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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196 comments:
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
I believe being a learner is a challenge at any age. Even with my experience I still procrastinate and wait till the last minute to get things done, and I know better.
I actually went back to finish college at age 50. I had two sons in high school and I felt I could leave them at home in the evening and go back to school. I am now 57 and working on my doctorate. I have earned an associates degree, a bachelors degree and a masters degree and I guess I don’t know when to quit. I have changed my career from IT management to Education management and am now a Dean at a private college. My sons have graduated and now are in the California Army National Guard and deployed. I have since married again (to a much younger woman) and am now starting a second family. I have an eight year old step daughter and twin two year old girls and they are a handful … and young people talk about challenges….well life never stops for you…it just keeps on going.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
Going to school at my age is a great experience. I love the interaction with fellow students and in the online environment age doesn’t matter. It is a way to fill your day (and sometimes nights) so you are always occupied.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I see online learning as the wave of the future. I believe that online programs will continue to emerge as the best way to earn a degree and advance into the workforce. I am actually planning on pursuing a graduate certificate in IT after I earn my doctorate.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
THE ONE AND ONLY THING YOU MUST KEEP IN MIND !!! YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL
Challenges:
My personal challenges include that with every year that goes by I seem to get busier. I am busier and yet older and less energetic than at previous times of my life. Why? I am 55. I just got tenure this academic year, so I was hired for that full-time position at 50. That was a major accomplishment on the one hand; a major and difficult undertaking on the other. My wonderful sons are grown, one with his master's and the other getting his bachelor's this year. They are both on the opposite coast from myself. I am happy and proud but feel acute empty nest loneliness at times. Those emotions distract me.
Joys:
I am always happy to be a learner once again. I am happy to be able to relate to my students by being a student. This is extremely gratifying and also helpful as I design my own online class, for I am more tuned into what I know (firsthand) that students need to know.
Hopes for the next decade:
I hope to accomplish my goal of finishing my doctorate, of course. I hope to inspire others as a result of that: my students, my colleagues, etc. I do believe that I am (and many people are) "hungry" for knowledge and so look forward to "consuming" it even after I graduate: as a teacher, as a learner, as a reader (news, etc.), and as a writer.
Advice:
Today I had a mid-semester conference with my instructor; interestingly enough I have similar conferences scheduled with my own students. I guess my main advice to any student is to persist: no matter what, keep going. If a reading is boring, if an assignment is difficult, if some obstacle seems overwhelming, just persist. Do something rather than nothing. Do not be defeated. Just do it!
Frank Cannon
Last month I celebrated my birthday for the 57th time and by the stage grouping method, I’m sure I fall into the late adulthood stage of my life. Pam and I were married at 19 and by the time we were 26, we had careers and three children. Though when I look back, most of our child raising years are a blur, but I do remember our joking about how we would still be young when our kids left home.
I think Harder’s (2002) explanation of Erickson’s stage idea misses a very important aspect of life and that is the influence of society. For example, the Chinese students I talk with regularly would probably argue that adolescence extends into the late 20’s. As for myself, growing up in the cold war (in elementary school we had more A bomb drills than fire drills), Vietnam era, and my father’s tales of World War II left me with an attitude toward death that has been unchanged since my early teens. Dad (a three year survivor of many invasions in the Pacific Theatre) developed a philosophy that when the Maker was ready to bring you home, it didn’t matter where you were or what you were doing—you were going home. Passing through the many stages of life never changed my agreement with his philosophy.
I find in this late stage of life that I don’t have the worries of my younger years. In fact, my primary concern is to continue to enjoy life on this big world and see as much of it as possible. Money, although in as short a supply as ever, doesn’t seem to have the attraction of my earlier life (translation: I’m not willing to work myself to death in hopes of getting ahead). Regrets, such as being gone from home—working—during my children’s formative years, have softened as I watch them struggle to handle careers and family.
Whether or not I’ve made any contributions to life in general, seems to have little importance to me. I’ll never know for sure anyway. I just enjoy living each day as though it may be my last and learning is part of that enjoyment. Hopefully, I’ll be able to pass on my “wisdom” and limited knowledge to those who want it.
There are challenges to learning at my age, reading is far more difficult and my eyes start to burn after just a few minutes. My memory is worse than it has ever been (it never was good) and I find myself taking copious notes—and forgetting where I put them. I have to keep looking at the assignments, calendar, my class schedule, and appointments to remind me what I need to be doing and when.
However, learning at my age is very rewarding. It is interesting to find theorists whose beliefs compare with mine and to learn of new (at least to me) approaches to educational problems. I hope the next decade will be as rewarding as the last five. After receiving my doctorate, I hope to continue teaching—the real learning opportunity! (Of course, I realize I’ll be battling the continuing battle of age discrimination).
Although every person has different situations, I would advise anyone pushing into my stage to pursue their dreams, just as they would have many years ago. Pam and I have always dreamed of travelling the world and teaching together. Now we’re doing just that. Age shouldn’t be a deterrent; I’ve earned two master’s degrees since my mid 50’s and have every confidence that I’ll have my first doctorate before I’m 60. (Provided the Maker doesn’t have other plans)
References:
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from Support 4 Change website at http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html
Well, I was not depressed before this assignment, but I am reconsidering my position on that—or lying about my age one. I always tell people I am “56 years young”. I never tell them how “old” I am. But after reading Erickson’s (2002) description of late adulthood, more specifically his words, “…accepting death as the completion of life” (¶26), I’m either going to get very depressed or change my age (like some stars have done). At this age, however, I can definitely look back with complete satisfaction. Frank and I have had a great 37+ years together and have produced three successful adults perfectly capable of making their own contribution to society. They have given us nine beautiful grandchildren, all of whom make us proud.
I have also had a great career teaching, have earned two Master’s degrees, working on a doctoral degree, and am living and teaching in China. I have a novel in-house and have published several articles and stories. While life has not always been a bed of roses, Frank and I are doing only what most people dream of—travelling the world—and we are getting paid to do it. Our students are fascinated that Frank and I are “young in heart” and that we are so romantic because they often see us holding hands, etc. Frank and I are both more computer savvy than most people we know, and that includes most of our students, so the technophobe bias does not apply to me either. Ready for death?? I think not. I am still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up.
Learning has always excited me. I have spent my life on both sides of the teacher’s desk. I no longer have the familial challenges of yesteryear—carting children to dance, sports meetings, hosting slumber parties, and asking the perpetual question, “Is your homework finished yet?” Frank and I are now pursing the same degree, and I have an intelligent being by my side to bounce ideas off of. So, I also have more support than some and no family problems. However, I must admit that I am not as young as I used to be. I have, fortunately, always been blessed with a great memory, but I find myself checking my schedule more often and keeping more notes. Also, despite credentials, I find there is an age barrier for teaching in certain countries—Japan doesn’t want anyone over 35, most Arab countries do not want anyone over 50, and Korea is following suit. China is also putting an age restriction on their teachers, but with a caveat—their age limit of 60 does not include anyone with a Master’s degree. This still does not dampen my spirits, however, as far as learning is concerned. Frank and I may not have the family interruptions to inhibit learning, but we do have geographical problems—we are five minutes per click away from everything on the internet. This is my biggest challenge. Just clicking on one posting, waiting five minutes for it to open is exasperating—it makes a body want to give up.
The joys of learning—I live in a constant state of learning—just reading my students’ journals is a learning experience for me. I learn more about Chinese culture everyday from reading their free writing assignments. I seek learning in every corner of my life and every corner of the world. Learning for learning’s sake is a motivator for me—and I believe this is part of what keeps me young. Even my students comment on how young I am.
I believe people my age should all seek out some kind of learning experience to help keep them young in mind, body, and spirit. My advice to anyone is to never stop learning. Frank and I raised our children to have no cultural biases or discrimination of any kind—with one exception—we taught them to hate ignorance and to do what they could to eradicate it.
As to my future learning, after completing this Doctorate degree I just might seek one in TESOL when I get back to the States. I love this field and I want to become a teacher trainer for future EFL teachers. By continuing my education, I can contribute more to the field. Also, I intend to continue being an active writer and EFL speaker, so I will need to keep up with new research and contribute my own.
For others my age, now is the time to leave their comfort zone, sock their money into good investments, get paid to travel while educating others and themselves, while padding their portfolios, and keeping young at the same time. Just because Erickson puts someone my age into “late adulthood” while “accepting death as a completion of life” does not mean we have to lie around and wait for it to happen. Pooh on the challenges and pooh on the barriers. Barriers are made to be broken. As Erickson says:
It is human to have a long childhood; it is
civilized to have an even longer childhood.
Long childhood makes a technical and mental
virtuoso out of man, but it also leaves a
life-long residue of emotional immaturity in him.
If I am emotionally immature, then so be it!
References:
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from Support 4 Change website at http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html
I’ve never had a problem telling people my age: I turned 52 on October 21, 2008. Not that I’m aging like a fine wine or anything. I just don’t think it’s a big deal.
1. The challenges of being a learner at my age. Probably not any different than many. Balancing school with career that is in full swing, my family and the demands of life. The biggest challenge is me. I doubt myself with each new module; “can I do this”?, “am I good enough”? I am thinking that there is a lot at stake, but I am wondering if it is more my pride than any promotion or tenure at work. I use school as an excuse for everything.
2. The joys of being a learner at my age. When I realize I can do this and I am good enough. When I am not stuck in some stage of a theory. Being a learner expands my world and I have learned that nothing is as it seems once I start digging into something and have some fun trying to relate theories and concepts to nursing. Learning makes me feel young at heart (and brain). I now know I could not have done this sooner – I wasn’t mature enough. So I think I am enjoying learning more. Knowing how to plan, organize and make informed decisions makes learning a joy. The more I learn the more there is to learn (or is that a challenge)?
3. My hopes for the next decade. I really haven’t thought that far ahead (except for retirement). But I hope I am still teaching, researching, creating knowledge, and curriculum building. I know in the next few years as I continue my studies I will get discouraged, but my hope is to get through it without too much damage.
4. My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner. Be a planner, but under no circumstances, do not put school before your family or yourself. Go part time if you have too. Chose your lifelines carefully – those who will support you, and be ready to work – don’t begin if you’re not ready.
* The challenges of being a learner in your age group:
There are many chalenges. Afew would include:
1. Being able to stay focused for the duration.
2. Maintaining my intrinsic motivation.
3. Being able to completely apply myself to theis new curriculum.
* The joys of being a learner in my age group:
The joys would have to include the axcitement of learning advanced ideas and viewpoints beyondd my current scope. Additionally, the ability to constantly transform myself into a better more effective scholar.
* Hopes for the next decade as a learner:
1. To continue fine-tuning my skills respect to critical analysis.
2. Providing my students with a broadened perspective of their life .
3. Becoming more fluid and not as static with respect to my knowledge base.
*Advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
1. Keep your perspective in focus.
2. Do not get discouraged by the process.
3. Learn as a means to grow as an individual.
4. Pass this knowledge on to your students. Give them the benefit of your knowledge.
5. Learn for the sake of learning.
Tim Boone
John Hedrick said...
The challenges of being an adult learner at age 53 are many. I went back for my masters degree at 42. I returned for my doctorate at 51. I started work on my bachelors in 1973. I think the foremost challenge is the new and advanced technology which wasn't there when I started college. Sometimes overwhelming, it is not impossible to teach an old dog new trick, just difficult. I can learn and apply these new innovations today such as on line learning,the internet, and APA style format. I wonder what I am doing here at times but I know the end result, my doctorate, will be rewarding.
Some of the joys I receive from my educational journey today are an inner peace or serenity. I am getting wiser and accomplishing goals. Another joy is being able to help others with their goals like aiding in homework,mentoring and tutoring people. These joys are evident in my teaching, also.
My hopes for the next decade as an adult learner are to get my doctorate, law degree, to continue teaching, write a book and become published with articles. I hope to help as many students and people as possible in expanding their education like I have accomplished.
My advice for people entering this decade as adult learners is persistence, perserverance, open-mindedness, prayer and alot of action. I tell my students that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Keep plugging away and miracles do happen. Stay away from booze, drugs and peer pressure.
The challenges I face are:
1. Time management and motivation - At times I see myself running around in circles having to deal with work (12 hrs per day), school and personal issues. I am exhausted when I arrive home and do not feel like reading or homework. My educational goals were to have obtain my doctorate by age 45, mmmmmmmm well here it is 12 years later and here I am. Sometimes, the age differential makes me feel inadequate/inept and just not ready for this task. At times I feel my life is in shambles, but I look around and it could be worst. Balancing life has been my greatest challenge - trying to play mother and tutor (dau graduates from college in May and is taking 18hrs), student - I confuse myself on my assignments (too much on my mind) Leisure time - that I do not see very often - I struggle with need to study verses need to do housework. After Hurricane Ike I opened my home to a family of 6 - hopefully by the end of the month I will have peace. Again, because of Ike my workplace is going through reorganization - will I have a position, I don't know from day to day which lends itself to alot of stress and financial questionability. With these economic times unemployment is always in the forefront.
2. Let us switch to the Joy aspect.
The self-achievement-growing confidence and a new sense of identity and purpose. I see myself as a positive role model for my daughter. I have the inspiration of a close friend who is an ABD student(I am so proud of her)Returning to school has expanded my personal and professional circle of friends both online and face-to-face.
3. Hopes for the next.....
They have the stamina, persistence and sheer determination to succeed despite obstacles. Hopefully, a life-long learner after graduation. My ultimate goal/desire after graduation is to contribute to the development and advantage of those generations that follow.
4. Advice - very simple
GET UP AND DO IT!!!!! Don't let the lack of technology expertise scare you off. You can do this.
The challenges of a learner at 56 are some of the same I had at 18, 28, 35, and 44 - time, money, and organization. Now you throw in the fact that more stuff aches, more responsibilities are thrown in for someone sandwiched between aging parents and children raising the grandchildren, and some things you just can't remember and it can be a crazy time. I now use some of the methods I taught my special education students in order to cope with all the pulling and gnawing that goes on with life at this age.
The joys of being a learner at this age include the excitement when you continue to learn something new every day; the interchange you have with colleagues that keeps you on your toes; and the ability to directly apply your learning to the job in the next few minutes or days. Pursuing this degree has woken up my quest to keep learning once again and I hit the full speed of a high when I complete an assignment or get positive feedback on a project.
The hopes I have for the next decade of learning is that it continues to excite me and stay relevant to the tasks that I take on. I love this online environment and being able to schedule when I can wrap myself in my office and escape for an hour or two or even a day when I am working on things. It takes me to another world where I continue to thrive and know that I can proceed on in making a difference.
