this makes learning at any age, as I have come to learn, so very important.
My advise for people who are entering my decade as an adult learner is to surround yourself with positive people who are well versed on many issues; and to thank God for your husband or wife who is there and being that special support. But, above all, enter into the adult learning arena with a personal desire to start and finish what you entered for. And, to pray to God for strength, knowldedge and patience to keep up and do well along the journey.
[Please excuse any error.]
Tumbelweed,
How do you handle the task of online learning. What things do you have in place to help you through this program? Because I am 29 and I am overwhelmed at times too.
The challenges of being a learner at my age are learning how to balance work, family, school, and a little bit of "me" time.
The joys of being a learner at my age include the rewards that are associated with it - self-accomplishment, achieving another goal, and the ability to take what I'm learning and applying it to daily work and life.
My hopes for the next decade are to finish this degree, and then, I must be crazy, I plan on working on a 2nd Master's in Music Therapy.
My advice to people in my age range entering the learning arena - choose wisely, don't bite off more than you can chew, balance your time. Always enjoy your life and your family.
Response to David Snell's response to Bill Thompson...
I concur - it almost sounds like Bill is very cynical at this point about learning...that cannot make for a good situation. While life hands us many curve balls, and many things we don't want to do, it is through our example of doing them, and doing them cheerfully, that those who follow us will have hope and will be successful.
Hi David,
You said that for the next decade you will continue to exceed your expectations as a learner in the field of education but with a doctorate under your belt!
Good luck to us all!!
Lorenza
As an adult learner one the the greatest challenges to online learning is time management. At this point in my life, my children are grown so there is some “free” time available to work on projects at home. The time commitment to the online Doctorate program is huge. At times it is difficult to focus and see a light at the end of the tunnel. That to familiar feeling of being overwhelmed often rears its head about halfway through a semester.
The greatest joy is truly experiencing new information and the connected feeling I get with fellow students in participating in our online discussions. This has been a learning experience since this is the first online program I have ever undertaken. Although completely different from face to face, it still offers a connected feeling to the students around the world.
Since I will still be enrolled as a graduate student in the next decade I look forward to new challenges. Working on the project and completing the program become number one on my to do list. Since learning is dynamic I look forward to improving my knowledge and sharing it with others.
For any learner entering education at this phase of our life, remember to find balance. It is crucial to your success to find a balance between studies and everyday life. Pace yourself, become committed to making the time guidelines set out for students. And use your online resources. The writing center is an awesome resource.
Hi Bill: Great posting! I agree, it is important for students to be mentally read prior continuing their education. This was a question I had to ask myself in the past.
I am like yourself, hopefully when we obtain those degrees of higher learning the loans can be paid back! LOL!
Pam S W
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The only challenge I am having is balancing the family, school, work and social committments in my life. The schoolwork gets a priority for me and I can balance my time extremely well. The challenge really is making sure I have enough time for myself.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The main joy is that I am considered a scholar and people are interested in what I have to say. Being 41 I can now speak with a little more authority on topics. I am enjoying this phase of my life as when I speak I speak with a great acceptance and people take me more seriously.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope is to never stop learning and continue to guide others to love to learn and explore new ideas for their life and become life long learners. My hope is to continue to learn languages, cultures and other points of view all the while strengthening my own deep knowledge base.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Never stop reading. Find a new topic and read the daylights out of it. Read other points of view or perspectives than your own. Read people with whom you disagree with and get their viewpoint. Lastly never accept what is given to you as fact until you have researched and agree with it. Meaning do not be afraid to question other ideas especially if the people you are reading have holes in their ideas.
Hello Joseph,
There seems to be a sense of comforting confidence when one reaches past their mid thirties. I am 35 but relate more with this age group as my life is not as filled with "family responsibilites" as the rest of those in my age group. It is not to say that at your 40's you do not have these but it is an easier glide.
I also agree with how people view you when you speak. It's as if you have total command of the room and what you have to say is important. I think that is attributed to the fact fact of the age groups experience and others can sense these experiences by the way we walk, stand, speak, pronounce words, dress, our total aura.
As per reading....YES! education and learning is not only based on academic endeavors. Read, Read, Read and question absolutely everything...this is the socratic way. I am ecstatic about reading and learning. I read a little something at a time. I love time magazine and psychology today and keep myself informed about the world.
Interesting post. I guess it is because I can relate
The challenges of being a learner between 40-49.
I not sure if the challenges I face are age related. The challenges I am encountering are internal pressures of where I ‘should’ be based on age. I think I should be further along in my career. I have remained in education but with a different focus. I began with teaching children and now I deal with adults pursuing their high school diploma and non-traditional adults pursuing their first college degree. Also, I am feeling external pressure from my mother who feels I should concentrate on remarrying to have children.
The joys of being a learner 40-49.
One of the joys of being a learner at my age is a complete focus on school work and learning. Absent are the social peer pressures of college life. I feel secure with who I am as a person. The value of education is not lost and I cherish all that I am learning. I mentioned to someone that I did not do as well as I would have liked on a paper. Only one point was taken off. He thought it was ridicules that I moaned over one point. But he does not understand that I have set a high standard for my learning. At 20 and an undergraduate, I would have been ecstatic with a B. As a friend’s mom once told me, the B’s and C’s have the same tuition cost as an A.
My hopes for the next decade (50’s) as a learner
I hope I am up for a new challenge of learning even if it is informal learning. I always wanted to learn French and to play the piano. I also would like to take a learning vacation to study culture or something environmental. (I love PBS and the Discovery Channel). Maybe I will write a book.
Advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner.
Go for it. Whatever it is, make the decision and see it to fruition. I know colleagues who are 10 to 18 years my senior pursuing a doctorate degree and they are tired. The majority wished they would have taken the journey in their 30’s. I am very tired at the end of the day in my (even with taking vitamins) and I said it was now or never. Also, it is important to build a support base of friends and family to encourage you along the way especially when you want to give up or are having a rough go. If you want to take on a learning challenge but you are afraid, do it anyway. Do it afraid. When you meet success, even if it is small success, the fear will gradually melt away.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
I fully subscribe to the lifelong learning philosophy, always in the learning or teaching mode in my personal and professional life. At this phase in my life, I find it challenging to balance my family, career and personal interests while furthering my education. I also find that my family and friends don't always "get" the time commitment that is necessary for classwork. I have to be very efficient with my time to accomplish everything that I have to do, and be sensitive to the needs of my family and friends.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
Learning for the sake of learning! I love to explore new ideas, concepts and technology-setting up a blog, a website, the 'joys' of online learning- I even have a facebook and twitter account! I don't have to worry about other people judging me like I would when I was younger- I simply don't care what others think. For example, I took a Zumba class last Friday for the first time, and it was awkward, and I felt out of my element, but I had a blast! I feel more confident going into new experiences, because I've proven to myself what I'm capable of learning even at this ripe old age!
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope that I won't burn out, that I can continue to find new challenges and always find learning fun. I have so many goals and aspirations in the next decade, like starting a business, learning spanish, traveling, growing a garden, taking dance lessons. I'm excited knowing that I will be able to achieve most of these goals, especially since I've moved out of the 'caregiver' mode (as mother and wife). I'm more focused on developing my self, which is really fun.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
Don't do things because others expect it of you- pursue what you are excited about and interested in. You're not getting any younger, so now is the time to 'seize the day'- you don't want to have regrets later on, to say "I wish I had..."
Challenges:
The vision is going - I just got readers this past week and now it's a whole new world.
My kids get my time first and then what is left over can be devoted to other, multiple, interests and demands - in other words, my own education does not come first but rather competes with other very important responsibilities.
Joys:
I'm learning rather than checking off degree requirements. I feel internal growth, even though I've made some of the lowest scores of my life on assignments in this course - the assignment score is more secondary than in other phases of my life.
There is so much more life experience upon which to apply my reading - I can make sense of abstract ideas by applying to life experience in ways that I was unable to do in my 20s.
Hopes:
Get a degree.