As you enter the decade of your half century on earth, never forget that you have something to give and something to gain as you engage in the learning process. This is an active process and you need to be able to keep on keeping on in order to keep the brain active and ready to take on the next challenge!
elizabeth gatz says to Frank-
wow! a new family!! what fun! I'll bet you are going to do it all right this time!!! really I do envey you! when my six were small I was in survival mode nearly all the time. now that the youngest is 13 (almost 14 - he can't wait) I can see that it is O.K. to do something for myself, going back to school. I started my MSN when I was 46 and now I am in the doctoral program. I wish I had done it sooner but maybe I was not ready. I had other priorities and did not really have the interest. I wanted to be a stay at home mom. so I did. At times I feel like I am on the down side of my nursing career but then really ..no, I am not. Like you I do not know when to quit. education is fun. good luck. eliz
elizabeth gatz says to Maria-
good post, very intersting! i feel like some of your psot is exactly like I feel with education at this point in my life- "I now know I could not have done this sooner – I wasn’t mature enough. So I think I am enjoying learning more. Knowing how to plan, organize and make informed decisions makes learning a joy. The more I learn the more there is to learn (or is that a challenge)?" I too do not think I could have done a very good job at this program at an earlier age. I was not ready to buckle down and do the work. Now I really want to learn and do a good job at it,. I tell my nursing students who are fretting over not getting all A's that an employer NEVER once asked me what grades I got in school.! I like waht I am doing adn I enjoy the reading and extra work. it took some maturity to get here. eliz
It is important to remember that every individual learns differently and has a unique learning style. Teachers using lecture style present information by talking to their students. Auditory learners succeed when directions are clear, and when they read loud and hear verbal lectures (Farwell, 2002). Visual learners rely on visual learning style (Farwell, 2002). They value to do list assignment logs. Kinesthetic learners are successful when they are engaged with the learning activity (Farwell, 2002). These are our catalyst, something that start something, energetic (Daloz, 1999) cooperative learners willing to work in group or with a team on any level of Levinson’s developmental periods.
Knowles theory of andralogy is specifically for adult learning because adults are self-directed and they expect to take responsibility for their decisions (Knowles,1984). The assumptions of the andralogy are that adults need to know why they need to learn, they need to learn experientially using their prior knowledge of experiences. They approach learning as problem-solving, and they learn best when topics are motivating to them and is of value to them. Adults have catalyst in their life. Their education is a catalyst of thinking.
Instructions should be task oriented instead of memorized due to the fact that for adult learning activities should be in the context of common task to be performed. Instructions should take into account the diverse backgrounds of learners. Learning materials and activities should allow for different levels of experiences with learning. Adults self direction of instruction should allow learners to discover things for themselves providing guidance and help when mistakes are made.
Adult learning programs should capitalize on the experiences of the adults, (Cross, 1981). Their programs should adapt to the aging limitation of the participants (Cross, 1981). Adults should be challenged to move to increasingly advanced stages of personal development. All adults should have as many choices as possible in the availability and organization of learning programs
We all travel through the hour glass (Daloz, 1999). Through the hour glass using Levinson’s development periods, transition from early adulthood to late adulthood must develop serious commitment to their needs and wants, using catch 30 (Daloz, 1999), a method of sorting, matching, building , breaking down your thinking to set your priority in order. I am very committed as an adult learner passing in middle adulthood through the hour glass. I experienced Catch30 (Daloz, 1999). I sort, match, built, broke down critically thinking of my experiential learning using what I already know. Many of my experiences become catalyst. I became very committed as I began to transition from mid life transition to middle adulthood as a more serious adult, feeling very committed of who I am, the level I am on my education journey.
Furture adults, believe in yourself. Develop a learning style of consistency,committment to accomplish your goals as an adult learner.
Cross, K.P. (1981). Adults as learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners. (2nd Edition). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Farwell, T. (2002). Visual, auditory, kinesthetic learner. Upper Saddle River: N.J.
Knowles, M. (1984). Andragogy in action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
It is important to remember that every individual learns differently and has a unique learning style. Teachers using lecture style present information by talking to their students. Auditory learners succeed when directions are clear, and when they read loud and hear verbal lectures (Farwell, 2002). Visual learners rely on visual learning style (Farwell, 2002). They value to do list assignment logs. Kinesthetic learners are successful when they are engaged with the learning activity (Farwell, 2002). These are our catalyst, something that start something, energetic (Daloz, 1999) cooperative learners willing to work in group or with a team on any level of Levinson’s developmental periods.
Knowles theory of andralogy is specifically for adult learning because adults are self-directed and they expect to take responsibility for their decisions (Knowles,1984). The assumptions of the andralogy are that adults need to know why they need to learn, they need to learn experientially using their prior knowledge of experiences. They approach learning as problem-solving, and they learn best when topics are motivating to them and is of value to them. Adults have catalyst in their life. Their education is a catalyst of thinking.
Instructions should be task oriented instead of memorized due to the fact that for adult learning activities should be in the context of common task to be performed. Instructions should take into account the diverse backgrounds of learners. Learning materials and activities should allow for different levels of experiences with learning. Adults self direction of instruction should allow learners to discover things for themselves providing guidance and help when mistakes are made.
Adult learning programs should capitalize on the experiences of the adults, (Cross, 1981). Their programs should adapt to the aging limitation of the participants (Cross, 1981). Adults should be challenged to move to increasingly advanced stages of personal development. All adults should have as many choices as possible in the availability and organization of learning programs
We all travel through the hour glass (Daloz, 1999). Through the hour glass using Levinson’s development periods, transition from early adulthood to late adulthood must develop serious commitment to their needs and wants, using catch 30 (Daloz, 1999), a method of sorting, matching, building , breaking down your thinking to set your priority in order. I am very committed as an adult learner passing in middle adulthood through the hour glass. I experienced Catch30 (Daloz, 1999). I sort, match, built, broke down critically thinking of my experiential learning using what I already know. Many of my experiences become catalyst. I became very committed as I began to transition from mid life transition to middle adulthood as a more serious adult, feeling very committed of who I am, the level I am on my education journey.
Furture adults, believe in yourself. Develop a learning style of consistency,committment to accomplish your goals as an adult learner.
Cross, K.P. (1981). Adults as learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners. (2nd Edition). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Farwell, T. (2002). Visual, auditory, kinesthetic learner. Upper Saddle River: N.J.
Knowles, M. (1984). Andragogy in action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
I am a 53 years young learner. Of course, I could say that I’ve been a learner for all of those 53 years. I just love to learn new things – just about any new thing.
The challenges of being a learner at my age are many. Finding the time to do the work in the course of a busy life is one. Getting enough motivation at the end of the day to do the work is another. Additionally, being a stroke survivor give me the added challenge of concentrating long enough to get the work done; I tend to lose focus very quickly and find it hard to even get started. And the typing isn’t much fun as I have lingering issues with my fingers on the right hand being numb; makes typing a pain. Thank the gods for spell check!
The joy of being a learner at my age is that I know enough to know that I don’t know enough. There’s still so much out there to be learned! Especially in the area of technology which interests me very much. Learning from my fellow students is a joy for me; we all have such unique backgrounds and experiences that make each class a joy.
In the next decade I hope to learn many more things. I think technology will take off in amazing ways and I’m planning on learning all I can about it. Once I retire, my husband and I plan to tour the world one country at a time and I plan on learning some new languages as I feel one can’t really grasp the soul of another country without some knowledge of its language and customs. I’m not really sure what I’ll do with the Ed.D. yet; teaching is an option as is consulting. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, I guess.
I have only one piece of advice for learners at my age: never, ever believe that you are too old to learn. I was told that I was too old when I earned my BS at 33. I was told it again when I earned my MS at 44. I didn’t believe it then and don’t believe it now. It may take longer for something to “sink in” and you may struggle with life’s issues, but you are NEVER too old to learn.
After taking a few moments to reflect on my learning and developing over the years since high school days, I am blessed. I am at a very fortunate period in both my life and career. I am at a transition point (closing out a career) or crossroads where I can choose to make an educational journey along a scientific, engineering, or a teacher’s quest toward a transforming degree. Obviously, I opted for the role of pursuing an advanced degree to become an educator. In each of the last three decades, I took advantage of opportunities to pursue and earn graduate degrees, with the last two degrees being earned while working full-time jobs. These past experiences enable me to state that I am a skilled and blessed student who knows his capabilities and strongly desire the transformation that this doctoral journey offers. This may or not be my terminal degree and I doubt very seriously if I will ever quit wanting to learn or lose my desire for more knowledge and understanding. It is my desire and goal to forever cherish learning and experiencing new things and hope that I am afforded opportunities to share my knowledge and experiences with family, peers, and other interested persons.
I guess my challenges for learning at this point in my life is that I must balance handling life’s priorities, work, family, health, and education – all at once – like everybody else. I have been somewhat struggling whether this educational pursuit (along this doctoral journey) is the right one for me at this time. I guess that comes from having several viable options available for choosing a terminal degree in a variety of fields of study. I have given myself a year to sort that out – but in the meantime, I intend to pour myself into learning and experiencing my personal transformation along every twist and turn along this doctoral journey. This is really the first time that I’ve used a term like “transformation” to describe an educational pursuit. But for me, at this time, the term “fits”.
My challenges as a male in this age group might be different but similar in some respects to others in this age group. And no doubt, the feminine perspective would be very enlightening and interesting.
For those persons entering this age group, I would recommend that they maintain their positive outlook and continue to learn and grow and be willing to share their knowledge and experiences in hopes of motivating and encouraging others along their lifelong pursuits and journeys. I would encourage everyone to make it their goal to be a contributing member of society and promote social change whether in local or more global communities.
Van
Response to Frank Cannon
Frank I laughed out loud reading your post! Your take on this writing is hilarious and wonderful to read. It made me feel that all the sacrifices myself and my family are making now will pay off. I hope that when I reach the 50's bracket (which is am spiraling toward much faster than my ego will agree to) I have as wonderful a sense of humor and ambition as you!
To Suzanne fron Jose
Intewresting! You have a lot of energy and commintment to yourself. I want to have your energy when I reach your age in 10 yrs. If all people at your age think like you they can reach their goal. Also is very interesting see how well you mange the technology issue. Thier is no age limit for learning. Thank for your comments.
Responding to Suzanne:
It sounds like you have already been a great role model. Your sons must really look up to you. It sounds like you have inspired them to work hard to earn the degrees that they have (or are getting). My older son left home for college two years ago. He is about 5 hours away...that first year that he left was really hard on me; and yet, that is when I really felt this "fire" inside of me burn brighter! I really started thinking about earning this degree then.
I also appreciated your advice. Sometimes I get frustrated with an assignment. I just can't get past something or I don't know how to state something. Then, I just tell myself to just do something...if it is the best I can do, then that is all anyone can ask of me.
I appreciated reading your blog. Thanks for your great insights!
*The challenges of being a learner at your age: the one challenge at my age is keeping up with the latest technology. I learn enough to operate hardware and software at a basic level. Advancing to a higher skill level is always a challenge. The obstacle keeping me from advancing to the a higher skill level is time. Sometimes, it seems there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all requried learning task.
* The joys of being a learner at your age: I appreciate having the knowledge of adult learning theories. It is often said, if I had known then what I know now. The ability to use Reflective and Critical Thinking (just to name two) is a welcome addition to my learning inventory. I am able to use prior experience in my decision making process. I am able to honor and value the experiences of my classmates, students, co-workers and family members. As a young educator, it would have been an asset to have had the concepts of adult learning theory as a resource.
* Your hopes for the next decade as a learner: I hope to enhance my active and deep listening skills. In addition, I hope to explore Non-Western Adult Learning Theory in greater detail.
* Your advise for people whoare entering your decade as a learner: find time to slow down and enjoy learning. We move at a fast pace without realizing that learning suffers when we do not take the time to reflect and connect the learning process to our life's.
1. The challenges of being a learner at your age
The biggest challenge for me regards time management due to work commitments. I hold a full time administrative position at a junior college and sometimes I have to work an extended schedule. I also do sporadic freelance translation work and when I take on a translation assignment, I have to make sure I can meet all deadlines. Obviously, there are also household chores that need attention at some time. It can be difficult to balance a schedule that requires reading, reflecting, and preparing assignments and completing other everyday tasks.
For some time, I was feeling that I needed to do something more than just work and keep house. My youngest child had just been accepted to law school and I felt I was being left behind. When I was working on my Masters degree 20 years ago, I felt that I had a purpose other than being a mother and wife. I wanted to savor that feeling of being busy and productive again in ways not directly related to work. While reading Harder (2002), I discovered that my feelings fit the description for middle adulthood (35 to 55 or 65). I am 58 and although I could fit the late adulthood group, I do not feel I am at the stage where I look back at accomplishments and feel content with my contributions. I believe I can still contribute to society, and I look forward to achieving new and varied goals. The journey toward a doctorate degree is my way of saying that I refuse to become “self-absorbed and stagnate” (Harder, 2002).
2. The joys of being a learner at your age
Although many times I ask myself why I have started this adventure, I feel it has provided me with a sense of accomplishment. I had considered studying a doctoral degree previously when I was in my early 40s. This was something that I had always wanted to achieve. Today, I feel renewed and re-energized, for I am modeling what I believe is the underlying force pushing me forward – that one can explore learning at any age and that learning opportunities exist throughout our lives. As a result, I am contributing more to my job by applying what I am learning and encouraging colleagues to achieve their academic goals.
3. Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
In the next decade, I expect to attain my doctoral degree. I hope to continue exploring design and delivery of online instruction. Once I achieve these goals, I want to learn to paint as a creative outlet.
4. Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would recommend that learners in this age group identify the people who can be their cheerleaders. These are people who will support their decision to continue studying. They can be family, friends or colleagues. There will always be someone who will not understand why they would want to start something so complicated and demanding (and expensive) as a higher education. People who will see them as ambitious and nonconforming will be observing them, sure that they will falter and surrender their ideals. These are not the people learners want close to them while they begin the journey and start to reconsider their decision. Learners must stay close to those who offer support and help them stay focused on the goal.
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from Support 4 Change website at http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html
As a learner in the age range of 50-59, I have found that Levinson’s stage theory has not correlated to well with my life. Significant personal events have been a greater influence in directing in my life; and stages from Kegan’s theory fit better with events because it is not age oriented. Examples of events that have influenced my life include occupational changes for professional development reasons and major events in those positions – both positive and negative; and significant family events that include marriage, birth, illnesses, and death.
Some of the challenges of being a learner in my age category include the issue of time management due to various responsibilities such as family, work, and community commitments. Family responsibilities include issues with children and aging parents. Leadership responsibilities with work and community activities also involve a lot of time. The effects of age and personal health issues do not help the situation. I have noticed a much slower recovery period from pushing myself too hard and generally less energy and strength since turning 50 years old.
The joy of being a learner at my age is that I learn because I want to learn. Also, my experiences are an important resource in problem solving and resolving issues. Years of networking with people are another valuable resource for learner of my age.
I hope for learners in my age group that during the next decade technology and terminology will not change too fast. Also, simplification and more user friendly technology will make it easier for the 50’s group.