Have a positive influence on the way my children and nephew learn.
Advice:
Relax and just do it - many of my adult students in classes with traditional undergraduates are uneasy at first and some leave the course before finishing - they have so much more going for them than the younger students, I just want them to relax and take the journey.
Learning will continue throughout your life.
-The challenges of being a learner at your age.
Definitely technology! I feel like I am scrambling to catch up and understand how to use technology like Skype, Blogger, etc.
Family and job responsibilities! I have to juggle spending time with my family and working. At the same time, I am trying to work my school into this already busy schedule! This is much harder than when I was 20 with no family i.e. children of my own/husband
-The joys of being a learner at your age.
I am mature and see things in a different way than when I was younger. I believe my understanding is clearer.
I am more mature and since I am paying for this degree, I take learning all I can very seriously.
Even though technology causes stress, I understand that it is a valuable tool. I love to learn all I can about using it. Not only is it interesting but it captivates students in a classroom environment.
-Your hope for the next decade as a learner.
I hope to continue to learn and grow from my experiences.
I hope I am never closed to new ideas.
I hope I remain curious about new things like how adults learn and technology.
I hope my mind works at least as quickly as it does today. It seems to be much harder to remember things now as opposed to when I was in my 20's and 30's.
Hi Bill,
I am with you, this is one joy of learning online is that you don't have to sit in a class with 20 different attitudes and using up this high gas. And think everyone can use that advice on how to pay back their student loans so if you find out please pass it along.
The challenges of being a learner at 38.
I have a four year old daughter who has quite an active life and sometimes it's challenging managing my time, but I presume that will still be the case when she turns 14 but luckily I will have completed this program. It's really the managing of the time with your routine life activities and school but it was my decision to make this move and with aging I've developed perseverance.
The joys of being a learner at 38.
At this point in my life everything that I learn coincides with my career and enhances my skills at work. Also I see possible opportunities for career growth and monetary gains.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
I am a life-long learner. Therefore I will be teaching and learning in some capacity. I want to always be informed with our ever-changing world.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner.
It is important to manage your time wisely and effectively. Moreover having the drive and mindset that your learning is beneficial for you will build your confidence within yourself to reach your goals.
1. The challenges of being a learner at your age 49:
a. As a forty-nine year old, it seem like I am relearning things all over again after, servicing in the military for twenty-two years, readapting to civilian versus the military culture.
b. Being deployed so often with the military and now at home spending more quality time with my family understanding my wife’s role as mom and dad while I was away, and now me regaining the rings of dad again.
c. Having patience with civilian doctor’s office that does not have any sense of urgency for patient waiting for care (military wait time 10 min. vital check. Civilian wait time is approximately 1 hour if not more).
d. Controlling my mouth. It seems like the older I get the more vocal I am becoming.
2. The joys of being a learner at your age 49:
a. Telling myself that I can do this at forty-nine, and be proud of my accomplishment at fifty-two.
b. Having more patience’s with my twenty and ten year old, and realizing they can think for themselves.
c. Listening to my wife and realizing that she is always RIGHT.
d. The hunger and strong desire to want to learn.
3. Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
a. I would like to establish a program to educate poverty stricken neighborhoods or a way out of the system.
b. I would like to become a principle of one of the locate high school.
c. Write a book on, what a soldier goes through after serving in battle, and returning home to love ones who do not understand them.
d. Continue learning.
4. Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
a. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn.
b. You are never too old to learn.
c. Take learning a bite at a time (slow).
d. Do not give up once you have started.
* the challenges of being a learner at your age
I have found in recent years (the last two espcecially) that I suffer from severe impatience. No longer do I want to post a discussion response in several places, one will do! That is probably why I prefer online learning though, because I do not have the patience to sit in a classroom and listen to lectures.
* the joys of being a learner at your age
I do enjoy learning though at this age. I believe it is because I am now more open to learning than I was when I was younger. Contrary to earlier learning experiences, it does not seem to take as long for information to be obtained.
* your hopes for the next decade as a learner
Within the next decade, my biggest hope is to be finished with my doctorate. It seems like it has taken forever to get here and I am very eager to get it completed.
* your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
For those just beginning, take it slow at first. If you have not taken online courses before, start small and work your way up. Try not to be too impatient, it takes time to get used too.
The challenges of being a learner at age 40
A challenge I face is breaking out of the emotional and financial security I’ve established for myself and for my family. This means significantly less time for personal obligations, hobbies, friends and family. After completing my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and then focusing on career, it was a shift for me to learn to emphasize my personal growth beyond the classroom. Ironically, just I had begun focusing on my personal life, spending more time on leisurely activities with family and friends. Now, I must abandon these activities to pursue a doctoral program. These changes negatively affect all of my personal relationship, which has been the most significant challenge. Finances are another challenge. I have added a financial burden toward mid life that distracts from building a financial secure future in retirement, vacations and household projects.
The joys of being a learner at age 40
I realize that my employment doesn’t have to be dependent on a doctoral program. I already have employable skills but I want to enter an advanced degree program for personal reasons rather than professional reasons. Although I anticipate professional growth and development, and career advancement, the motivation is strictly personal. Established in my career, I believe that I’m emotionally ready to handle new challenges without jeopardizing my career.
Hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade is to become more open minded, exploring educational experiences beyond conventional methods. I’d also like to continue to have at least the same level of enthusiasm for education, development and learning.
Advice for people who are entering their 40s
My advice those learners entering their 40’s, is to get rid of self-imposed boundaries and plan financially. Be free to explore educational opportunities that interest you and ignite passion. It should not matter that colleagues, friends and family tell you that it’s not practical or challenge you that you may not recoup the financial outlay. Cost of education should not always be equated to financial gain. Yes, further education should have financial rewards, but I don’t feel that it should be the determining factor. Therefore, I’d encourage others to plan for the financial cost of advanced degree(s) in addition to retirement planning.
Rhonda Suggs
The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenges of being a learner at my age are varied. Given the “demands” of my life as I seek to balance career, family, my education and personal responsibilities, I have found that negotiating all of these demands successfully is quite challenging. Prior to embarking on my educational journey, balancing the demands of career and family were complicated enough with a busy career as a clinician and educator and a mother of a blended family of four teenagers. Adding the third component of delving into higher education has further challenged my abilities to balance them all.
The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner at my age are many. I entered my Ed.D. program with the career goal of gaining the credentials, necessary to take my nutrition internship program to the next level of a graduate program. I have also discovered that through my doctoral experiences, I have also embarked on a journey of personal self-discovery and introspection. With my readings of adult developmental theories, I have come to have a better understanding of my development as an adult woman within our culture and its varied demands. Additionally, I have to understand my current ongoing development, moving from a focus on interpersonal balance to a more holistic or institutional view or stance. This realization through my own education has broadened my perspectives, and in my case, given me a more peaceful and liberated sense or approach to my life.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner exist are varied. First, I do want to continue to develop my skills as an adult educator within the higher education environment. To this end, I hope to implement these skills in the expansion of our nutrition internship program into a comprehensive graduate program, incorporating traditional classroom, supervised practice settings, and online learning environments. Second, I hope to continue along my journey of personal development as I navigate through the phases or “seasons” of my life as well as I continue to development from the interpersonal stage of development to the more institutional approach.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice for people entering into my decade as a learner is to keep themselves open to the varied experiences in their lives and to seek opportunities for learning and growing. These opportunities need not be in a formal degree-seeking programs, but can be pursued within community-based self-enrichment programs, seminars, workshops or retreats, for example. The end to pursuing additional education would be to broaden their perspectives and open their worldview to one that is more expansive and liberating. tentially very liberating. They can take a more active role in ensuring or promoting their development by immersing themselves in the kind of environment which asks questions of them and challenges their preconceived notions or perspectives.