My advice for people entering as a learner in my age group is not to be afraid to
learn and pursue a higher degree. When assignments seem intimidating, it is most important to not fall behind, to steadily work at it, and visualize your end goals.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The fifties present many challenges to me as a learner. As someone with diverse interests and life experiences, I have difficulty learning in environments that are overly focused (without purpose) and confine learning to rigid categories (unless the instructor is especially competent and passionate and can infectiously convey that focused energy). At this age I believe that education should encompass as much of the fullness of a student’s life as possible (having seen the negative effects of the opposite), and that is not easy to find. Similarly, when one has been around the block, there is less tolerance for less-experienced teachers. Internal monologues include: “What do you know about (insert topic here)? I’m old enough to be your mother!”
• The joys of being a learner at your age
Being fifty, in my experience, allows one to weed through so much of the extraneous and unnecessary material and find what is of personal use and interest. I know myself. I know what I want. I know what I don’t want and what I won’t put up with. That can be very freeing. I am motivated from within and there are very few carrots that I will chase. If I need one to move ahead, I dangle my own. Another joy is having prior knowledge to connect ideas and see their interrelatedness. Building relationships across disciplines – science, the arts, education, community activism – adds special meaning and energy to learning.
• Hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope that I can continue to build on what I have learned, and practice in ways that fulfill both myself and others. I look forward to opportunities to engage with communities of learners and practitioners of all kinds, as a peer, as a leader and as a person growing into the phase of eldership.
• Advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
To women entering their fifties I say, “Give birth to yourself.” The time of peri-menopause and menopause, when embraced, can yield remarkable creativity. As our biological capacity to give birth wanes and disappears, our capacity to nurture and explore inner worlds and manifest different sorts of personal power expands and gains potency. Focus can move away from the literal job of caring for others (mothering), yet in exploring themselves women can in turn engage with the world in new ways that have positive, nurturing effects in society.
I have to start by agreeing with one of colleagues, Frank, “I believe being a learner is a challenge at any age.” When I went to college for my BA and MA I was married with two kids and it was very hard on the family to the point of separation and later divorce. I started teaching, High School level, back in 1993, started teaching at college level in 1997 and in 2001; at age 43 decide to go for my PH. D. on The Great Caribbean History, with a concentration in Cuban history, which I just need to defend my thesis, probably next year. But as an educator I realized that I need it to refine the skills that I had plus new tolls to teach a new type of student, I decided the that I need it to go back to school, but for the sake of my profession as an educator, not for the subject or discipline I was teaching. So here I am.
Challenges
But at this stage it is even more challenging because all of the things that surround most of us at this stage in live. I agree with Erickson’s rationalization of that during this stage we are preoccupied with working and taking care of our love ones (family). And that’s the major challenge of all, most of us have to work to support or help our families, and our responsibilities outside the home take a lot of our time, but also we have to dedicate time to our family, wife, children, (in my case at 51 I have a four year old son) and my main challenge is find time to do this. It is very difficult to balance work, home life, children’s care and trying to get an education, even more when it is at this level.
Joys
On the other hand, it is a lot of fun to see that you still on top of your game and the you still as productive and useful as previous years, and that the phrase, “The sky is the limit”’ is not only a cliché. Also to know that you are going to have a positive impact on thousands is an accelerating felling.
Hopes
This experience, the technological aspects in particular, has given me hope, both as a learner and an educator, as a see the now the probabilities of accomplishing your goals have not real barriers any more (except the family constrains); I sincerely can say that I might not be done studying, just yet.
Advice
The most important piece of advice I could give my stage peers, is that before they decide to enter this world, to have a family “paw wow”, if you will, to have confidence that she/he has the support need it to accomplish this. I think it is the most important because the family will be the one to sacrifice the most.
I believe that there are challenges for any age group. As a 50-59 year old student, I do not have the mental quickness that I possessed as a younger person. I am more forgetful, and my mind wanders more. I certainly have greater responsibilities in my professional and personal life that conflict with my “study time”. For example, this past week I was requested by the California Council on Adult Education to participate in Legislation Day, which is a designated time for a group of adult education administrators and teachers to meet with state legislators to discuss current and pending legislation affecting adult education. That filled my Sunday and Monday. Tuesday was a normal day of putting out fires at my school site for about 10 hours. Wednesday, the other vice principal’s mother died, so for Wednesday and Thursday I had to work double shifts. Our class day begins at 7:00 AM and continues until 9:00 PM. My commute to and from work is 54 miles each way. On Friday, after a usual day time wise, I came home exhausted and unable to devote any real time to focusing on class time. My stamina at 59 years old is considerably less that at 38, when I began school.
This is a little uncommon, but not radically so. Time commitments make school a challenge. It is something that all pre-retirement advanced age learners have to deal with.
That does not mean that taking classes and engaging in lifelong learning is devoid of joy. I still get a thrill out of accomplishment of a new or complex task. Learning new concepts, being presented with alternate methods or theories is a way to increase my adrenaline flow. Having intellectual discussions with my classmates provides various ways of viewing a problem or solving a dilemma. I think there is even more joy that comes from using the vast amount of experience that someone of my age has to give input to the learning process.
I do not believe that having an EdD will alter my life in any substantial way. Maybe if I were in my thirties it would have greater impact. I have no illusions that I will be elected to the post of Superintendent of Public Schools in California, or even be selected as Superintendent of my local district. That is not why I am taking this course of study. I am at Maslow’s stage of self actualization, and I want to do this to improve my ability to perform on the job, and to have a clearer understanding of the world around me. Certainly having an EdD makes part time teaching at a university in retirement more of a possibility, but it is not the ultimate goal that I am pursuing.
I used to belong to a club that had a sign hanging in the main room that said, “You Haven’t Failed Until You Stop Trying.” When I was 38 years old, I was passed over for a job because I did not have a college degree. I was afraid to go back to school because I believed that the students would all be younger and smarter than me, but I knew my occupational progress was dead unless I advanced my education. The fear of not having a degree superseded the fear of going back to school. My advice to learners my age is to grab for all the gusto you want. After all, you haven’t failed until you stop trying.
Oh, the challenges of being an adult learner. To me, the challenge was trying to find a balance between precious time with family, work, school, personal, and other outsides obligations and affiliations. As we get older, time becomes more limited and in many ways even more precious. I have found that in juggling, I have had to prioritize very carefully, and to not neglect what was most important, my family and my support system. Although school and learning to me has been very important throughout my entire life, my family realizes this and gives me the support and space to continue my quest for self-development, and for me to make meaning of this human experience. Being considered an "Owl" at age 55, I am realizing a dream that has been deferred, but has always been one of my goals on my "bucket list"; but I am now in it to win it. My hope, as an older adult learner, is to always remain intellectually engaged, as I would alway want to continue to so in the years to come. I am reminded of a college professor who became tenured at the age of 68, and is still currently holding the professorship well into her
70's. This makes be very hopeful. I believe that in keeping the mind and the body engaged at any age, by actively pursuing knowledge and the experience, is the epitamy of lifelong learning.
Joys
To learn just for the sheer joy and
intellectual stimulation and just the entire experience to me is exhilirating. Learning in this environment, has afforded me exciting new opportunities to be a part of a much larger learning community in which we can all share ideas and knowledge. This, I have enjoyed tremendously, and and will continue to be a joy to me as we all we share the common purpose as we embark on this journey together.
My hopes as we enter the next decade as a lifelong learner, is that there would be new and exciting opportunities for reinvigorating all of higher education, as we watch the changes that will evolve. I am hopeful that there will be great opportunites that would exist for me as an education practitioner. I want to give back to the community and in the educational arena and to remain productive, as I continue as a lifelong learner. I hope that even though the older adult learners are not the "traditional" demographic, that the educational entities would continue to embrace, serve, and continue to meet the needs of the older adult learner, and to recognize that the older student as a special resource to the campus and the community. I am also hopeful that older adult learners take advantage of the multitude of the learning opportunities that are open to them.
My advice for people who are entering this decade as a learner would be to establish a strong support system. A support system so that they do not become overwelhelmed with the responsibilities that they will encounter, and will have to manage in their lives, such as their families, work, school, and other activities and obligations. They must stay focused, set priorities, and be very careful to pace themselves, so as not to suffer burnout early on. And to never, ever lose sight of what's really important and to keep their "eyes on the prize." The opportunities
can be limitless.
Response to Frank's post
As a lifelong learner myself, I thought that I was the only one considering further academic pursuits. First, let me say that you are exactly in the position that I aspire. I want to be a Dean at a small college. I am not cut out for the university setting. I enjoy knowing my students' names and watching their growth.
Congratulations! on your marriage and twins. Although I am a few years younger (I am 40), I could not imagine raising two year olds and being in this program. You have inspired me. Thanks for giving me hope.
TO Nilda
Your post is very good. You point out very useful issues. Your advise for learner of your age was excellent. In all ages the time management is a key challenge that we all need to face. I know that is very hard now but later you are going to enjoy. Also was very good to talk to you today. Learning is extremly important and any age.
Response to John Hedrick
John,
I feel you are living demonstration for your age group of the Levinson phase theory model. Levinson (1986) reported that in the Age 50 Transition phase (50-55), individuals are concerned with beginning to write their "legacy narrative."
In your posting you talk about earning a law degree, writing a book, and enabling the future of your students. Would you agree with my assessment?
Additionally, may I commend you for an admirable mission. I am in the forty something category right behind you so if this is what I have to look forward to then I am excited.
Thanks again!
Reference
Levinson, D. (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3-13.
Frank.. Thank you for your post. It seems like life resembles more of a 30-39 yr category than a 50-59 category. Wow.. new wife.. young children and those deployed. You are amazing. I am so glad that education and learning are a top priority for you. I defitely can see your passion. Thank you for sharing with us
Doris Holland says . . .
Being a learner at any age is a challenge. I still enjoy learning and the challenge to have "more knowledge" will probably continue until I die. When younger and growing up at home my parents instilled in me the value of having an education and being knowledgabe in different areas. My father was always reading and studying books on various subjects. Even though his main interest was in animal husbandary, he was also interested in reading the National Geographic Magazine that covered a variety of topics. He always stated, "Power is in knowledge" and no one can take that away from you. So, at an early age I learned the value of reading. My mother was an educator also and she returned to school after having seven children to complete a bachelor's degree and masters degree. Then she taught reading in middle school for about 20 years.
**Challenge of Learning:
1. At this stage learning is a choice and not a requirement of work or family.
2. Learning is more valuable as I compete with younger professionals for job promotions, who already have a doctorate degree but do not have the experience that I have in the educational system.
3. Learning is a challenge. Returning to work on a doctorate has been quite interesting and stressful. The stress comes in the area of remembering all of the necessary requirements of writing skills, and learning the APA syle of documentation for citations and references. Mathematics is my chosen field and there is not much formal writing involved in it at my level.
4. Learning is a motivational tool that I use for the community college students. As they struggle with distance learning classes and the technological skills needed, I can relate to their struggles and give some strategies that might help them.
*The joys of learning.
1. I see too many older people who have allowed themselves to stop learning. They have nothing to look forward to each day. I don't want to be in this group. So I choose to occupy my time with activities designed to expose myself to learn new things.
2. When I learned how to understand distance learning classes, and submit required assignments, etc., this was quite an accomplishment for me. My joy came from having the courage to take a risk and learn new way of learning.
****My hopes for next decade:
I hope that the next generation, that will take my age group place, will understand the need to know more than the technology that is available today. It is important but manners, solving conflicts, and forming relationships with people are skills that are needed in the work place and at home.
***My advice to people entering this decade as a learner.
1. Be willing to take a risk at any age.
2. Continue to challenge yourself in other areas other than the one that you are strong in.
3. Don't forget those persons in your life that have been a support system for you.
4. Become a mentor to people as you work yourself up the career ladder. It is important. The lady who continues to mentor me has always stressed, "you need a friend in this unfriendly world. I am your friend for life. Reach for the stars--it is there for the taking". Her mentoring encouraged me to reach out to others and help them reach their fullest potential.
Daloz said,"Mentors serves as guides, cheerleaders, challengers, and supporters during the learning process". My mentor has done this and more in my life.
****Trends in my age group:
Levinson would say in Adulthood: One must come to terms with oneself and the meaning of one's life by looking back at what was accomplished and, in so doing, either experience a positive sense of achievement or a negative feeling of despair.
I've come to grip with my life and treasure the many experiences that have been mine. Some have been negative but they motivated me to keep reaching to attain my goal.
2. Donald Super talks about the disengagement stage. In this stage an individual may leave the job and seek to find enjoyment in personal fulfillment outside the career.
I think that personal fulfillment should come while one is working on his/her career. Interest in other areas outside of work are essential in helping one to become a well-rounded person.
Many of the persons in this group are enjoying their grown children and their grandchildren. Some of my colleagues are investing in the lives of their grandchildren. This for them is an exciting time and satisfying time. Others are taking classes like, how to make wedding cake, quilting, etc. These are things they are doing apart from their career and never had time to learn unti now.
These are just a few of the trends in my age group.
Daloz, L.(1999), Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. Jossey-Bates.
Crocitto, Madeline. "Middle Career Stage." Encyclopedia of Career Development. 2006. SAGE Publications. 7 Mar. 2009.
Wow! I so enjoyed reading each of your posts! Thank you all for sharing so much of yourselves and for sharing of your rich experience with those of us who can learn so much from it! I confess that I fall in the 30-39 category and reading your posts was like getting crib notes to the inner workings of my parents. I feel almost like I am cheating by reading your thoughts and tremendous insights. I am so pleased to read of the courage and tenacity some of you shared on what it has taken to get back into school, particularly in an online capacity. So I just want to congratulate you on your successful endeavors and let you know that you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing of yourselves and your incredible repertoire of experience. I hope to remain as diligent as you are in my quest to achieve our lifelong learning goals.
Bob Schwallie Age Group 50-59
Challenges of being a learner at you age
With being 53 years young brings a multitude of challenges. The first being I never had the opportunity to take online classes. When I was attending graduate school in the early 80’s online classes were sparse and I personally knew of no one taking these classes, Wikis, blogs and the internet were not thought of. Now the informational age is here at first it seemed over whelming to me. However, I am finding out with accepting these new challenges I am overcoming my fears.
The joys of being a learner at your age
Furthering my education is the most rewarding experience (besides being a husband and father) I felt. I am at an age that my children are grown and I can spend time indulging myself in learning new theories and using new technologies. I am quickly finding out how little I know on how adults learn. However, that is OK, I see myself accepting the limited knowledge compared twenty years ago when I thought I knew everything.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
To continue to be accepting of new information for the betterment of myself and the students I will interact with in and out of the classroom. I am excited to see how training and teaching are involving. That is one benefit of being older, I saw and participated first hand in the training environment where we didn’t have the tools we now have such as technology.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Don’t be afraid! Don’t think you know everything and believe you will not benefit from additional learning. As stated earlier I wasn’t aware of how much I didn’t know on adult learning. Be accepting and let this information soak in and share this information with your peers. Lastly, never stop learning, from personal experience you are not to old to learn.