Adult Phase Blog and Discussion
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenge that I am facing as a student at this stage of my life is that my time is not enough to meet my all life responsibilities. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to budget my time between my different responsibilities. Besides my fulltime job, I have a wife and two children (fourth and fifth graders). Other times I feel guilty, when my sons make me realize that I do not spend as much time with the as I used to. It is really a hard for me to feel that I am taking the time that should have been devoted to my family and use it to achieve my degree.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joy of being a learner at this age is that I have a long and varied experience in my professional field. I relate everything that I am learning to my previous and current practices. It is also a great opportunity to share my insight and what I am learning with other colleagues. I found this learning experience to be professionally enriching. It is broadening my perspective about educational issues and the ways they should be addressed. The wonderful thing about it is that the advancement in technology made it more accessible for me. I do not have to travel to classes or the library. Mostly, everything is done online.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I hope that my family understands that spending my time in the house, yet not with them is being spent for a good reason. I hope that I will be able to us this doctoral degree in professional and academic settings. I also hope that my energy and desire to learn and share will continue as long as I live.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice is to make your family as a partner in your educational endeavor. Make your family members understand your reason of going back to school, and try to get their support. Manage your time effectively by setting priorities. Reach out for help from your instructor and other people and resource available at your school. Keep up the hope, do not despair, and always remember your goal.
Thank you.
Abdelmonem
Adult Phase Blog and Discussion
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenge that I am facing as a student at this stage of my life is that my time is not enough to meet my all life responsibilities. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to budget my time between my different responsibilities. Besides my fulltime job, I have a wife and two children (fourth and fifth graders). Other times I feel guilty, when my sons make me realize that I do not spend as much time with the as I used to. It is really a hard for me to feel that I am taking the time that should have been devoted to my family and use it to achieve my degree.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joy of being a learner at this age is that I have a long and varied experience in my professional field. I relate everything that I am learning to my previous and current practices. It is also a great opportunity to share my insight and what I am learning with other colleagues. I found this learning experience to be professionally enriching. It is broadening my perspective about educational issues and the ways they should be addressed. The wonderful thing about it is that the advancement in technology made it more accessible for me. I do not have to travel to classes or the library. Mostly, everything is done online.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I hope that my family understands that spending my time in the house, yet not with them is being spent for a good reason. I hope that I will be able to us this doctoral degree in professional and academic settings. I also hope that my energy and desire to learn and share will continue as long as I live.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice is to make your family as a partner in your educational endeavor. Make your family members understand your reason of going back to school, and try to get their support. Manage your time effectively by setting priorities. Reach out for help from your instructor and other people and resource available at your school. Keep up the hope, do not despair, and always remember your goal.
Thank you.
Abdelmonem
Response to Nancy Elkins:
Nancy, your perspectives resonate with me on a variety of levels. While I emphasized that my greatest challenge was the essence of time management and the balancing of career, family and education, becoming proficient with new computer communication technologies is indeed another challenge. I feel fortunate in that Walden University has been extremely supportive, however, in training us through both the orientation and the residencies with our computer literacy skills. While I have been farily proficient in the use of word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and e-mail programs, interaction with others through an online format via the use of discussion boards and now, BLOGS, is really a new experience for me. While these experiences are challenging at first, there is indeed a inherent "joy" in mastering them.
With regard to your progression through Levinson's phase theory(Levinson, 1978), at the age of 47, I can also identify with my own mid-life transition with a focus on my family and current career to a shift in focus to personal development. There has also been a shift in my career focus to one that does not only emphasize my own personal achievement or success, but towards the achievement of social change and success for my learning community and profession. This shift is perfectly in line with Walden's educational philosophy.
I also embrace Kegan's stage theory of adult development (1994) as reflected in his most recent book. With my readings of Kegan's theory of adult development, (1982, 1994), I have come to have a better understanding of my development as an adult woman within our culture and its varied demands. Additionally, I have come to better understand my current ongoing development, as described from Kegan’s stage theory, moving from Stage 3 of interpersonal balance to Stage 4, or a more holistic or institutional view or stance. This realization and understanding through my own education has broadened my perspectives of my own personal development and view of the world.
Ana Abad-Jorge
References:
Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads: The mental demands of modern life. Cambridge Massachussetts: Harvard Univesity Press.
Levinson, D.J et al. (1978). The seasons of a man's life. New York: Knopf.
Advise for people entering this age as a learner. (Sorry I left this off of my original post)
Get organized. It will help you accomplish your goals, make time for family and enjoy your life without all the stress.
Don't procrastinate. It is not fun to sit at a computer for hours at a time!! Trust me...
Betsy
Response to Besty, I belong to the 20-29 age group and when reading your blog you mention procrastination. In your opinion, would you say that procrastination is seen at a higher degree? Maybe due to more responsibilities?? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Rhonda:
I am in agreement with you about "self-inposed boundaries" and personal reasons for enrolling in higher education. "We" have accepted the challenge maybe because we see a need to grow mentally as our physical status declines. In this way we can maintain a level of performance and cognition that could keep us living longer. Although a higher degree program may not be the only way to produce this new neural activity it sure beats trying to do it through a system other than education.
J. Van Ornum
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
Learning as an adult requires a bunch of patience. Online learning has its own unque challenges often time leaving me confused and frustrated.
The joyes of being a learner at your age.
I really enjoy the feeling of learning new material. It's such a feeling of accomplishment.
My hopes for the next decade of learning.
I hopeful that upon completion of this program, I will continue better positioned to share my experiences with local youths.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner.
Stay patient! Proceed with open mind.
In response to Abdelmonem:
Well, I can certainly understand your post about trying to take care of your life repsonsibilites and work on our education. I don't have any children, as of yet, but I do work three jobs. So as I try to survive this economy as a single person, I understand when life gets in the way.
I agree with you though that it is extremely important to have a family that supports your decision to go back to school. My social life has taken a back seat, but I know that in the long run, it will be well worth my while.
It is nice to see and read that I am not the only one who finds it hard to make everything work in my life.
I am with you Bill Thompson,
I need immediate gratification so I prefer to have face to face discussion or turn in a paper and wait for direct feedback. I am only 38, but technology is not always a plus to me. I enjoy the timelines of an online degree, but I am not fond of the blogs or the discussion boards.
I definitely lived the experience of going to school too young with a lot of parental pressure. I started college 10 days after I turned 17, with a plan that I had developed with my father. It wasn't long before I lost focus and even interest in my major, but due to the need to please them I continued. I did graduate on time, but my grades suffered and I had a degree in psychology that I no longer desired.
I am glad as an adult learner I have taken my time to decide which Master's and Doctoral program suit me best. Although I am short on time, and often feel overwhelmed with family obligation I am focused on my learning and I enjoy every minute.
Response to Rhonda Suggs
I enjoyed your post on being a life learner at your age. It is interesting to say that your age group and my age group share the same concerns. You are faced with emotional and financial security. When I was in your age group, I was pursuing two masters degrees and I thought I was ready at that level to work on planning for my retirement. Now, I am pursuing a doctorate, just to add yet another financial challenge of putting on hold vacations, and just relaxing. You made a great point on your advice to a learner to further personal growth towards education as well as plan your retirement. According to Levinson (1996), he stated that well, I guess that what I want is to feel that I am...to know that I am independent. That is the statement of all ages.
One of the challenges that I have faced as an adult learner are the fast past of technology. Until enrolling in an online class, I rarely used the computer other than checking emails and doing simple task that was required on my job. I am constantly worrying about the assignments that I have posted to the dropbox. Worrying about whether or not they were posted right, if I fully understood the assignment. When I was in college 20 years ago, computers were used but no to the degree in which they are used now. We could use a word processor to get assignments completed and turned in. Another challenge for my ag is managing time. I am a single mother with one college student and two high school students. Between making sure that my children have completed all of their homework, doing my own homework, cooking, and other daily things to do. I sometimes find myself being overwhelmed. But, the reminder of what I am working towards and the idea of completing what I have started are what keep me motivated.
Some of the joys of being an adult learner at my is that. I have found that at the age I am now I am more focused and am able to get more accomplished. When I was younger as a student I completed task but wasn't as knowledgable as I am now. I think that through life's experiences and lessons I can better relate to what I am learning and the importance of what is being taught.
I believe that within the next decade the world will continue to evolve and things that we are doing now will be more advanced. I also believe that the things that are looked at as challenges now will be easier because of what is to come. I would tell any individual who is entering this decade as a learner to be optimistic and open to new ideas and things to come.
I appreciate David Snell's comment about "investing" time. Such a simple language change can have an influence on how I approach the course readings - I'm not just getting through it, I wanting a return from what I'm investing. Also changes the way I approach interaction in relationships.
Alex - I have a lot of respect for you, "knowing exactly where I wantt o be in my career" - I wish I had that insight. I'm still trying to figure it all out and if I'm not careful it will all be over before I get it figured out.
Joseph Oaster brought up some interesting ideas about time for ourselves. I'm reminded of a very close friend who asked me if I ever read novels or "anything fun." My course reading is fun. I think you help me to realize there isn't much time for myself - something I probably need to work on.
You also raise an interesting idea about age and credibility - I'm guessing the credibility is more a function of your experience and interaction style rather than chronoligcal years. I, too, have felt that sense of "wow, I really know what I'm talking about here" at times when I've been in front of professional peers.
Response to Abdelmonem:
I also worry if I am devoting enough time to all my commitments and if the time I do allot to them is adequate for me to be effective. Actually, the most neglected part of my life is sleep.
I also compare new knowledge to my past and current experiences in order to make sense of what I am learning. I want to know how the information fits into my current schema of knowledge and if it conflicts, seek to reconcile the conflict.
Response to SWeems:
Great blog and I totally am in agreement with what you wrote.
I too have significant people who do not understand the time commitment especially on Friday and Saturdays. But I realized that these folks have not experienced a doctoral program. They are use to completing work and receiving a grade. Understanding was not a priority. I actually spoke to a few Ph.D holders and they were in agreement about others not truly understanding the essence of the commitment.
When I was in my 20's I was excited to reach my 40's because women in this age group came across as confident and emerging. I thought of this when you gave the advice of doing something because you want to and not because it is expected.
Hello Patricia,
I agree with and accept your advice. Today's wealth of opportunities are driven by globalization and the rapid growth of technology. Like you, I believe that learning takes places at any age. We are never too young or too old to obtain knowledge. Thus, in order to compete in our ever changing society, we should embrace knowledge and celebrate change!
EuRonda, age 38
Tucker,
I really enjoyed your blog. You have a great sense of self and humor. I am in the 50-59 adult phase and I can tell you from experience that there is no time like the present. There is no set time to have children, go to school or seek out a new career. You just put on your waders and start walking through the murky waters of education.
Levinson (1986) stated that "change goes on within each season, and a transition is required for the shift from one to the next. Every season has its own time".
I recently felt compelled to discuss a grade issue also and when I looked back I see, at my age, how silly I felt. We become almost obsessed with the idea that we must have a certain grade that we sometimes do not realize what we are pursuing...a grade or an education.
I never thought I would be happy to be in my age group but I am having the time of my life!! I have really started to gain a sense of who I am since I left the 40-49 group. Hang in there, the best is yet to come!
Levinson, D. J. (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3-13.
Marian,
I can certainly understand how you feel. When I was at that point in my life, juggling career, school, and family, it felt very overwhelming. I use to do positive self-talk all the way home and to school to convince myself that I could do this and that I would greatly benefit from all the hard work. It also helps to rely on your social networks to support you through this challenging process. It is all worth it when you reach your goal.
Levinson (1986) states that the central components of our life are those that have the greatest significance for the self and the evolving life course. These components receive the largest share of the individual's time and energy, and they strongly influence the character of any other components.
Remember it is not always reaching the destination that counts, sometimes it is the journey along the way!
Levinson, D. J. (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3-13.
Rhonda, I clearly relate to your concerns. Psychologically we all change as we grow older. Daniel Levinson describes the changes as the Seasons of a Womans's Life (Daloz, 1999). As we enter these years (40-50) its generally a period of settling down a time to act on commitments. However you indicated a personal reason for wanting to complete this degree. Sounds like some self-reflection or introspection. Either way this new learning will take its rightful place in your intellectual development.
Daloz, L., (1999). Mentor; Josseybass. p. 58.
Sterling
Hello SWeems (Salie Weema),
I agree that being a student at this age group is faced by the problem of budgeting time between the various responsibilities. It seems that you are an optimistic person with goals and aspirations. Erikson observed that in the middle-age group people tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding their families. Strength comes through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which Erikson calls generativity, people in this stage often fear inactivity and meaninglessness.
Reference:
The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson
Thank you.
Abdelmonem
I see that although we choose to study online, many people at any age level find technology a challenge. I think it is not also the technology but that learning this way is new for us and we need to relearn how to study in this new environment. Online learning provides us with the flexibility to manage our time but also we have all the responsibility about the learning process.
Regards,
Griselle
Reply to Rhonda;
Hi Rhonda -miss you in my section this semester. I believe you are in the decade preceding mine (56) but I see that some of your experiences are similar to mine. I do wish, however, that I had started my "plan" earlier in the 90's do I would be decade younger at this point...just to have more time to use my skills before my time and energy run out. I marvel at what i hae read in every age from 30-60; many challenges and sentiments are so similar. I deliberately wrote my main blog paosted to my "age" without reading others first. It seems that each decade has simialar challenges and joys...as Kegan(1994) says, perhaps the thing we all share most is that we are "in over our heads!"
Take care! Vicki
Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads: the mental demands of modern life. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
The challenges of being a learner at my age is simple. I have so much to do and not enough time to complete all there is to do. I am a husband and father and have I have a second job. Online learning was the best option for me, becuase it gave me a chance to work at night and possibly at work. Having a place at home to work on my classwork was sort of a problem and I have to go the public library many times just to have good lighting and quietness.
I love reading and learning, but wish I could make it a major priority of my day.
I do enjoy the flexibility and time with my children being an online learner and I also can show my family how to juggle work, play, and class all while trying to become more successful.
For the next decades, I hope to have a better hold on online learning and posibly become an online professor and I wish that I can be as innovative as the professors are now to make class fun and enjoyable, yet a learning place.
My advice for others that are entering this learning process, make time in your schedule and don't procrastinate. Take the time to read others work/post and you will too feel right at home. In addition to preparing for class online. Make sure you have an undisturbed place with plenty of space and lighting to be successful.
RTapia said it right when we said that we have to work and focus on family. Again at our age group these are fundamental aspects of our lives. We must learn to prioritize better if we haven't already.
Response to Joseph Oaster,
I like the Read, Read, Read point. YOu must also as you say, make time for YOU. I do make classwork a priority, but how long is this priority...is what I have the problem with. I don't have enough time.
I am learning through this course work to read more and for enjoyment. This too will help us to better cope with our assignments and deadlines, if we totally understand what we are talking and writing about.
Thanks
I have learned as part of this age we have similiar challenges. Work, family, and self.
A joy that I do have compared to when I was in my early 20's working on my undergrad is that I organize time so that I spend time on school. Failing is not an option. Time is valuable.
I enjoy learning and meeting and having discussion online with in the classroom.
LeAnn
Hello T.BennettMichael,
To answer your question honestly... Yes; The more responsibilities you have the better you must become at managing your time. I know that sounds simple but it is very true.
The stress of having children, working and trying to go to school even online requires so much organization. I have never been a person who procrastinates and I don't think I am now. I just have so much to do I can't get it all in.
I can really tell a difference between earning degrees before and after having children.
Hope this helps. Thanks for responding to my post.
Betsy
Reply to Marian Billbury
Hi Marian,
As a member of my preceding age phase, I see we are similar in the determination of not being left behind. Also, I feel that our maturity is paying back although we are facing a different frame of mind from people of other stages. They enjoy the advantage of youth that we are leaving behind even though we could still feel very young at heart. On our behalf, I agree that we are more knowledgeable now than when we achieved our undergraduate or even a Master’s degree. Nevertheless, younger learners have their own generational or life stage challenges, as we have our own.