At age 56 in my 57th year I am still on this path of education. And yes it is a challenge; finding the time, choosing to not do things with friends, family, the dog, feeling really blessed to have a long term marriage to a man who may not financially support me, but is there emotionally for when I am tearing my hair out. Yet, I am having a great time. Learning has never been a problem for me; the structure of schools has been and have found as I left the realm of more traditionally education journeys, my learning has increased. At this age, I find learning is a very creative process, and that is different from the decade when I was in a bachelors program during my 30's. Like the other postings indicate; we are a busy group, and certainly fit into Eriksons Stage 7 of ego development. It does not appear that we are in despair or isolating. Erikson does not address the transition phase between the stages very well, and I sense in myself, and perhaps read it in others postings, that I am doing a balancing act that at times feels precarious. Yet I also feel like I could not have done this balancing act at a earlier age. It is my maturity, that helps do this.
Joys of Learning:
Finding the time to immerse myself in new material that I find interesting and then sharing it with my students. My students instill a joy of learning in me very often. They are on a shared journey in many ways, and get great satisfaction of knowing that I am working as hard as they are. Sometimes there is eye rolling in the classroom as I describe in an excited voice about yet another Adult Education theorist but humor me anyway.
My hopes for my next decade:
More of the same. I gave up the idea of retirement a long time ago and feel fortunate knowing that I can teach into my 70's or 80's. This trait of teaching to the death bed tends to run in my family. We all live a long time, active and productive into our 90's. So I feel the challenge of living up to family expectations to do the same thing. And I gladly take that challenge. My grandmother died when she was 103; the day before she had visited her "old folks" in the nursing home down the street from her house to read to them, and write letters for them. When she was 90 she retired from teaching reading to young illiterate adults. So that is my hope in the decades to come. However, I also know that expectations can change in a heartbeat, so the balance of those two things sit within me to help guide my thinking and decisions for the future.
Advice for those coming into to this decade:
Just do what feels right at the time, trust yourself, and always pay attention to that inner voice, it is usually right. Do not isolate yourself from others of different ages or cultures; nothing could be more deadly.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
Focus and motivation. With many different activities going on simultaneously at work, home and with family, keeping your focus on school is very difficult. There is always something that needs your attention and can draw your focus from your school work. It might come from family issues or additional responsibilities at work. Staying motivated to do everything is a key to success.
The joys of being a learner at your age
Having the confidence and experience to know that I can even at this stage of my life can achieve my doctorate degree. Based on previous successes in my past lead to the confidence I need to have in completing my educational goals. At an earlier age I might not have had the experience or confidence to move forward. The feeling of accomplishment I have in moving forward with my educational goals.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
Hopefully, to still have the motivation and stamina to continue with my education whether formally or informally and to be ready, both physically and mentally, to continue to take the steps necessary in my learning to becoming the best teacher that I can be.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Make sure you get the support and backing of your family and your workplace. Either one can have a direct negative impact on your educational goals.
Peg Erdman says:
The challenges of being an adult learner at age 50-59:
Well I looked at the discussion board for my section and it looks like there aren't many of us from this age group. That is one of the challenges. Most people don't expect you to be back in school at age 57. I've had people in my office at work asking "why are you doing this?" So, helping others to understand my desire to learn can be challenging. Another challenge is simply finding the time to read and formulate thoughts that are meaningful. I know that I haven't reached Levinson's Late adulthood stage, because, although I do look back at times, I am still looking forward, with excitement, and trying to enhance and improve both my skill as an educator and my career in general.
Another challenge is, of course, the technology. I'm not comfortable blogging, I'm not confident with all of the computer requirements, and this adds to the stress.
The joys are numerous. I love to learn. I love to share new ideas and new knowledge with my students and peers. I also like the feeling of not having to be perfect. When I was younger I always strove for the best grades and really became distraught if I received less than an A. Now I know that you don't have to be perfect, as Levinson says, and so much of the stress is gone.
During the next decade, I hope to finish this degree, to continue to teach and learn, and to continue to enjoy my family. I know that continuing to stretch mentally helps to keep you alert, so learning will continue.
I love to travel and I hope that I will continue to see the world, while learning valuable insights into the culture of the countries I visit. Frank and Pam talked about traveling and being paid for it. I've also had the priveledge of traveling while being paid and it was very rewarding.
My advice is just do it!! If you have doubts about your abilities, just jump in and give learning your best shot. You'll be surprised at how well you will do. Learning at this age is very similar to learning at any age, with some of the pressure removed. No one is looking over my shoulder or insisting that I do this. I am doing this for my own development and enjoyment and that makes learning very enjoyable. I still have those Aha moments, when something new really inspires or excites me. I still take pride in doing a good job. So, if you think you'de like to try returning to a learning environment, look around, find something you're passionate about, and go for it.
Peg Erdman
Hi, Frank,
I agree that online learning is increasing and is an integral part of the future in education. Interestingly, I have only taught in person thus far. I am looking forward to making the transition to online teaching because I think it will be a rewarding challenge. However, I think I will want to continue teaching in person as well; I am so fulfilled by the interpersonal contact!
Mary
The Challenges of being a learner at your age: Being a learner at my age places many demands on my lifestyle. I sometimes get overwhelmed with meeting deadlines; especially when obstacles arise in other areas of my life.
I completed my Masters when I was 48 years old. It was a challenge, but one that brought great satisfaction and enjoyment to who I was in that period of my life. My children were all adults either married and finishing their undergraduated degree, or in college and working on their degree. I completed my associates degree years ago and recieved my bachelors in the 1990's. I have always believed that we are lifelong learners and taught my children and others that.
My eldest child is a medical doctor, two of my children have their bachelors degree and work for pharmecutical companies, my next to the youngest graduated in November as an electrical engineer and is working on his masters in engineering, and my youngest graduates in May with his bachelors in Math and human resources. My husband has been a constant support in my education a retired Sr. Industrial engineer.
The joys of being a learner at your age: The joys of being a learner at my age are wonderful. The opportunites that are available to continue my education and pursue a degree beyond my masters is very rewarding for me. I have not only enjoyed the opportunity to meet others who are pursuing their degree, but have been able to share my goals and ambitions with them as they share theirs with me. Teaching at a comunity college with adults of all ages while I pursue my educational aspirations has given them the desire and the encourgement to go beyond what they thought their limits were. Being able to attend online courses and learn through technology has given me a new sense of what I can accomplish in life, and it is rewarding.
Your hopes for the next decade: My hopes for the next decade is that adults connect to online learning and reach for higher levels of self empowerment through learning. I hope as I complete my doctorate that I inspire others to achieve their goals, and that through my learning experiences I continue to encourage and help others through the learning process.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner: As a learner entering my decade I would encourage them to embrace it with the openness to achieve things you never dreamed possible; to remember that learning is an ongoing process that we never stop learning and achieving our goals; therefore this decade is one of adventure, satisfaction, and a desire to be empowered through new learning experiences.
Response to John.
John,
Great post! One thing that stood out to me was that you find mentoring to be important. I applaud you for this! Good mentors are so hard to come by and are people that can change the lives of younger students (or instructors). I look back on my time as both an undergraduate and graduate student and am very thankful for having two great mentors that helped me get through school! I will never forget them!
As a student that has seen many technological changes over the years, what are 2-3 things that stand out for you in terms of their benefit to college students? Thanks!
Joel
Response to John.
John,
Great post! One thing that stood out to me was that you find mentoring to be important. I applaud you for this! Good mentors are so hard to come by and are people that can change the lives of younger students (or instructors). I look back on my time as both an undergraduate and graduate student and am very thankful for having two great mentors that helped me get through school! I will never forget them!
As a student that has seen many technological changes over the years, what are 2-3 things that stand out for you in terms of their benefit to college students? Thanks!
Joel
Maryjane Burdge your comments as a lifelong learner are so true, we are experiencing some of the same things that we experienced in our twenties, thirties, and forties. Balancing life with work, family, and education while we work through financial obligations and oh those new aches and pains. Where do they come frm... we did not order them, but they are present in everything we do now as adult learners.
Your hopes for the excitement of learning to continue throughout life and this decade are felt within my spirit as I continue to achieve my goals and aspirations I want my experiences of learning in online courses to be a fire within others as they go forward in learning new things in life.
Response to Suzanne,
Great post to your challenges and hopes in life. It is wonderful you got tenure. Congratulations! Life does seem to get busier as we mature and develop other areas in our lives from rearing our children to career challenges and even pursuing our doctorat. I enjoy these changes in my life and it sounds as though you do, too.
Response to Maria Gillespie-
I totally agree with you when you stated that you hoped to get through the next decade "without too much damage". I have the same thought. You seem to have a pretty good handle on how your life is going. Do you have any advice for those of us who are in a younger category?
To Frank:
From MiaT:
Frank, I was hopeful that as I became wiser (leaving the 40s entering the 50s)my procrastination would end (smiling). I too commented that technology is going to take us places we can't imagine.
MiaT
Hi Suzanne,
I appreciate your encouragement to keep going and to persist with what I do. Sometimes it gets challenging as I juggle all aspects of my life with the family, work and school.
Frank,
I enjoyed reading your comments. Your life is motivational.
Your advise is excellent.
I deal with many adults over 40 working on their associates or bachelors. I have one soldier, over 50, who just finished his BS and decided to pursue a Masters. I was happy for him and told him so. He told me that yrs ago he never even thought he would be pursuing college and now he is enrolled in a Masters program. Our life paths don't always go according to our original plans.
I recently retired from the NJ Army Guard and I was deployed in 2005. I wish your sons a safe return and a great military career.
Dolly
The common issues between the group age ranged 40-49 and the age group ranged 50-59 appear to be fairly similar. One of differences is that the group 50-59 appears to be more confident and relaxed about their careers and families than their counterparts in the age group ranged 40-49. The people in this group 50-59 have culminated career and are willing to be mentors whereas they are beginning to disengage from work roles in preparation for retirement. Being an adult learner in a program like this would give the group a new experience and a different level of social engagement.
To Frank:
I had hoped to read that the next decade life would be so much more settling. It is not so in your case. You are right...you don't know when to quit. I too went to school later and switched from business (MBA)to education. AMEN to you are never to old to go back to school!
Lorna
To Pam Cannon:
As a mother, wife, woman, and the next decade, you are an inspiration. You have demonstrated how much learning makes your grow as a person (and not older). It seems that life-long learning for you has not only enhanced your life, but made your life longer and fuller. Erickson had nothing on you!
Lorna
Being a learner at my age
I am fifty-one years of age and I have been learning all my life. I have been in school or have been learning ever since first grade. All my life I have had a joy of learning and acquiring knowledge. I like knowing many things and being able to teach others. Something I took as high praise: about two years ago a colleague said to another about me, “he’s like a sponge—he constantly just soaks up information.” I often learn for the sheer joy of it.
I completed the usual K-12 education, went to college and got my bachelor’s degree in education and Spanish. I taught for two years and decided to enter nursing. I got a second bachelor’s degree, a BS in nursing. I worked as a staff RN for two years then went back to school—to get my MS in nursing. I graduated in 1991 with my MSN and began my greatest personal hiatus from “school”. This hiatus coincided with the raising of my two daughters. Although I continued to learn as I attended conferences, seminars and inservices, I did not pursue my doctorate until 2008.
Now, in my doctoral program, I feel I am really ready to learn and to learn what I need to know in order to pursue the next phase of my career, the next phase of my career being teaching nursing at the university level. What I am learning now will have impact upon my dissertation work and enable me to generate new nursing knowledge, especially concerning skill acquisition. Over the next ten years or so, I hope to better understand how nurses gain skill and knowledge and to better understand how nurses learn, in order to make positive changes on how nurses are educated.
A particular challenge to me in my online doctoral program is the online format. It is not difficult, but rather, different. It is the most different, new thing about formal learning at this stage in my life as I am so unused to the virtual learning environment. I was trained as a teacher in the more classic style prior to my becoming a nurse. As a language teacher, I was adept at using audiovisuals in class and incorporating various media into the courses. However, the online format is new and it is simply another educational tool for me to learn.
For those learners coming after me, those who are in or are approaching middle age, I would counsel them to embrace technology, rather than avoid it. I encourage them to become familiar with computers, the internet, blogs, and even Facebook as these technologies populate the environment in which they will be learning. Upcoming middle life learners need to be adept at using software suites such as Microsoft Office and know how to perform searches and investigations for information. Lastly, internalize this: the librarian is the learner’s best friend.
To Frank: I do agree that being a learner is a challenge at any age. However I feel that as an adult in a doctoral program I am motivated by a higher power than when in my bachelors or masters. I felt when I was going through those programs (BS age 42 and MA age 45) that these were programs that I needed to complete in order to make my life easier for myself and my family as I got older. I entered the doctoral program because it is something I "want" and really do not "need". My life will be richer and fuller and I will be able to make a difference for others and not just for myself. I started as an educator when I retired and I feel that I am doing something I always wanted to do.
I wish you and your family (old and new) all the best. The future holds great things and age has nothing to do with it.
Hi Frank
After reading your post, I guess that it must be true that life gets better after 50. I applaud you for going back to school at an age when some people are looking forwards to retiring. Your story has inspired me and has given me more hope to things that I plan to accomplish in my later years. Keep up the good work.
In response to Frank
I think that the older we get, the more we procrastinate. I too wait until the last minute to do my work and then I tell myself,"I do my best work under pressure". Who am I fooling?
Hello Terry,
“Make sure you get the support and backing of your family and your workplace.” This is very helpful advice. I don’t believe I could have completed my education without the support of my family.
To Van:
Your posts are always so insightful. It is wonderful to "see" you again.
Your excitment about the educational process is inspiring. I see the next age group that I will encounter with enlightened eyes. Learning will indeed continue and will continue to be the joyful challenge that I have encountered thus far.
I do so enjoy the use of the word "terminal degree". With tongue in cheek, I do often wonder if it is terminal because it is my last one or because it might kill me! At any rate...I'm not sure who said it first but "What does not kill us makes us stronger". The examples set forth and communicated by those in your age group offer hope to those of us not so far behind.
Kudos to you all!
Deb Cipale
50-59
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
If I really think about the challenges of being a learner at the age of 52, the challenges are the same as when I was 25. Challenges are the doubt of success, the fear of failure, the worry about funds to finance my education, and whether I will use the degree in the future as a teacher. Only big difference is that I am responsible as the head of a family now vice being single. My family responsibilities come first. I spent nearly 30 years in the Marines going to far away lands without my family. No more.