The envisioning of earning a doctorate degree is also an achievable dream as well for me in my fifties because of the determination to make it happen (in spite of any obstacles).
I have to admire female learners like you because motherhood and home keeping is a challenge we men do not face with the exception of maintaining a supporting role (Some men can take over the home keeping too!.
Finally, I consider that staying healthy is a great ally in this journey.
I truly enjoyed your posting.
Luis
-The challenges of being a learner at your age.
While juggling time is a challenge to me as I continue with this journey, I must admit that I enjoy every bit of it and this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. There are times when my job is demanding, my children, spouse, community, and friends want more attention than I can provide as I have to complete my assignments. Over all, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I learn new ideas which I apply in all facets of my life not just at work.
-The joys of being a learner at your age.
I enjoy learning new things/ideas and able to apply them immediately at my work. In fact, I think I'm a better student now than I was when I was younger. I have reservoir of knowledge and experience from which I draw ideas to analyze and synthesize information which I then carry with me to work daily. Every theory that I learn in this class has a place in my daily responsibilities as an educator and as a human being. I find it powerful to be able to see almost instantly why I'm learning these theories as they become handy immediately. When I was in college for my first degree, knowledge was not always readily applied to everything I did. Sometimes I wondered what I was going to do with certain information I received from classes like, geology, history etc.
-Your hope for the next decade as a learner.
I would like to be able to have completed my degree and settled in a fulfilling job which provides me with the flexibility to publish articles and books. I see myself as a life long learner. I would like to continue keeping abreast of the latest knowledge and skills in the field of education, and also contribute towards it. It is my desire to one day be a renowned scholar-practitioner.
-Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
You can’t go wrong with education or a doctorate degree. Knowledge is power. The more you know the better you are in accomplishing your goals in life. However, get organized, set realistic goals; learn how to juggle your time as there will be not part of your life that will wait for you to complete your degree. Your children will need you, your spouse will expect birth-day parties, and Friday dinner dates. Your employer may even put more responsibilities on you now that you are working on your doctorate degree. Your church/community will still expect you to contribute towards the common good, and your friends will still be coming to see you. Time management will be very important to your success. Over all, be patient at the beginning, you will figure out what works for you after a few weeks into the program.
Rebecca Holt’s Response:
• The challenges of being a learner at my age: The biggest challenge for me is juggling all of my responsibilities and prioritizing. I guess that is really 2 challenges, but they go hand in hand. I have 3 children, a 12 year old and 7 year old twins. They certainly required a lot of time and attention and I make them my priority. In addition, I work full time as a regional director at a large healthcare corporation, teach part time at an online university, and am a wife to my husband Ray. Since I started school I have dropped some of my outside activities, which I miss. I don’t think learning is a challenge at 43 – in fact, I see my education as a compliment and an affirmation of the experience and wisdom that I have developed over the years. I haven’t struggled with the online environment, but I’ve also been exposed to online learning. I teach in an online university and my husband earned his M.C. from an online university as well.
• The joys of being a learner at my age: At first I worried that I was too old to go back to school, but I have been able to use so much of my life and professional experience in my classes that I don’t see how I could have been as successful if I was much younger. I really see how the content of my classes builds on what I already know or compliments what I am currently doing. I didn’t have that experience when I got my BSN or MA in nursing – I was in my 20s and basically had almost nothing to draw from.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner: I hope to be done with my EdD in 2011 and using it in my career. Then I’d like to focus my learning on outside interests that I have, like photography, sewing, ancient cultures. Maybe I’ll go on some learning tours, or finish my genealogy in Norway and Germany.
• My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner: Go for it! You have a lot to offer and life experience to back it up. Don’t be afraid to enter a new discipline or get that degree. All of my work experience and education has been in nursing. I decided to NOT get a doctorate in nursing because I wanted to grow in a new area, expand my horizons and be a more well rounded person. It is scary..at first…but then it becomes fun and amazing.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age:
I have found that the biggest challenges I have as an adult learning is distractions, habits, and biases. I am often distracted by other things that are sometimes necessary (such commitments to my job, my family, and my church), and sometimes frivolous, yet I had enjoyed previously and was reluctant to reduce or delete from my routine (such as TV, video games, and other hobbies). I realize the importance of not eliminating completely things that I enjoy doing, but with vacation times typically used for visiting, such leisure has been few and far between.
• The joys of being a learner at your age:
I have come to realize that I have a great deal to look forward to even when I miss those activities that I’m not able to do now. I can use them as rewards, and tend to appreciate them more when I am able to take a break and relax. I very much enjoy being an adult learner which give me more of a fulfillment than anything else can. Since I have found such appreciation for learning, I can’t imagine ever stopping the learning process, which is why I love teaching at church and why I think for me teaching will be the best way to continue to learn. My joys of learning include excitement, energizing, rewarding, sharing, and continued growth.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My hopes is to constantly continue on my progress of learning, seeking opportunities such as teaching, leading, seminars, church service, community service, and increasing my value in the workforce.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
Embrace, relax, and enjoy the process as much or even more than the results because life is to short and the journey is sweet.
There are challenges of being an adult learner at the age of 47 (can’t believe I said my age!). Finding the time between four children, a full-time teaching position and having a bit of a social life affect the degree of time that I can spend on school work and thus learning. There presents challenges of using technological advances for both my learning purposes and that of my students. Learning how to use this blog posting was a good example of a technological challenge I faced. The New York State Education Department, published a special bulletin titled, “Enhancing Learning Opportunities Through the Challenge of Technology”. It was discussed in this bulletin that a computer committee decided to equip a high resolution color monitor, CPU, dual disk drives and printer to be placed at student’s desks in the K-12 areas (this alone made me a bit anxious!). Kids today are being brought up with the use of technological advances and are more equipped to learn and utilize the advances of technology for learning purposes. However, it can be done at my age as well!
There are joys of being a adult learner at this age. The joy of going to school to learn because I want to, the satisfaction and accomplishment of achieving a higher education degree can lead to future increase in salary and job security. Lindeman (1926) perhaps said it perfectly, “the resource of highest value in adult educations is the learner’s experience”. Creating this blog allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment and a feeling that yes, I can and did learn from this class assignment. According to Hardner’s article on The Developmental Stages of Erik Erickson, middle adulthood is “when we expect to “be in charge”, the role we’ve envied”. This is a time in my life that I am in charge of what my future dreams, goals, ambitions will be and how I can achieve them.
My learning hopes for the next decade include finding and utilizing teaching methods in order to educate and positively influence future nurses. I hope to continue to learn and utilize technology advances. Having four children, two of whom are grown and living on their own, I am faced with defining my life by caring for others and be a productive member of society. My girlfriend, who just turned 50 two days ago, told me that she wanted to leave her mark for the betterment of society and this was the time in her life to find just how she can do that. This is also the time in my life that I hope to continue to use learning to leave my mark on educating family, friends, colleagues and future nurses.
My advice for those entering learning environments as middle adults is to recognize the vast possibilities that are presented and learning at this time in life can be fun, exciting and yes challenging but the rewards are so great. The best word of advise to give is to say that anyone can learn if you want it badly enough. Life goes too fast so learn what you can for learning is continuous throughout life.
References:
Harder, A. (2002). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Support for Change. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html.
(Used by permission of Arlene Harder, MA, MFT, Founder and Editor of Support4Change.com.)
Lindeman,E.E.(1926).The meaning of adult education. New York:New Republic.
The challenges of being a learner at this age are due to the responsibilities of home, family, and jobs while maintaining health and happiness. Also, trying not to overextend, saying “no” more often, and not feeling guilty when I am not able to do everything can be difficult. It is important to be flexible and organized to deal with the unexpected happenings in life. For example, while writing this I am in the emergency room because my husband fell from a 20-foot roof. (Miraculously, he will be fine.)
The joys include learning for self and personal growth, not for others’ expectations. I am better at making decisions and setting priorities. I am also confident in what I believe. I am comfortable in knowing there is a difference between acceptance and approval. I am more flexible in my thinking and more experienced in understanding people, politics, economics, and various cultures. I also understand more of how all of these play a part in situations in people’s lives and in the world. All of this makes learning more exciting and meaningful.
For the next decade, I relate to Levinson that I am building “a new ‘life structure’ for the second half” of my life (Daloz, L., 1999, p. 57). I believe there is a lot I can do, enjoy what I have accomplished, and continue to discover more about myself and how to help others grow and achieve.
Finally, my advice for others is to have a goal, plan for success, work hard, ask for help, and enjoy learning something new. You have much to gain and much to offer. Enjoy the opportunities to learn.
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Response to Elizabeth Wozniac
Dear Elizabeth,
It’s Rawya from the previous course. I miss working with all of you.
I am in the ‘30-39’ age group and I was interested to read about other groups. What caught my attention in your posting were the challenges you mentioned. Your example of hobbies made me understand what you meant by facing challenges such as distractions and habits. Would you mind illustrating what you mean by biases? I am so curious to learn more about various age groups. Perhaps this makes me comprehend some of the developmental stages I have already undergone as well as forthcoming phases I shall most probably experience.
What caught my attention was your beautiful wording of your joys. Even though I didn’t mention that in mine, but I could very much relate to the part where you would use activities that you miss doing as rewards through this exigent journey.
The obvious similarities between both age groups are that we all hope to progress and we all advice novice learners to relax and enjoy the expedition.
It was so good to see your name again and be able to communicate with you.
Regards,
Rawya Khoury
Response back to Rawya,
Hi Rawya good to hear from you, too. I hope we get a chance to be in another class together. What I meant about biases is that sometimes we may be closed-minded to differing ideas when we have set opinions. We may, at times not even be willing to consider and learn, thus closing ourselves up to possibilities of growth. I’m trying not to be so set in my ways; and I do believe that I am less so than when I was in your age group. I was also more stagnant and less willing to change at that time in my life.
Thanks for your comments, Elizabeth Wozniak
The Challenges
The biggest challenges I am facing is time management. While my children are not at home I have a job that requires differnet hours and then I am trying to get exercise into my routine. These are all important to me.
The joys
Learning is a joy in and of itself. New material that I can use in my life is always great. As a teacher I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching.
Hopes
I hope that I am able to put to use the information and skills learned to improve the education of our studetns. I do not plan to ever quit learning so classes are in the future for me. I will also go to the next decade before I complete my program.
Advice
I would suggest that anybody getting ready to go back to school be sure that the time will be available to them. If they have issues with time management they will need to think about that before they start. Another thing is being organized.
Karen Hill
The challenges of being a learner at my age involves being a mother, a grandmother and an educator. Managing my personal/work life and my academic career is often a pain.
The joys of being a learner at my age are plentiful. I take school very serious. My life now is so pleasantly different from 20 years ago and school is a big reason why.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to obtain a doctoral degree, and one day began public speaking in the field of education. Therefore, I will utilize the trainings available through professional development resources via the internet to enhance my skills as an educator.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Take it serious and value the opportunity to self-direct.
Hi SEH,
sorry to hear about your husband, I hope he is okay. I like what you said about acceptance and approval. I am teaching an ethics class to undergrads and we talk about acceptance and approval and some have a hard time with these two concepts. I would agree with you regarding having fun learning. If you look at it from a vantage point of getting new information, it makes it less painful and actually you can have some fun with it. Good luck to you.
Sandy
Sharon,
I have some of the same ambitions and goals as you do when it comes to obtaining my doctorate degree. I want to publicly speak about issues and concerns that are plaguing the field of education. I want to use my study and research skills to find answers to questions that many have about the field. I want to make a huge impact in the world of education.
Coach J
. the challenges of being a learner at my age is learning to use technology in the learning process. It can be intimidating and requires lots of time and patience. This is only my second attempt at blogging. I had my 30 year class reunion over the weekend and was asked several times if I was on Facebook. I did not have a Facebook account until yesterday and could not believe the friends and family that I located. So I am learning!
. the joys of being a learner at my age is that I get to venture into new territories. Prior to last semester all of my higher education was completed in brick and mortar environments. Becoming fimiliar with on-line learning has been exciting and is convenient.
. my hopes for the next decade as a learner are to become "tech saavy" in all aspects of my life. I would like to be able to facilitate on-line classes in the future.
. my advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner would be to be open to learning and using technology in the process. In the begginning it may be a bit challenging, but once you master it can be convenient and fun. Technology opens doors to unlimited knowledge and resources. As lifelong learners..technology is a learning companion.
Bill,
I would agree with your frustration of a blog versus the discussion board. I do think our vision of technological convenience has a lot to do with our age. I know students in the younger generation love blogs, facebook, text messages and so forth. Personally, I am not a fan of any of them as I prefer face-to-face interaction and feel the younger generation has lost sight of basic communication skills.
Online learning does have challenges, however, it was a bonus for me as it was the only option to obtain my EdD.
The challenges of being an adult learner now in comparison to when I was a learner at an earlier age is balance. I am finding that balancing my personal, professional and academic is a juggling act. The decision I make have an impact on my whole circle not just myself. It is like the trickle effect.
I also find technology challenging. I believe it is a great tool but I do not believe it should take the place of personal communication.
The joys of being a learner at my age is the fact that I can draw from many more experiences. Also, what I mentioned as a challenge can also be a benefit. Although balancing life is a challenge, at this age it is comforting to know that I have an established life to balance.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is that I will continue to learn and reflect on what I have learned. I hope to make others dreams become a reality by supporting others in their educational challenges. In the next decade my child will be attending college, I hope to inspire her in her educational journey and to connect with her frustrations. My real hope is that I have long completed my doctorate's degree and that I am utilizing it.
My advice for learners my age is to network with a group. Support is the key to success in a program like this. I would also advise people to be patient with themselves and to work towards progress not perfection.
Response to Elizabeth Wozniac
Dear Elizabeth,
It was so good to hear from you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I fully agree with regards to how difficult it can be to let go of long-established thoughts. I used to feel that way but the flexibility of the online classes—specifically the discussions—have changed me a lot. I have become more open to new ideas and I feel more comfortable with my broader horizons.
I, too, look forward to taking another class with you.
All the best,
Rawya
Response to Sharon Grover
Good Day Sharon,
It’s Rawya from your current class. I am in the ’30-39’ age group.
I have noticed that we share the same challenges. We all need to find this equilibrium between the personal, professional, and academic aspects of our lives. It is true that a balanced management could sometimes be a pain, but with perseverance we can overcome all difficulties, especially if we consider the fruit we shall harvest in a couple of years—a doctorate that will open a new door and be a new beginning.
I support you in what you wrote about your joys. It is because we take school quite seriously that we are able to cope with the pressure we are undergoing. And the biggest joy of all will be the final upshot—the awaited reward.
I find public speaking in the field of education a very productive step. This will call attention to many problems on the ground and widen educators’ horizons on issues that may have been long neglected. And you have a good plan for realizing that (seeking professional development and strengthening required skills).
You are absolutely right in your advice. If learners acknowledge how self-directed their learning is/could become, they would enjoy every aspect of the doctoral study.
I wish you all the best with your pursuit.
Sincerely,
Rawya
Karen,
I agree that time management is or can be a problem especially if you have a demanding job. I love to learn as well. It keeps our brain young. It is wonderful when we learn new things that we can share with our students to keep them better engaged.
I will always be involved in some type of new learning whether it be courses, conferences or seminars, and it seems you share my passion.
Vera
The challenges of being a learner at my age (44):
It is a great challenge to be a full time student, mother, wife, homemaker, and of course, full time teacher. Time is a constant hardship as there never seems to be enough. Learning how to be a good student again after being out of school for almost ten years is also challenging. I don't feel like I am as competent at using the computer as I need to be.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
It is a joy to participate on the board discussions with other professionals on the same journey. It is a joy to learn new things, and grow in so many ways. It brings me great joy to know that I am working hard to achieve a goal that will someday, not only change my life, but also the lives of others.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My hopes are that I continue to learn and grow. This is an ever changing field that needs constant attention. To be the best at my job, I hope to have the drive, time, energy, and ability to continue learning.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner:
Don't be afraid! Work hard and overcome the challenges that will most definitely present themselves. Reach out for help when you need it. There is always someone waiting to help you.