The joys of being a learner at your age. I have come a long way since I enlisted in the Marines in 1975. I am working as a teacher as a second career. I have a pension from my service. This equates to my being very relaxed about my position as a teacher. By relaxed I do not mean lazy. I do not worry about whether I will be an administrator in the future. I do not sweat the small stuff. My quest for learning is filling a need to know my craft of education. Not to climb a ladder.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner. In my 60s I hope to be still learning. I never planned on retiring in my 60s. The key to happiness is to stay involved. Learning and giving.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Relax but stay focused just like when you were in your 20s. Learning is like running an ultra-marathon. When you begin the race, the finish is so far away you can not think about the end. You know you have prepared for the event, but doubt and fear creep up at times of weakness. To be successful you think about the now and just ahead of you. As you get closer to the finish, you can begin to think miles ahead. Because now the miles do not seem impossible. As you cross the finish line, you smile. The next day you think about the next event.
Rory aka Runningman
I teach a university intra/interpsersoanl communicaitons class. I was so used to being on the other side of the desk. I would set up schedules and time frames, give out assignments, etc. Starting the Walden program I was o the OTHER side of the desk. At first it was very overwhelming. But i quickly got used to it. Now the learning is exciting and I do the best I cannot worry about being an older learner. In fact, it has made me sharper. It is never too late. Now I am an advocate of people returning to school regardless of career needs. It is a workout for the mind.
Doris,
I believe that people who pursue learning for something they are passionate about in life feel more fulfillment than those who just learn for materialistic success. It was interesting to read the posts in this age group to see that this is true.
Challenges
I am a 55-year-old college adjunct who finds herself firmly in the “sandwich” generation. I recently moved in with my mother, brother, and 10-year-old nephew in New York City.
In April 2008, my then 83-year-old mom was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Therefore, I found myself leaving my home of 16 years to help my brother take care of mom and my brother and his son. My brother was thrust into single parenthood five years earlier when his wife died unexpectedly, and so immediately became a surrogate mother.
I envision that at some point throughout my three years at Walden, my Mom will pass away. That will be a significant challenge for me to overcome. Nevertheless, even with her currently limited understanding of what I am doing; I know she would want me to continue in the program. In addition, by the time I graduate, I will be 58 years old, my nephew will be entering his teens, and life, as I now know it, will certainly change.
Three years from now, whether or not I have enrolled in the Walden program, I will still turn 58. My nephew will still turn 13 (and my brother will need me even more) and Mom will undoubtedly pass away. It is going to happen anyway. I do not want to look back and regret that I did not do what I knew was right.
At 58, I will still be able to make a difference for many students to come. When I read the background of my fellow classmates, and I read the inspirational Q & A article on Eleanor Hoy, (Impact Education), and look at all the people with challenges in their lives, who have graduated from Walden, I see myself.
Challenges come and life happens, but I believe that I can still make a significant difference in someone's life.
Joys
As I write this, my nephew is looking over my shoulder. This outstanding fifth grader, who is learning rapidly, helped me by reviewing my admission goal statement (his comments were on point), and celebrated with me when I received my acceptance letter.
The joy for me is that he is discovering that learning really has no age limit, and that if his “old” aunt can continue to learn, so can he. Soon, he will be an adult too. There is a continuum of social change in the making.
Other joys include being able to bring into each Walden class and discussion my considerable knowledge of life (from my perspective) and to be open to learning from others whose perspectives are different from mine. Everything I learn from Walden, I also bring into my college classrooms.
I like not having to "go" to the library because through technology I can access anything I want from my computer. I appreciate having the time to think deeply about what I want to say in discussion posts. And perhaps best of all, I like being the recipient of kudos from people who learn that I am getting my doctorate.
Next decade hopes
I have always liked being a big fish in a little pond. I want to be on the forefront of something and I think that this is going to happen for me. Technology and adult education, to me, is the next area to really come into its own, and I feel like I'm right at the edge of the wave. In the next decade I plan to make definite inroads into adult ed and technology. I've already started since I teach blended on-line college classes.
Advice
If you have a dream, a thought, a wish, make it come true. At first I thought I couldn't do this. And truthfully, sometimes as I'm going through the lessons, I wonder what I was thinking about when I enrolled.
But, if this is what you want to do--go for higher education--then do it. Don't let anyone else tell you you can't do it. Don't let them steal your joy. The ones who are naysayers are the ones who want to see you miserable.
Maybe you take things slowly but surely, or maybe you go whole hog like I did. It doesn't matter.
Age does matter, but only in that you have so much more to offer in the 50-59 adult phase of life. Just think of what you know, and what you can contribute. And, since you've gotten this far, you must be pretty darn good. Let your light shine. Send a prayer up to the gods and ask for help. Just do it. You'll end up in the 60-69 year phase anyway. Why not have the degree to go with it?
To Pam Cannon:
Pam Cannon,
The “wisdom” of your life experience shines brightly with your statement:
“I believe people my age should all seek out some kind of learning experience to help keep them young in mind, body, and spirit. My advice to anyone is to never stop learning. Frank and I raised our children to have no cultural biases or discrimination of any kind—with one exception—we taught them to hate ignorance and to do what they could to eradicate it.”
My teenage daughter and I had a conversation where she pointed out to that if two children of different races where raised in the same home as brothers/sisters they would never realized the difference in outer appearance until someone pointed it out to them. I guess the moral of the story: racism and discrimination are primarily learned behaviors. What’s more interesting, as some people grow and develop they may learn to reject the notion of culture biases even though they may have been raised a certain way which says a lot of life-long learning.
Mary Ann, it was interesting reading through your posting. As a 37 year old, I am just beginning to face the reality of life's challenges recognizing that my parents will not be around forever. Even though I have learned that nothing stays the same, part of me is still in denial. Thank you for sharing.
At 58, I am at the top end of the 50-59 decade listing. I was surprised to note the number of postings in this decade; the count is comparable to the other ten-year spans. Either folks our age are more chatty, or Walden's student base is equally spread by age.
The challenges of being a learner at my age: Walden studies take a significant amount of my time and effort. As I have less time to contribute to family and home responsibilities, my wife has assumed a greater portion of our joint responsibilities. Her commitment to take on more, and my realization that I must do less around the house and with the family, has been challenging. Second, learning has created a priority for me that most of my friends do not share; they finished their education long ago. Even my children sometimes have trouble understanding why I am committing so much time and effort to my education at his point in my life. And finally, a series of fairly significant health problems over the last year have challenged my learning efforts. I hate to acknowledge the fact, but as I grow older, my health demands greater attention, and I must adjust my learning efforts and expectations to coincide with my physical capabilities. Not being young and healthy can be frustrating.
The joys of being a learner at my age extend beyond the on-line learning environment. My brain seems to be working more efficiently, and I have developed interests in subject matter outside the Walden classroom. A second positive outcome from being a learner is more efficient use of my time. Knowing that I must make time for school, I am more organized outside the classroom and more aggressive in addressing issues and completing tasks. I now realize that I had become a bit of a couch-potato. Lastly, my educational accomplishments make me feel better about myself.
My hopes for the next decade (as a learner) are to keep my enthusiasm for learning. After I finish my Walden degree, I want to continue challenging my brain and remain a student. The more I learn, the more I discover how much I do not know. I also hope to be able to use what I have learned, and plan on a second career as a full time instructor.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is that there is no relation between the decade and an individual's ability to learn. Each decade has challenges and advantages. So what? Desire, commitment, enthusiasm, effort and success come from within an individual, no matter what their decade.
AndyM
To Mary Ann Ashton
I relate to your position regarding your mom, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 23 years ago. She is still with me, doctors said that she would not make it past three months so what do they really know, keep the faith. I am in my mid forties and have had to rebuild my roads to get back on track with my education. I read your blog and I began to see hope for my future, we all have those special qualities but reading about your dedication to your family inspires me to keep going. Your family is in my prayers.
To AndyM
You are inspiring to me. I enjoy reading your posts. I am in my mid forties and my husband also has taken up my house duties for me to return to school. I agree that at our age health becomes an issue, but not letting that stop you from obtaining your dream is great. As our children move away and out of our daily lives it helps to have something in our lives that we can continue to persue our dreams.
The challenges of being an adult learner at the youthful age of fifty, is that I have more time to dedicate to my studies. I completed my MBA in the last decade with three young children and that was very challenging. Time was a constraint but now that the children are older and more independent I find that I have much more available time. I have also found that after completing the MBA I needed to stay in the learning cycle and I have found a new focus to dedicate my spare time to.
The joys of being a learner at fifty are that I am discovering new professional friendships and I am being requested more by my Dean to join in discussions about the future of the program. Up until now as an educator I was asked for input more related to the class work and not as much at the program level. Studying the adult learning philosophies have made me a better student as well as a better instructor and I am getting positive feedback from my students and administrators.
My hopes for the next decade focus on the program level tasks (as well as continuing teaching) I envision new courses being designed and offered by the university and being involved in that process.
My advice to learners in their fifties that are just coming back into school is to make sure the subject you are taking is your passion. While I understand that in some cases financially a student might take a course to enhance their job status, unless you have the passion it is very difficult to stay excited about the course.
Challenge
At the tender age of 54, the biggest challenge as a learner for me is fitting it all in. That includes family, work, school and volunteer activities. Once I actually sit down to read or to write a paper, I absolutely enjoy it. I have had to make a strong effort to stick to my schedule of studying etc. Missing family time and time from my other activities is a major sacrifice.
Since I am not an educator by profession, it has taken some effort to acquaint myself with some of the terms that are part of the every day world of those that have been doing this for awhile. Sometimes I feel like I am reading a foreign language. I have to stop and look up a word before I can proceed.
I find it interesting that I cannot count on “all nighters” as I did in undergrad or even in graduate school. This really forces me to make choices. When I travel, I have to take my books and my computer so that I can get school work done no matter where I go or what else is on the agenda. I usually like to pack light, so this is an inconvenience.
I lost my Mom last November during my first course at Walden. We were told five months before that her remaining time with us was short. That was hard, real hard. At this age, our parents tend to need us to take care of them. This was a particularly difficult time for me and my family.
The Joys…
I absolutely enjoy the learning process. The acquisition of new knowledge is exciting. Learning feels good. It is like exercise for the brain. It stretches the mind. I also like that I have this in common with our adult students. It serves an example for them that I am not just saying they need to figure out how to squeeze in “life” while they are going to school. I also enjoy the encouragement that I get from my wife. We talk about the subjects of the various modules and it helps me to think through the material even more. I share the information we are learning with the staff where we teach adult students and it is so encouraging to see them eagerly taking it all in.
I get a laugh out of the fact that my son has taken my return to school as a challenge to do the same. He has talked about going back for his Masters. He has a young family and sees that as an obstacle. But I like the fact that he has now begun to take the idea more seriously, to determine how he can make it happen.
More than anything I appreciate what learning does for us. It opens the door to possibilities and it does not matter your age. As you learn, you gain confidence. That is important in believing that you can have what you desire.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
I would hope that I continue to learn. I would hope that I can share this desire for learning and ignite a fire in adult students to learn. I would hope that I will be instrumental in the development of an adult learning center where adults from all walks of life can come to seek and secure knowledge that will improve the condition of their lives.
Technology has become increasing more important in our lives. I would like to aid in the process of making sure adults that currently have no computer skills come to embrace this technology.
I would like to have at atmosphere where lively discussion takes place. This would encourage learning. I am convinced that if learning is important to adults, then children will get the message and it will become important to them as well. This begins the journey of improving the lives of generations of people.
My hope for the next generation is that I will learn or have learned how to make all of this happen.
My advice….
Have faith! It really is not as hard as it might appear. Some of you may be embarking on that second career. This is a good age to do that. Now you can do what you were really meant to do. Money may not be as much of a motivating factor...but joy is now the driving force. Age brings experience and hopefully wisdom. Share your experience, wisdom with others. Focus on those things that are really important to you. Make learning a lifelong hobby.
Rodney Brown
According to Levinson (1978), “The task in every transition is to create a new young/old integration appropriate to that time of life” (p. 212). This is an important concept within Levinson’s theory. In my teaching environment we have various ages of students within the same class. Many returning students are in their 50’s while in the same class we have the high school graduate who is 19. Adjusting the learning style often involves balancing the educational needs of each student with the requirements of the course. Specifically there are challenges for the older student with technology while the younger student has fewer life experiences to assist in the learning process. I believe the “integration” for the student becomes their own balancing ability to handle the rigors of the education with their own personal educational and emotional needs during the particular phase of their lives.
Levinson has done a disservice to the phase theory by not only primarily studying men but also by limiting his research to those under 45 (Daloz, 1999). In today’s society those returning to school are often older and Levinson has not addressed their issues. He also has not addressed the issue of gender or race. (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007). Levinson (1986) also describes that there are many changes in the adult phase of life and that it is very difficult to study how those changes actually impact the learner.
An interesting study by Rice (1979) discussed the impact self esteem and the perception that spousal support had on the “mature” woman returning to school. The disappointing aspect of the study was that the term “mature” woman was never defined. It would be interesting to find additional studies covering this area.
Throughout the readings there was limited discussion on the challenges of being a learner in their late fifties. I’ve often thought with society evolving is the current late fifties what the late forties were ten years ago? Many of us are working full time raising teenagers and caring for elderly parents. This creates issues with being able to balance your life which I believe you definitely need to be successful in pursuing an education. Time becomes very precious and you need to decide how to set priorities to effectively keep on track. Also, the technology challenges are ever present. My bachelors degree was completed typing on a Royal manual typewriter and using correction tape when I made an error!
Levinson (1986) describes the behaviors of those in their fifties as being “senior members” in our particular career path (p. 6). What isn’t addressed is the fact that we can begin new careers and utilize our experiences to expand our mind and continue the education journey. Many times the direction we take is one of choice rather than one imposed on us by others. We can make this decision because it means something to us. This is one of the true joys of returning to school in this phase, doing it for yourself and not because it’s expected of you.
The next decade of my life is for a new beginning. I should be finishing this degree when I’m in my early sixties and I find that to be very liberating. I will have the freedom to change my career path and yet continue to do what I love. Learning will never end it may just be in a different venue. Life and learning at any age is what we make of it.
My advice for others my age who are thinking of returning to school is to do it for yourself. You need to know who you are and have an idea of where you want to be. Choose your program wisely as you become as much of the program as it becomes of you. Also, since you “live” with the chosen program for a length of time you might as well enjoy what you’re doing. Never be afraid to take risks and never be afraid to see who you may be capable of becoming.
Daloz, L.A, (1999). Mentor. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Levinson, D. J., (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist,.
41(1), 3-13.
Merriam, S. B. Caffarella, R.S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A
comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rice, J.K., (1979). Self-esteem, sex role orientation, and perceived spouse support for a
return to school, Adult Education Quarterly. 29(4), 215-233.
To Sandra Walker:
Sandra, in your post to Pam Cannon, you told about a discussion that you and your teenage daughter had. I expect it was hypothetical. Let me tell you the reality that proves the point.