Elizabeth,
Your comments are very similar to mine-in the 50-59 age range. I tell my children, friends and family that I work hard for what I do, but I know the imporatnce of also relaxing and enjoying that time. As an adult learner, I never feel guilty about when I work, study or have fun. My schedule is mine. It is great to have the ability to be flexible and still accomplish goals!
Deb Allr
Hello forty somethings!
One of the trends I see in the posts relates to the high cost of education and the residual effect it creates. An unfortunate trend that many point out is that we will have to somehow payback these loans. I see this as the brutal catch 22. On one hand we want to better or further our education and earning potential. On the other hand, we are often forced to go into serious debt to make it happen. I look forward to my forties, I don't look forward to the repayment plans.
Rawya,
You are so right¡
We really share the same challenges.
And finding and learning to keep this “equilibrium” is one of the biggest challenges, when pursuing lifelong learning, it does not matter the age. It looks to me that we all have to face it.
I also think that public speaking will bring attention to education problems. My students are in the range of 19 to 60. When we have a debate class, I use the same topic in different groups; it is amazing how some comments are the same within their different perspectives. Also listening has taught us how sharing can be the formula for solving a problem.
The Ed. D. program has taught me among other things, that we can make a difference and at the same time enjoy what we are doing.
Yola Reyes
Hello Bill,
I totally agree with your statement regarding the importance of knowing what you want to study up front. I am an Admissions Counselor for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and all too often I see what we in the industry call "helicopter" parents pressuring their children into something they have absolutely no interest in. I try very hard to nicely intervene in order to access what they potential student really wants and guide them accordingly.
Hello Tumbleweed.....
My sentiments exactly regarding your comment about beating ourselves up for not doing the whole academic "thing" earlier in life. I along with many others, including those in my doc studies class at Walden experience the same thing. The beauty in this seemingly bad feeling is that we do not stand alone. I have accepted the fact that learning is a life long process, whether academically or through personal/professional experience. I have resolved to not focus so much on the end result of obtaining the degree but rather the journey in getting there.
The challenges of being a learner at your age....
The challenges of being a learner at my age mostly have to do with time managment as I along with most everyone else in my doc studies class, work, have families and other obligations that we must handle. Also, I suffer with MS and at times I am exhausted and too tired to keep up with the massive amount of reading, assignments and postings we must do. Although I have the illness it is not used as a crutch but rather a way to show people that anything is possible.
The joys of being a learner at your age....
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I am more mature and better able to handle academic rigor. Also, my many years of work experience are invaluable in terms of the various discussions we have in the online learning community.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner....
It is my sincere hope that I can successfully apply what I have learned in the most meaningful and productive way and contribute to society positively.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner....
My advice for anyone entering my decade as a learner is to definitely follow your passion and choose a degree that speaks strongly to your desire. Also, it is necessary to be open to change, versatile and patient. Going back to school at 40 plus is not for the weak at heart. You've got to be relentless! And, garner the support from your family because they will definitely be affected by your time spent away from them.
Rawya,
It's Janette Martin, also from your doc studies class. It seems that we all share the same sentiment with regards to time managment. Your comment about reaching that ultimate goal is what keeps me going....that golden nugget. My illness at times becomes a problem and I just want to give up but I give myself 5 minutes worth of agonizing and get right back to it.
Hello Antoinette,
Janette Martin from your doc studies class. I agree with you wholeheartedly about your dream killers statement. I too assumed that the immature level of thinking you mentioned would decrease as I got older but to my avail it did not. As we age, that is the one variable that will most likely remain constant. It is best to take the approach you've taken and just stay to yourself, focusing on your ultimate goal of obtaining that degree.
Dianne,
What an awe inspiring post! I am in the 40-49 age group and I have adopted the mantra that learning is a life-long process. As long as I can, I intend to always be evolving and learning new things. Initially, I used the excuse that it was way to late for me to obtain a doctorate and that I should be satisfied with my Master's but thank God for that...."ahh ha" moment. I am glad to hear that your F2F presentation went well. It seems as though your audience enjoyed and connected with what you had to say. The Transformative Learning Theory is quite interesting. As learners we too can consider ourselves transformative learners in the sense that throughout the course of our doctoral studies, we are indeed developing a sense of self and becoming more authentic. Congrats!
Hello Coach,
Janette Martin here from class. Making a huge difference in education is vital, especially given the current crisis we face in that arena. Our studies at Walden will more than equip us to leave an indelible mark in the industry.
Janette,
Being an adult learner is a tough job. Not only do we have work commitments, but family and other obligations. Time mangagement is definatley a chore for adult learners to balance. I agree with you. It is my desire for my children to pursue a field that they are passsionate about and desire to make a change.
Coach J
Great post Coach J. Working and studying for a doctorate in hard work. I try to find the time and motivation to do my job and study for assignments. I plan a daily schedule but would like to do more reading.
Hi Sharon,
I know what you mean about being busy with work and grandchildren, but I find the work I do, the better I can handle it. Some think I am crazy. I enjoy your comments in the threads.
Sandy
Hi Maureen,
I agree that the balancing act in life proves to be extremely challenging. The demands of family, work and friends are often difficult for me as well. I find joy in connecting new knowledge with past experiences. I also encourage my students in my adult learning classes to bring in their experiences when teaching because doing so often helps to bridge the gap between learning and knowing.
Jackie
Hi Tracie,
I too share your challenges and joys of learning as a busy 40 something woman. I have come a long way with my comfort level with technology and I learn something new about it everyday! With the on-line learning forums increasing everyday it has become a staple in my life as an adult educator and learner.
Jackie Mitchell
Although I am not in this age group, I found it interesting to read some of the challenges that others that were not in my age group faced. Regardless of the age, balancing time and technology seemed to be a challenge that was faced by many. I think the key for reaching your goal is to stay focused and to use your time wisely.
This is my first BLOG ever so...here goes:
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The major challenges for me center around feelings of competence vs. time constraints. At 46 my career is moving faster than ever before. I'm taking on more responsibilities and accepting more challenges. My homelife is stable and my wife and I are even thinking about adopting a child (or two). I'm also committed to this Ed.D. program. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, though, because of one of those anxiety dreams (you know the ones where you have COMPLETELY forgotten to do something VERY important and it's due RIGHT NOW) and I wonder if I've bitten off more than I can chew.
Regardless, I NEED to do this (for myself and my career) and I'm willing to lose a little sleep over it.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
My Masters degree was a natural (in time) progression from my BA. I didn't skip a beat between the two. But, over 15 years have passed between then and now and I am loving how learning "new" things is meshing with my personal experience in the workplace. My practice has some theory behind it! The literature is allowing me to view my practice in a different light, with a fresh perspective. That is a joyful discovery and I don't know if I could've (would've) been able to entertain those insights if I had entered a doctoral program immediately after my Masters.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I want to keep this up...get my letters (Ed.D) in this decade and then continue into the next two or three doing research and trying out new things at my university (or wherever they'll allow this old man to keep putting his two-cents-worth in). I see the future as a very open, exciting time for me.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Don't let fear and anxiety wear you down. Believe in yourself, say your prayers and keep pushing. With the advent of online education, this is not just a young person's game anymore. Maybe we're better able to do this than we might think.
To Bill Thompson,
From a 50s group member I can share that the time issue is not different. I appreciated Bill S's questions to you and also believe we are investing in achieving a goal. But some days the investment is greater than others!
Best of luck on your journey.