My brother and I are the products of an interracial marriage. Dad was Black (he's dead now) and Mom is Italian. I'm nine years older than my brother. I am a black-skinned person. My brother, whom I adore and have adored since he was born, is a white-skinned person.
We lived with Mom through the turbulent, civil rights,60's and 70's in a place called "El Barrio" (the neighborhood) in what was to become Spanish Harlem, not far from the "infamous" Harlem area in NYC.
My brother and I were "raised" by a plethora of family friends who were of all races and nationalities--Jewish, Italian, Puerto Rican, Chinese (in those days there were no "Asians," gays, straights, mixed. It was a "village."
It wasn't until I went to a predominantly Black and Puerto Rican high school that I learned that I was Black, and that there was a difference between me and my brother. I was shocked. My parents were always Mom and Dad, and my brother was always my brother. We never spoke about the racial difference in my home, so I had no basis for it. I was never taught to look at others as different, or with derision. I was never taught to accept derision about myself. I only remember being told, "You are better than no one else,and no one else is better than you."
Can you imagine how I felt when I realized the world wasn't taught the same things as I? Can you imagine how I felt when my friends would say to me (about my baby brother), "Who is that little white boy you're taking care of?" And when I would tell them the relationship they would say he couldn't be my brother because he (pause, theirs) didn't look like me.
Mom and Dad did the best job they could to expose us to everyone and everything--foods, culture, arts, and more.
There were times (and still are) when my brother and I couldn't walk together in very racist Howard Beach, Queens (NYC) because we would be seen as an interracial couple and be beat. But my brother and I are closer than many same "color" brother and sisters, and remain so to this day.
You are so right Sandra and daughter. All of this racial stuff has to be taught. If it's not taught, it's not going to be there, no matter what. We know what the racial and discrimination situation is but we choose to remain open and accepting--of everyone.
Do you know that we have friends and family of all races and persuasions. We have been exposed to everyone and everything--nothing was forced on us--it was just accepted as part of life. To this day, my brother and I continue the open teachings we learned from our parents, and provide those teachings to his son (who by the way is a "white-skinned" child). We can't think of any other way to live through this life. We've dated interracially, have friends of all nationalities, genders, and more. We encourage the same in my nephew.
So Pam, if children of two different races are raised as brother and sister, and not taught about racism and discrimination, it can work. This is the reality of it personified. Kudos to you and your daughter for having such a great conversation.
Hi Mary Ann,
I can certainly see where you are as far as aging parents go, my parents have recently become ill and are in the same need of many hours of assistance each day.
Rob
The challenges of being a learner at 50 plus are all new to me. I was in school in my early 40's and was in the traditional classroom situation at the Universtiy of Alberta. I think the fact that I went to classes was part of the reason that people saw me as a student. There seems to be a bit of a difference when I work on line, I think people think I am on Facebook or something like that. If I work at my university office it is understood that I am doing something important but it is hard to get that at home. I work to educate my four girls that education is lifelong and they are starting to relate to what I am doing. The other issues about being a learner at this age is that there is so much more to do in a day and there seems to be so much less time. With aging parents and children there is a lot of time needed to help out. Mary Ann called it a 'sandwich' generation and I think she is right. My children are getting older and one is almost finished her nursing degree, but boy do they need me more and more each day.
Joys
There are joys, I found in my masters program that there was so much out there to learn, I had spent so much time teaching that I did not learn anything new. Now I find I want to know so much, I want to understand problems better so I can suggest better solutions. The issues in Aboriginal educatuon here in Canada an area I would like to get involved in, I have many solutions but am not sure if I really know the problem in the detail required. The courses I am taking are helping better understand adult learners and the classmates I am meeting and talking with are also helping understand different perspectives regarding adult learning.
Hopes
The hopes I have for the next decade are as follows; I hope to finish my degree and deepen my involvement with adult education and aboriginal education here in Alberta and maybe all of Canada. The hope is that maybe I can implelment some changes and perhaps move things forward even just a little. I have come to realize that change takes time and that one must be patient.
Advice to fellow 50 plus learners
I would say the greatest advice is be sure to reflect on what you have done and who you have become. Be open to change as it is going to happen anyway. Do what you feel is right because as my aging dad says it is only you and what is in your mind when you go to sleep at night, if you did what you thought was right you will feel good about things. This will bring you peace. Listen to the mentor you have that are 60 plus because it will not be long before we are there as well!!
Rob
Cheryl,
I agree so much that when this degree is done we will be able to change our carreer path and still be involved in educating adults. This degree is by choice as you said and the timing is perfect. I have had a carreer already and do not want to stop teaching but do want perhaps a change as I get older. A degree will give me the abiltiy to look around and do some other things I have wanted to do.
Rob
Academic Life
The challenges of being a learner at your age –
As Harder (2002) states, as our children leave home, our relationships and goals change, we are faced with major life changes as we struggle with finding new meanings and purposes. I was in the process of disengaging from my work role and preparing to retire when the stock market plunged. I have now chosen, for financial reasons, to postpone and ignore the fact that I am eligible to retire (early, due to years of service) this August.
Energetically, work has lost much of the power it had over me in my 40’s. Erikson observed that middle-age is when we tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family (Levinson, 1986).
Sometimes, I feel too responsible for the work of others as a supervisor, but also for the development of the young adult students in the program, who will soon be the dominant group in the workforce. And might I say the ones who will care for me in a health crisis. Not at all comforting on some planes.
So part of the challenge for me is how to continue to work full time, be a wife and mother, when my energy, and personal satisfaction level from work is low. I rely on my social energy which is high.
If we don't get through this stage successfully, we can become self-absorbed and stagnate (Harder, 2002). So my challenge was and continues to be trying to reenergize my life as an academic through eduction.
The joys
I have always been deeply curious about educational theory and assessment, the area I chose to study. I have let go of the fear of failure. I am willing to be vulnerable. I am excited to learn from people from different backgrounds, cultures, geographies, and generations who tend to think more broadly and more deeply to nourish their curiosity, and passion (Ferede, 2009).
My strength comes through others and the production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which Erikson calls generativity (Harder, 2002). When we're in this stage we often fear inactivity and meaninglessness. In learning, this inactivity and meaninglessness are negated.
My significant relationships are within the workplace, my community and my family. As I look back on my life I do so with happiness and contentment. However, I am feeling a little unfulfilled with a sense that life has more meaning to offer and my need to make some larger contribution to life (Levinson, 1986). Erikson calls this state, integrity vs despair as adults look at their experiences and perceived failures. I continue to work on this developmental level.
The hopes for the next generation of learner.
The generation I selected for my focus of hope is the millennial generation. This groups celebrates diversity, is innovative, and individualistic. This group multitasks like no other group that has gone before them. (Futurist , 2009)
Most persons of this generation display a great deal of self-confidence.(Futurist , 2009)
My hope is that being team-oriented and good multitaskers their social interests, such as climate change, the economy, socioeconomic disparities, race, educational achievement gaps, etc. will reap great rewards from their never waivering attention. Millennials are already embracing new values from stewardship to community, and service to voice (Harder, 2002).
Even though they predict that that they will do less well economically than their parents, it is this downturn that will and has already shaped the future of government and politics. (Futurist, 2009)
References:
Ferede, M. (2009). Growing older, getting bolder: A new look at learning after 50 [Review of the book The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years after 50]. http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/learning/LD323.html
Futurist (2009). Millennial Generation. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://www.futurist.com/millennial-generation/
Harder, A. (2002). The developmental stages of Erik Erikson. . Support 4 Change. Retrieved May 1, 2009 from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson
Levinson, D. (1986). A Conception of Adult Development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3 - 13.
Need to add the advise column.
For those of you entering your 50's, my advise to you is this: If you are thinking at all that furthering your education may be in your future, just do it, find your passion and get started. Because missed opportunities are usually based on poor decisons.
Challenges:
The primary challenges of being a learner at 51 has little to do with age and more to do with time management and mastering the technologies used in distance learning. Even though my son has graduated college and has a wonderful job, and my wife is busy with her own career, I find that life has only "sped up" for me.
My own career has taken off to new heights and is more time consuming than ever. On further reflection, I suppose that age does have something to do with that. Being older with an advanced degree seems to be considered wiser (boy, have I got folks fooled!)by younger co-workers and administrators who seem to make more and more demands on my time because they consider me a "sage" of some sort. This is cool, I enjoy the role. But I would like to have more time to devote to my studies and to fishing. I also struggle with technology. I am the guy who stood outside the middle school where I taught in 1983 as our first computers were being delivered and said to a fellow teacher, "Aaw, it's just a fad. They'll never last!" I swear to you, I am typing this post using a laptop for the very first time! And I'm supposed to get a doctorate like this? Yes, maybe it is my age. God, I wish it was 1975 again!
Joys:
By working towards this advanced degree, I feel that I am still contributing to my field and to society. I feel more involved and more aware of what is happening in education than I have in years!I enjoy the feeling that I am working toward something that has been a goal put off by the pressures of earlier life. This will be one huge area of fulfillment in the journey of my life once I have completed this coursework.
For the next decade:
I hope to (1) be alive, (2) continue to explore applications for my knowledge, and (3)add to my body of knowledge through the experiences and opportunities a doctorate degree provides.
Advice:
Enjoy life, enjoy the people in your life, take your relationships to new levels. Money doesn't matter, material goods don't matter, prestige doesn't matter. All the schooling in the world doesn't matter in the end. We are all going to go out the way we came in. We can't take it with us. It is the quality of our relationships with the people we hold dear in our life that will be remembered.
In studying Levinson's developmental philosophy, I was able to relate the periods of life which "move rhythmically back and forth through through periods of building, breaking, building, breaking, and building again, as we grow older and accomodate to the changing circumstances of our lives" (Daloz, 1999, p. 55), to my own life. Turning 50, I began to feel desperate to accomplish goals that had been long delayed, such as getting a doctorate. I began wanting to do something which would leave a mark- something that would contribute to the development of others in my profession- so I wrote a book. I also started working out more, eating less, dressing better, whitening my teeth and going to the tanning bed. Classic mid-life crisis- oh, I'm sorry- middle adulthood.
Reference
Daloz, A.L. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. San francisco: Jossey-Bass.
So true Efry, The fifty change over was the biggest one to me, I began to calm down and look around me to see where I was and people kept talking to me about retirement plans. I became the mentor in the room and stopped being the rookie. Not sure how one year can do all that but it can. I liked your advice, I think life begins to be more important when you sit down and look at it more carefully.
Rob
Pam and Frank Cannon:
Pam, it is good to see you on this post! I see we are in different sections of this module. Frank, I have not seen you before now but my comments are most certainly for you both.
Having lived and worked in Czechoslovakia (and now the Czech Republic) for many years beginning just after the events of 1989 I can most certainly empathize with your internet frustrations (which I know is just one of a series that one must "adjust" to when a guest in a foreign country).
It is great that you are both able to match up in career and educational goals. Although my wife and I have lived all over the world and we have each worked in most counties we have not worked together due to the differences in our occupations; she a nurse and me an educator.
I know l the joys and frustrations we have had over our 39 years of marriage and some of our greatest frustrations have come from our work "taking us in different directions" especially when my wife was the nurse for the American Embassy with its attendant responsibilities and pressures.
My joys and frustrations have come from daily interactions in and with a different culture.
Learning to not only understand but appreciate our host culture and as much as possible becoming multi-cultural has eased the tensions and heightened the joys as barriers to understanding has been bridged in many instances.
My question to you two (after a rather lengthy introduction) is:
What are your experiences of joy and frustration in the cultures (China now) that you have been imbedded in especially as it relates to your common work and common educational pursuits?
Education can have different meanings at all stages of your life. I was one of those students in high school that just wanted the degree never challenging myself. I went back to college at age 42 just to learn computers. In five years I had an AS, AA, BS and MS. I wanted my Ph D but it was my sons turn for college so I took a backseat. He graduated in August and I started my Ed D in October at the age of 52. I did not appreciate a formal education in college until I was 42. From 17 when I graduated high school until 42 I enjoyed informal training. I was chairperson for the PTA, den mother for cub scouts, and troop leader for girl scouts.
Challenges
The challenges that I face is having enough time working full-time, adjunct teaching 12 credits each term and being with my five grandchildren all day Saturday. This only leaves me Sunday to myself.
Joys
My joy is in learning new material to be a more rounded person. The Ed D degree is for my own personal satisfaction. I am not earning the degree to be promoted.
Hopes
My hopes are gaining more knowledge to become a better educator. I have already used some of the material that has been taught in this course and have been successful in reaching out to my students.
Advice
When the course opens get organized. First, get out your calendar and put in all the due dates. See when papers are due and book your time with a writing tutor for reviewing your paper. Save all the course material onto your computer so you can work if your internet access is down. Backup your work to a thumb drive. Save all your work from each course so you can refer back to it. Set time aside each evening to do some of your assignments. Never wait until the last minute. Get organized from the beginning, if you fall behind it is hard to catch up.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Middle Adulthood
Middle Adulthood: 35 to 55 or 65
The challenges of being a learner at my age are my life circumstances. My stage of middle adulthood will extend later than 55 due to having my children late in life. I am 55 years old and my sons are in 10th and 11th grade, many of my age peers are grandmothers. At this stage of life I am blessed with driving, looking for colleges, and worrying about my teen’s social lives. These activities which I am grateful to have in my life, present the largest challenge for me in time management.
I hesitated returning to school until my sons are in college, but the older adults I work with advised me that time goes anyway, so I may as well go to school now. One of the challenges at this age is being confident in my subject matter without the benefit of documented research or a doctoral degree. At this age, one must have valid documentation to make authoritative statements.
One of the joys of being a learner at this age is the self confidence that comes with experience of working in my field for many years. I am confident in my knowledge field. The confidence that comes with this stage of life can be a challenge and a joy.
My hope for my next decade as a learner is to complete my doctoral degree and continue to grow as a person. One of my personal goals is to educate nurses, but more defined to expose students to the joy of working with older adults. Erikson defined generativity as the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation (Erikson, 1985).I feel that I have identified that goal and hope to spend the next decade motivating the next generation of nursing students.
I received my master’s degree at the age of thirty, and as much as I enjoy school, felt that it was too late to return to school. What is the financial return on my investment? My advice to someone entering their fifties is not to hesitate to return to school if this is your desire. At the end of the day, education is about self fulfillment and achieving goals, not necessarily about the bottom line.
Erikson,E.H. (1985). Childhood and Society. Eight Ages of Man(pp.247-274) New York: W. W Norton.
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Labels: EDUC-8101-13 How Adults Learn: Theory and Research
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Response to Rob Campbell:
It's always a pleasure to read from your posts. As a fellow Canadian I respect your desire to further your education and help those that are in need of further development. Mentoring and providing that assistance will greatly move all those that are willing to take the next step forward. Anyone that is willing to take on those challenges as a Mentor should be increadibly proud of their career aspirations. I hope to enjoy discussing further conversations with you in the future courses.