Barb
Jackie,
Your decision to use technology, which for you was a daunting task, speaks to your willingness to open your mind to new ideas and take charge of your own learning. Accepting the challenge to open a facebook account indicates your willingness to explore technology, because not only your class requires it, but also because you sensed it would open new doors of communication for you. Because you were willing to venture into this unknown area, you are now reaping the benefits from those efforts. After once being technically challenged and now being a “tech savvy" person wanting to facilitate online classes is an example of what Erikson defines as taking charge of one’s life. It is also typical at this point in one’s life. As a participant in their continuing learning process, you will be better prepared to understand the issues your students are facing
Support4change. (2002). The development stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved August28, 2009, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.hmtl
D5.1 Adult Phase Blog and Discussion
Challenges of an Adult Learner
As an adult learner I can say that I am a life long learner and I feel that learning individualistic as one goes on to pursue higher education there are some challenges that occur. Levinson (1978) he spoke of the many stages that men go through as they develop. This stages according to Levinson are usually shaped by one’s social and physical environment. As an adult learner I am in the settling down stage of adulthood according to Levinson’s Theory. The challenge is facing is progress in finding the right fit for me in my family and career life as I am expected to be a seasoned adult with a lot roles and expectations that sometimes I am not certain if I can fulfill. I just want to fit in and be well respected and accomplish having a successful career.
Joy of a Learner
The joy of learning comes with hard work achieving my goal which I have set out to achieve in the beginning of the program. I feel sense of self- satisfaction when I am able to impart knowledge to my students and when they achieve their learning goals. Having a great career is so meaningful and I feel that effects the intellectual, emotional and social aspects of my life. I want to attain more knowledge and be aware of the new trends in current literature in education and becoming more a critical thinker and a reflective practitioner.
Hopes for the next decade
As an adult learner I envision that advancements in technology and curriculum that accommodates the learning needs of culturally diverse learners. As an educator in important for me to adapt and keep a breast of the varied learning styles of all adult learners to assist them in achieving their learning goals. One of my desire to develop and adult learning theory that will motivate learners to achieve their maximum learning potential and goals as adult learners.
Advice to fellow Learners
My advice for adult learners is that age should not make a difference and should not dictate what adult learners can and can not do. Adult learners should follow their passion and stay committed to achieving their goals despite life crises and obstacles that occur.
Adult learners must be cognizant of the new technology and information which would be an asset as adults pursue higher learning. Always remember that age is just a number and you can reach your ultimate goals as an adult educator.
Suzanne
References
Levinson, D. J. Darrow, C. N. & Kelin, E. B. (1978). Season’s of a man’s life. New York:
Random House.
Levinson, D. J. , Levinson, J.D. (1996). Season’s of a woman’s life. New York, NY:
Alfred, A. Knopf.
D5.1 Adult Phase Blog and Discussion
Challenges of an Adult Learner
As an adult learner I can say that I am a life long learner and I feel that learning individualistic as one goes on to pursue higher education there are some challenges that occur. Levinson (1978) he spoke of the many stages that men go through as they develop. This stages according to Levinson are usually shaped by one’s social and physical environment. As an adult learner I am in the settling down stage of adulthood according to Levinson’s Theory. The challenge is facing is progress in finding the right fit for me in my family and career life as I am expected to be a seasoned adult with a lot roles and expectations that sometimes I am not certain if I can fulfill. I just want to fit in and be well respected and accomplish having a successful career.
Joy of a Learner
The joy of learning comes with hard work achieving my goal which I have set out to achieve in the beginning of the program. I feel sense of self- satisfaction when I am able to impart knowledge to my students and when they achieve their learning goals. Having a great career is so meaningful and I feel that effects the intellectual, emotional and social aspects of my life. I want to attain more knowledge and be aware of the new trends in current literature in education and becoming more a critical thinker and a reflective practitioner.
Hopes for the next decade
As an adult learner I envision that advancements in technology and curriculum that accommodates the learning needs of culturally diverse learners. As an educator in important for me to adapt and keep a breast of the varied learning styles of all adult learners to assist them in achieving their learning goals. One of my desire to develop and adult learning theory that will motivate learners to achieve their maximum learning potential and goals as adult learners.
Advice to fellow Learners
My advice for adult learners is that age should not make a difference and should not dictate what adult learners can and can not do. Adult learners should follow their passion and stay committed to achieving their goals despite life crises and obstacles that occur.
Adult learners must be cognizant of the new technology and information which would be an asset as adults pursue higher learning. Always remember that age is just a number and you can reach your ultimate goals as an adult educator.
References
Levinson, D. J. Darrow, C. N. & Kelin, E. B. (1978). Season’s of a man’s life. New York:
Random House.
Levinson, D. J. , Levinson, J.D. (1996). Season’s of a woman’s life. New York, NY:
Alfred, A. Knopf.
The challenges of being a learner at my age vary at times. The biggest challenge is using some of the technology such as these blogs. If it were not for the Doctoral class I am taking, I would not post on blogs.
I really enjoy learning at my age. As a child, I have always wanted to teach. I loved to learn and especially enjoyed sharing what I have learned with others. I have many friends that decided to go back to school because of my example. When I shared with them that going back to school was not that difficult, they received the confidence needed to take the challenge of earning a degree.
My hopes for the next decade as an adult learner will be to continue learning and sharing with others. This can be in a formal or informal learning environment. I love to help others explore new ideas that will help expand their learning horizon.
The best advice I can give someone entering the learning environment is not be afraid. I would encourage them and tell them that they can make a difference and a person can learn at any age. Even if they lead a busy life, learning is still possible with hard work and dedication.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The biggest is challenge is becoming a Juggler!! At my age it becomes challenging to juggle my career, school, family, volunteer, social events, church functions and catching life’s curve balls.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
Discovering that I am not too old to learn and the joys of learning is internally rewarding.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
We (adult learners at my age) will set an example for others. If we can do they can too!! All things are possible, never say never….
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
That they will eventual get accustom to the juggling act and appreciate being busy. And, that time management is key to being a successful learner.
Response to Janette Martin:
Hi Janette,
I think patience is a true virtue. I find as I become older it is a necessity as well. I cannot begin to understand how exhausted you must be at times with MS. I applaud your persistence. I agree as an older learner we are better equipped to handle the academic rigors of the program we are enrolled in.
Best Wishes,
Tom
· the challenges of being a learner at your age
Time and patience challenge me often. I am not speaking of time in terms of management, but time as it relates to aging. At 48, I often feel the pressure, from within, to keep up with the current trends and to learn all I can before time runs out.
· the joys of being a learner at your age
My brain is working; my knowledge is increasing; my confidence is rising. Yes!!!!
· your hopes for the next decade as a learner
That I will not become too complacent or think that I know all there is to know. I want remain open to broadening my views and understanding about learning; and, in turn, be able to share them as I make an impact on the learning of others.
· your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Relax. You can do it. Tough it may all seem overwhelming at first, it does get easier and become more meaningful as time progresses. Know why you are doing it and don't lose sight of purpose. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize. You can do this.
Response for Nina L. Wells:
Nina,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It seems like time and patience are challenges everyone faces, but with different meanings. For example, I face challenges with not having enough time throughout the day to work, do household chores, and study and your definition of time deals with the aging process.
I also agree that students age 40-49 doubt themselves feeling that it would be difficult to fit in with the 20 and 30-somethings. So they must enter the educational realm knowing and trusting that they can and will do it.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
The challenges is being able to keep up. Also find a program that fit around your schedule. When you have a demanding job, wife. And kids it is not easy.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
To be able to expand my knowledge. I am learning new information that I can use in my current fields.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My hope is to be able to gain all the knowledge and experience to help other adults students to make their dream come true.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
It is hard and a changing’s. There will be time when you won’t to give up. Family support is important in making your dream come true. Also chose a program that fit your hart and not just because you will like to do or learn it.
For Maureen
From Vicky
Maureen,
blogging was a challenge for me too! I was downright discouraged and ready to quit. I had to walk away and come back. This class has been a challenge but like you I have learned something new. I have my own blog now and I may even use it. It took me an hour to figure out how to post. This is a good experience because if we are going to help other adults we need to be able to empathize with them when they face material that is not easy for them to understand. Thanks for sharing.
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