Respectfully,
David
-The challenge of being a Learner at your age.
The challenge of being a learner at the age of 58 is having the energy to complete the assignments. As a full time professor in science I have to be available for students inside the classroom and outside of the classroom. I don't seem to have the energy to burn the midnight oil. The other challenge is my class schedule. I can't always schedule my classes during the daytime so that I can devote my time to this class during the evening hours. Finally, at this age, your memory is not the same as it was at the age of twenty. I find that I am constantly rereading the articles in order to get my thoughts together.
-The joys of being a learner at your age.
The fact that I can still participate in the learning environment is a joy. I have learned so much about how adults learn. I find my learning styles embedded in several of the theories. I am excited about this journey that I have decided to embark upon.
-The hope for the next decade as a learner
According to Levinson (1978) I am about to approach my late adulthood in the next decade. I hope in the next decade to be an informal learner of life. I don't have any plans to be in a structured classroom environment, whether it is online or face to face. I plan on reflecting on the things that I have learned and perhaps passing the knowledge along in written format.
-Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
You must be committed before embarking on this educational journey. At this point in your life you have both work and family responsibilities. I frequently tell my family that I am not available for family ventures. Having said all of this I find this educational journey very rewarding.
Submitted by
Bertha Byrd
Levinson, D.,J. (1978) The Seasons of a Man's Life. New York. Knopf
Response to Bertha Byrd:
I understand the demands on your life as a learner in the 50-59 age group. Just like my adult phase which is 30-39, you are preoccupied with your the details of your life, and career. Trends that emerge is that people are more aware of their lives and seem to have a plan in place.
Response to Judy Davidoff
I think I'm a pretty organized person, but had never thought about adding all my due dates to my calendar. I absolutely love that idea and will incorporate it immediately!
Additionally, it's wonderful that your desire to earn your doctorate stems from your own personal satisfaction. I'm often asked why I went back to school? People are surprised to hear that I'm doing it for me and to set an example for my son.
The challenges of being a learner at your age
What I find challenging for being a learner at my age is staying on top of my assignments with my other personal responsibilities. My children are still in high school, grades 9, 10, 11, and are teenagers. According to Erik Erikson, "The significant task is to perpetuate culture and transmit values of the culture through the family (taming the kids) and working to establish a stable environment" (Harder, 2002).
Going back to school was a motivator for them as well to attend college. I enjoy learning. I, too, like another responder have earned an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and now working on my Doctorate degree.
Juggling time is a big challenge to complete work. It is different at this age because you have more responsibilities as a middle-aged adult.
The joys of being a learner at your age
I enjoy learning whether academically or socially. Learning at my age seems easier than my younger years like high school or first year college.
I believe it is because of the hourglass metaphor concept. (Daloz, 1999, p.58) The hourglass metaphor was a unique and effective way to make sense of what he was feeling as he moved from the confidence, self-satisfaction, and tremendous energy of his early thirties into the neck of the hourglass.
Yet, I find learning easier because it is something that I am passive about doing and am learning at my own pace.
At our age, we are focused more on work and careers; the ego development outcome. One commenter mentioned starting a new job at age 50 and is now 55 with tenure. I can relate to starting a new job at 50 and looking forward to tenure.
Your hope for the next decade as a learner
For the next decade as a learner, I hope to apply techniques that I have learned and understood into the classroom, my writings, my research, etc.
I hope to never have the mind to cease learning. Technology is vastly changing and we have to be prepared to stay abreast of these changes to teach with current times.
I hope to recognize and apply the phases of adult life that are ventured and be able to assist learners as a facilitator b explaining to them it is a phase that they are going through and that it will pass.
Recognize it and learn from it. It has to do with your age. Levinson states that we begin to move out of our midlife wilderness and build a new "life structure" for the second half of our lives" (1999, p. 57).
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Adult learners of this decade are faced with non-conventional ways of learning, i.e. online. You should be prepared to interact with computers, the internet, traditional learning (textbooks), DVD/CD interface, and online instruction.
You should also be prepared to learn collaboratively online and think critically.
References:
Daloz, Laurent. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. CA:Jossey-Bass.
Harder, Arlene. (2002). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 from www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.htm
With the demands of work, family, and religion, how does one achieve their personal and professional educational goals? The answer is with many challenges. What are the challenges of being a learner at my age? A better question might be, "Where does one find time, regardless of age, to accomplish the daily tasks and demands that life brings each and every day?"
I'd have to say that for me there are many challenges of being a learner at my age, however the greatest challenge is "time".
I am 51 years old and have recently moved from working as an educator in the public school system to working as an university academic officer for advising and counseling teachers in upgrading licensure and choosing graduate level degrees in education. In this position I have to visit school systems throughout the university's servicing area so I am on the road about three days out of the week. When I am in the office, I am racing against the clock to finish organizing and coordinating the information I've collected from the systems I have visited before I have to start a new week of travel. So, finding the time to do this is always a challenge. I manage to accomplish my work tasks but often have to put in several hours of overtime.
Not only have I changed professional positions, I have experienced a change in my personal life, too. I have recently taken over the position as mother to my newborn grandson. Being virtually a new mom comes a whole lot of responsibility, personal and professional demands, and time that I can't seem to find much of to manage the daily routine of work and family.
So how do I find time to start a doctoral degree? Online learning is one of the ways that I am able to have time for a career, my grandson, and time to work on my degree. It allows me to add time for learning when it is convenient for me. However, I do find that even with online learning and the flexibility it provides, there are times when I experience technology problems that are sometimes due to system failure and sometimes through my lack of technology skills needed to accomplish the assigned task.
Learning for me is fun and provides great joy and accomplishment. The term, "life-long learning" is one that I take to heart. I believe that one constantly learns either formally or informally and that we all have different ways in which we acquire knowledge. I also believe that we have a choice to make learning fun or make it arduous. So for me, no matter what, I find ways to make learning meaningful and relevant to my life.
I have an undergraduate degree, two master's degrees, many hours of participating in learning conferences, and now working toward a doctoral degree. I have taken sewing, cooking, tennis, and craft lessons, too. I'm not being boisterous, I just want to emphasize that that learning has always been a way of life for me and always will be.
The next ten decades should be no different for me in the sense of being involved in learning in some sort of way. I love interacting with others and probably will participate in volunteer work that involves teaching and learning. I'd like to teach older adults reading and math skills. I would also like to be involved in mentoring elementary students, too. I would like to set the example that what is worth having is worth working hard to achieve it.
In my position as academic officer, I am in contact with many folks my age or older. When I ask what career goals they plan to pursue, many say that they are too old to go back to school or that they don't have the time. It is my challenge to convince them that they are never too old and that time can be found. I use my personal experiences and accomplishments to show them that if I can do it so can they. My advice would be never doubt what you can be or do regardless of your age.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
Challenges at my age are numerous. In my younger and middle adult years the majority of time and energy were diverted to raising a family and attending to their needs such as social activities, schooling, and eventual marriages of all 3 daughters. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself facing the next years single and incurring the responsibility of repaying debt accumulated during the years of raising the children. How could I go back to school even though I yenned to learn more of the things I did not know? For me the impetus was directed by the university where I am currently employed. As they changed their status to master level one university, the requirements for the faculty were raised to reflect entry level now at the terminal degree. For those of us who hold only a master degree the expectation is to continue and finish a doctorate degree. I have always been curious and loved to learn new things so to continue my education would just mean I might find better and more efficient ways to do my job. Now I find myself requiring a fulltime salary which comes attached with that fulltime job. Yet to chisel out time to pursue a doctorate requires rearranging the time you used to spend doing other things. My time has been majorly been consumed with obligations of this phase of my life; sick elderly parents, separation and divorce, my children, my grandchildren, my church, and my employment. I have skimped already on time for me and my downtime except for sleep and grabbing nourishment as I multitask. Perhaps others have better organized lives and are able to operate with more equality given to each area; it is a desire that I could reach that place.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
I have less concern over what others think. While I do not totally discount others opinions, I realize that I am not to serve or ultimately depend on another flawed human to totally direct my paths. While I still give them their voice, I do not let their thoughts and opinions dictate what I need to do. There is a freedom and flexibility that comes with age that is hard to describe. Looking back on life, I wasted tremendous amounts of energy being what others wanted me to be and yet still failed miserably. Through those failures, I was shaped and refined to be the person I am today.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
As this age of fast developing and changing technology advances, my hopes are that we can move with the advances to truly become globally connected. Understanding that encompasses all cultures and peoples is truly plausible if these advances are disseminated and utilized.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Be not afraid. Perhaps you have not entered into education because of the history you might have experienced earlier. Education and its delivery has and is changing. No longer is there one right person (the teacher) and the rest of the students are super novices needed to be taught and directed by that one person. The pursuit of knowledge is a more collaborative effort with the learner bringing much to the table. Knowledge acquired is adventurous and exciting. Go into the educational arena with a spirit of discovery. Be amazed and open and much will be learned.
• The challenges and joys of being a learner at your age
Just as Erikson explained adult development as a teetering scale between opposites (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007), there are challenges and joys to being this age. There are physical challenges such as needing reading glasses. However, I accomplish a lot because I have fewer distractions and feel more focused than before. Maybe it’s harder to grasp some new concepts but because of perseverance, I enjoy new modes of learning such as IPods and Studio software for video editing. I have battle scars from past events but I have developed a sense of priorities that helps me ride the roller coaster of life. Although my “nest” will be empty in the fall with my youngest going off to college, I still enjoy the company of my husband, family, and friends. Since I’m not working full-time, I’ve had to learn about financial planning and annuities. The freedom has allowed me to do the most traveling I’ve ever done.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
After twenty six years in teaching, I hope to share my experience with a new generation of incoming teachers.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Life is too short to do what you don’t enjoy. Find out what you are passionate about and develop your talents in this area. Be willing to make changes, if necessary. It is never too late to learn.
Life expectancy has lengthened and events in adults’ lives may not match Levinson’s stage theory of human development. Some women are postponing childbirth, some grandparents are raising their grandchildren, and some people are starting second families later in life. There seems to be too much variance in events that makes generalizations difficult. In an article by Bradley Courtenay (1994), he questions whether age and stage models of adult development are relevant to adult education. He questions the validity of the samples on which the theories are based. Culture and social class are variables that he claims have not been considered in these theories. As with all theories we have explored, there seems to be a kernel of truth but not all variables can be accounted for in the complexity of adult learning.
References
Courtenay, B. (1994). Are psychological models of adult development still important for the practice of adult education? Adult Education Quarterly, 44(3), 145-153. doi: 10.1177/074171369404400302
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
My challenges of being a learner at my age:
Even though I enrolled in college right after high school, I didn't actually enter until I was 43 years old. Family obligations and responsibilities caused me to dropout after only one semester. I wasn't prepared. Five years later, I re-entered college and that time I finished with my bachelor degree. I went on to pursue and acquire my master's degree and now here I am working on my doctoral degree--who would've thought...
At this point in my life I want to enjoy more family time. It is really hard juggling work, family obligations and school. My younger son lives with me and he has a 2 year old son who visits evvery other weekend. It is almost impossible to concentrate or remain focused on my school work when he's there. Another challenge is meeting deadlines every weekend. I work Monday through Thursday. It is a challenge to push myself to complete my assignments on time or before the deadline.
My biggest challenge is staying motivated and focused and dealing with issues as they arise instead of allowing them to become bigger issueus or distrations.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
Having knowledge powerful. Being able to read and retain information and formulate my own opinions is a joy. It is a joy to be able to pursue my dream of acquiring my doctoral degree and doing it in the comfort of my home.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My hope for the next decade is to complete my doctoral degree and continue to be motivated to learn and motivate others to learn. I hope that I will be an inspiraion to others.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner.
You can do it! You owe it to yourself to pursue the goals you've set for yourself. many time we look for the perfect time to begin a project or venture. There is no perfect time...Right now is the perfect time. Even though it is challenging and sometimes overwhelming, it is rewarding and transformational. Prepare and organize as much as you can and don't be afraid to ask others for help. Live your life, pursue your dreams!
I believe the biggest challenges that I face are from peers and from within. Understood, these challenges are mine to overcome. Although difficult, I know it’s attainable! Working in an environment of (seasoned) engineers, peers with MBAs, or both, sometimes I find myself second-guessing my intentions or approaches on certain subjects. Recently, when I presented a “30,000 foot” overview of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Humanistic Needs, I was approached with questions about the Walden U. program, more than anything. Granted, my speech was critiqued. However, all feedback (good and bad) drives me to move forward and the feedback shows me the continued need for Adult Learning. That was my response to associates when I was asked about the 'why this program,' “...there’s a need to keep teaching and a need to keep learning…”
Karl Schiller
References
Simons, Janet A., et al, (1987), Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, from Psychology - The Search for Understanding,
by West Publishing Company, New York, 1987, retrieved April 3, 2009 from
http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/maslow.htm
Response to Carolyn Martin:
A lot of the same things that you see as a challenge and joy are the same as my age group of 30-39. The differnce is of course the children's ages.
Work always seems to get in our way. Tme management is essential to our success.
Response to Cheryl Saffer
Cheryl,
I admire the “go get ‘em” attitude you shared in your post. I, too, believe that life is what we make of it, and learning is lifelong. I have yet to start a family, but after reading your blog post, I applaud your efforts in raising a family, caring for your elderly parents, and getting your degree! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Sandra
Frank
I applaud your tenacity. Not many people would do a 180 degree turn
and succeed.
Debbie
Response to Tim Boon:
Hi Tim,
As I was writing my post to this blog I was thinking how the challenges of learning at different age groups could vary. I read yours and I see many similarities and very little differences. I always have to keep myself interested in the topic of my study. When I loose interest it gets so much harder to concentrate.The joys of learning at any age also can be very similar. It is like solving a math problem. It looks hard at first glance but when the methods of solving the problems are learned, nothing can be more enjoyable as soling math problems - at least that's how I feel :)
I wish you good luck with the rest of your journey,
-Sara
For Pam Cannon: Thank you for your post. I'm emotionally immature at times too! You are doing what I hope to do when I grow up :) I hope to teach in Africa for a year at Oprah Winfrey's school, but with the mothers of the young ladies who attend. I want to experience adult learning at other cultural levels as you are in China. Thanks for the smile tonight. Noooo! we are not depressed, just emotional, at times. Maxie
For Tim Boone: I like the way you just went straight to the point with numbered items! This was interesting because I had a class discussion on how men communicate differently from women in that men are straight to point and women are more detailed; and why women tend to pounce on men for details.
My internal motivation for how and why I learn and keep on keeping on is found how I tend to view my ages:
1. Mental Age - about 58, keeps me focused on why I am doing what I'm doing.
2. Physical Age - actual age 48, keeps me grounded when I loose focus.
3. Biological Age - about 35, reminds me that I still look good for my age and learning must be an attributing factor.
Thank you for reminding us to "learn for the sake of learning."
Maxie
1. Challenges of being a learner at this age...
--Setting priorities, time management and trying to get everything done in order to keep up has been very challenging for me. This age group has something in common with previous age groups in that we still have to juggle work and family responsibilities. One must stay focused to get it all done.
Another challenge is the use of technology. There are many technological advancements that have taken place since this age groups has started into the workforce. Keeping up with this new technology can sometimes be a challenge but it is so necessary in just about every aspect of our lives. What may come very easily to the younger learners has necessitated a large learning curve for this age group. However, we are resourceful and dedicated so we can manage to learn what we need to know in order to succeed.
2. Joys of being a learner at this age...
--Although there are still familial responsibilities for many of us at this age, things are beginning to lighten up. While I would give anything to have both of my parents back, I am lucky that I don't have to worry anymore about having to care for them. They are at peace and I then am free to pursue more education. I also love my daughter but am glad that she has graduated from college, is situated in a good job and lives in her own apartment. I don't think I could do what I'm doing now if I had to worry about my parents' health issues again while at the same time raising my daughter. That was a challenge when I was working on my master's degree so I am enjoying having my time to myself.
It is also a joy to be able to do this coursework online asynchronously. This is an example of technology being a big benefit! I'm glad, too, that I don't feel as pressured as I did with my master's degree. It was very important for me to finish that because so many others were getting theirs and I wanted to get higher on the pay scale. Although I really wanted the MATESOL degree that I have, I don't feel as pressured to do the EDD degree--I'm doing it because I want to for my personal fulfillment but I hope that it will benefit me in the future as well.
3. My hopes in the next decade as a learner...
--I just want to find things to learn that are enjoyable to keep my mind active. I don't want to have the intense learning that I have had in pursuing my educational goals but I don't want to sit and stagnate either. It would be fun to take classes in order to meet new people and interact with them socially and intellectually.
4. Advice for people entering this decade as a learner...
--Go for it if it is something you really want to do and are willing to spend the time doing what it takes to move ahead. Don't let anyone tell you that you are too old. (Ten years ago I was in a relationship with someone who did not value an education like I do. At that time I was starting to take graduate classes to see if I really wanted to get a master's degree. The man that I was in the relationship told me that doing that was for younger people in their 20's and 30's and that people our age just are too old to go back to college. Needless to say, I have my degree but I no longer have him in my life. I have no regrets about that.) My mother told me years ago that my education is my inheritance. I think that in working on this degree, I am sharing my "inheritance" not only with my daughter but with my students as well. Those of us working on another degree--especially in this age group--is a wonderful example that may encourage others. Just make sure that you have plenty of "comfort food", whatever that may be (for me it is tea), that can keep you going. We are certainly not too old to learn and we have a lot to offer from our life experiences. Who better to pursue an education? This is still an ideal time.
Challenges of being a learner “at my age”! For me, I see three challenges of being a learner in my decade of the 50s. First, there is the motivational aspect of returning to school. And I do not mean motivation in the sense of being eager or procrastinating to learn or return to school because that is not the case at all, at least not for me. Knowing myself better than ever at this time in my life, I can safely define myself as a “forever” learner. So not wanting to learn and return to school is not my problem, instead it is more of an issue of what do I now choose to forego or sacrifice. I always thought that once my children were grown, my life would slow down and returning to school would be an easy adjustment. However, that has not been the case. I realize that as I live my life, my personal relationships have become more important to me than ever before. Once you have lived with cancer and “think” you have beat it, because your mind never allows you to think you are cured of cancer, relationships are now more important to me than they were in the past. They are also more important to me because I see myself now having lived more than half of my life, whatever time span may be for me. Not that I want to say that relationships are more important than my returning to school, I often find it difficult to turn away these opportunities with friends and family. This then easily leads to my second challenge: time, or lack thereof! With my life including work, children, even though they are grown and other timely demands, I tend to run out of time more than I like. After reading some of the posts from my colleagues, they are far busier than I am, and I seem to be out of time! My third challenge is not being as technologically prepared for returning to school as I think I should have been which makes me feel I am playing “catch-up” in this area, and again, becomes extremely time consuming for me and takes away from what I should be doing with schoolwork.
The joys of being a learner at my age are many for me! I find myself being more excited about things in my life in general and it is because I am exercising brain cells that I have not in a long time. I absolutely use what I am learning in my interaction with my students and colleagues, and I find myself thinking about things that I read, observe, hear and watch differently. I seem to have more of a critical opinion, critical in the positive sense, of how I think about what is presented to me. While I do consider my life to be a rather full one, I do have time to do this, and the best joy for me is that I am doing this just for myself!
My hopes? This is an easy one for me. That I finish this program and I am able to take this new learned knowledge with me when I retire and move into a new field in education, adult learning at the community college level. I also am determined to become more technologically savvy because there is no turning back in this area and I must do a better job in keeping myself more up to date.
My advice for adults entering my decade as a learner. I see people entering my decade as a learner as very different than I was at the same age. They will be more technologically educated, and will be able to utilize a wider variety of resources in their education. Returning to school at my age is a difficult decision and I do not see very many people doing that, although I wish more would. So, my other advice would be to think about it seriously but not shy away from a decision to return to school because of “your age” and any fears you may have sold yourself on.
Constance,
I can relate to some of the things that you shared in your post regarding losing your parents. My mother died before I received my masters degree as well. I think it's a good practice in life to pursue our goals no matter what others thinks. Best wishes to you in your studies.
Barbara Goodman
Great advice Suzanne! Any job, assignment or just anything will take persistence and hard work to enjoy and savor the accomplishment.
Response to Constance
I agree that being the learner at age 50 would have some challenges. I found it interesting that your life got busier when your children were grown. I see that, as now this is your time to develop your own interests and explore things you have put on the backburner for a while.
I am also glad to see that someone in this decade still enjoys learning as much as I do. I see myself as a lifelong learner and can look to you that there is hope that I will indeed continue that.
I also look up to your challenges as someone whom has not grown up attached to the mouse as many of our students have; your learning curve is a little greater. I say keep it up. I have meet people almost twice my age that can do some super things with the computer. Just take the time and do it. Take it a step at a time maybe a Powerpoint here or there to liven up a presentation.
I am encouraged by your closing paragraph when you tell those never to give up the dream or hope. I too believe it is never too late to learn. Thank you for the encouragement to move on. Even though I just entered the 40’s (I am 41) I have a lot to look forward.
I find being an adult learner to have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include a variety of career experiences and a lifetime of educational pursuit. For example, I have worked in both industry and education.
Since my masters degree in 1988, I taken over 60 graduate credits and have countless professional development hours. The greatest challenge was that my family time was greatly reduced by my educational endeavors. I sometimes regret not putting a higher priority on my family.
Time management is also a challenge. I set high standards for myself and go beyond course requirements, which takes a considerable amount of time. Sometimes it is frustrating not to have time to read everything I want. My anxiety comes from trying to juggle a personal life with a career, a major writing project, and the Walden coursework.
My advice for people that are entering my decade as a learner is to set realistic goals, reduce obligations (so not to become over extended), and above all make time for yourself and family.
Challenges
The challenges I face as a 52 year old female working as an adjunct teacher at three colleges and teaching in a dance studio is time. I am currently making decisions of what I can cut out of my life to arrange for more time to dedicate to my studies. It is a hard decision because the things I am cutting out are also the things that give me my greatest pleasure. I have to remind myself it is only for a few years.
The second challenge is memory, I have learned to highlight parts in the books so I can find them easier. I also carefully write down where I have found a citation, the full reference and the reason I wrote it down.
Third is technology. This is my first online experience and I find it challenging. I miss the personal contact between students and instructor.
Joys
I love learning new things and I enjoy making goals and reaching them. Education is a life enriching activity that can lead to personal advancements as well as better job opportunities.
Hopes for the future
Number one is to finish my doctorate in three years. Then I want to start looking for a full time job. I am considering running for the school board.
Advice
Write everything down. It takes way too much time to re-locate references!
Enjoy life, it goes by too fast.
Challenges of being a learner at your age.
I feel that the biggest challenge that I have at this age is the technology. I was challenged just trying to figure out how to create this blog! As most of us in this age group, we grew up in a much simpler technological age (typewriters and wall phones). I find that I have to ask the younger faculty how to work software in the classroom and to define some of the technical terms used by the students. I also have found that I do not have the same stamina that I had when I went through my other degree programs. No longer am I able to stay up an pull "all nighters" to complete a paper. I also needed to learn how to use the online resources (library, ebooks, educational databases). I also find it challenging to not spend time with my spouse. In this phase of our lives, we should be spending our quiet time together and thinking about a place and time to retire.
Joys of being a learner at this age.
As there are challenges, so is there pleasure in pursuing an education. I bring a wealth of life experience into the educational environment that allows be to appreciate and apply the theories that we learn. I feel I can relate alot of the theory concepts to my work experiences as well. With grown children, I feel that with less responsibility for their care, I enjoy the educational process more. It does not feel like it is a burden or that I am taking away from them to pursue my desires. At this stage in my life, higher learning is more geared toward my personal growth than professional needs which allows me to feel more at ease to pursue my own interests in what I would like to learn.
Hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope would be that those who follow in our footsteps will use their education to continue to effect change in our school systems. As we blaze the trail, as those before us, the hope would be that the next decade of learners would continue to better the educational environment. Young Students need mentors and those that truly care about their education in order for them to become the next generation of adult learners.
Advice for those entering into the next decade.
This will be the best time in your life. You will have new found freedoms and choices that you have never experienced before. I would not want to turn back the hands of time. I would stay in this decade of my life forever if I could. Make learning a life long process and keep up with the changing technology. Hang in there, these will be the best years of your life!!
After reading the learning resources, I questioned myself why I am studying. Well, I am studying because I want to. My goals are not professional but personal. I retired at age 55 and I like my new lifestyle, but I miss the intellectual challenges I had while working. I think that when you really want something without a doubt, you will find the way to get it. I found the intellectual challenges I want through the readings, the discussions and the assignments of the doctorate program. The virtual classroom is a new experience for me too. Additionally, English is my second language, I moved to the United States three years ago when I retired, so to express myself in English is another challenge.
I cannot be more pleased. I am enjoying every minute I expend studying. I am acquiring new knowledge about how adults learn and develop, and I am discovering myself at the same time. Another goal for pursuing a doctorate degree is to ‘legitimate’ my knowledge, or wisdom as Erik Erikson name it, to the society. At the present time the world belongs to the young. To get older means to be unproductive unless you have a doctorate degree. It gives us the opportunity to get involved in educational projects like teaching, mentoring, program development, etc. I do not know what I am going to do in the next decade, but I am sure I will know when I get there. I am not in a hurry any more, I am not planning my future neither, I am living my life one day at a time, this is the beauty of being retired.
My advice to others at my age who wants to study is to do it. You will find the way to achieve it if you really want to study.
Regards,
Griselle Salgado
In today’s society of so many opportunities, the age of 50 places you in a quandary from finally arriving at a point in life of knowing who you are as a person yet not quite certain if retirement should be calling your name. Now that you understand exactly the significant purpose of living, acquired knowledge helps you to uncover relevant new meanings and perspectives. On the other hand, it seems as if it were only yesterday when you were the movement but quickly reality brings you back in focus to find that you are not as savvy with the fast changing world of technology and other current trends.
This age span presents me with a lot of reassessment of purposefulness. It is time to obtain goals that have been placed on the back burners. The learning process toward reaching these goals sometime has me running around in circles from absentmindedness but more importantly with re-established focus and unwavering discipline I usually meet my objective. The next decade as a learner will probably bring about much reflection of my person. Hopefully, this reflection will lead me to even further intellectual enhancement to benefit not only me but humanity as well. Even though the manner in which you learn may change with this age category, you should enter this age range with assurance that there will always be something new for the mind to comprehend and discover for your continued productivity.
Coupled with a wealth of experiences and new encounters such as this blog being a first one for me, learning remains an exciting journey in the course of full development of my potential. What determines that full development of potential? I really do not know but my conjecture is that it is probably synonymous to inner peace from self-efficacy.
I have to commend you on the individual and family sucesses in your life. I am in my 40's and everyday is an effort to maintain. Right now my goals are to complete this program and continue to support my family not to mention working everyday. Where do you get the energy to "keep it moving?" I applaud you and your zest for life and learning. The author Levinson obviously has not met you and discovered your plan for a continous life of success.
Betty S.
Dear Griselle- I am so amazed and impressed with your accomplishments at this stage in your life. I hope that as I enter my 50's, I will have a similar attitude of discovery and pleasure in living in the present. Your ability to master the english language, pursue your doctoral studies and renew your skills to stay productive is what I admire the most. I think that adults must feel like they are contributing to society in order to stay healthy physically and mentally. I really enjoyed your post, Sallie
• The challenges of being a learner at 53
Hopefully, I am not misunderstood for considering competition as a great challenge. On the other hand, I will maintain this belief for which I try to be a better thinker to the best of my abilities at this age and continue growing my fair-mindedness. This is the reason I am engaged in pursuing a doctoral degree.
However, I could not ignore reality. Some of us might be dealing with biological issues which make us think we are swimming against the current. Daloz (1999) observed that we need to value our individuality when choosing any end of the four polarities defined by Levinson’s stages of learning (Harder, 2002). Daloz considered this differentiation varies from one country to another and stated “In American society, for instance, youth, masculinity, creativity, and separateness are almost universally more weighted than their counterparts [old, feminine, destruction, attraction].To right the balance, then-to “develop” in Levinson’s terms-implies that we must swim upstream against our culture”(p.57).
In my case, I never detached from my Hispanic culture carried in a backpack that have swum with me in mainstream. While I was copying with failures from my early developmental stages, I entered middle adulthood more relieved and in peace with myself. Neither can we ignore that by living in a fierce competitive society, only the strongest survive. That will not diminish my desire or motivation to compete, and that will determine my success.
• The joy of being a learner at my age
The joy is determined by the motivation and desire to become a better professional in my practice as a leader and educator. In addition, considering the latest development and findings in neuroscience, I strive not to let my mind to go wasted. Cercone (2006) admits that “in order to maintain cognitive status and promote continuous growth, the brain needs to be used” (p.307). Besides the possibility to exercise the brain, I find tremendous joy for learning at this stage of my life. What a great opportunity to apply new knowledge, gathered through research, into my everyday practice.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
In the next two years, I will be arriving to the Adulthood Stage, so I expect wisdom to guide my decisions with integrity while completing my doctoral degree. Then I would be able to follow other developmental programs including a second Master’s degree. I also expect to be writing about my educational experiences in educational journals.
Unlike younger learners, I will be focusing at life after retirement in the next decade. Serving as an adjunct instructor for higher education will be of great interest to keep myself current in the latest technological developments. Likewise, performing translating documents and books in English and Spanish could be a great way to keep my mind occupied.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I recommend assessing the priorities of life in the fifties by replacing parenthood, by now completed, with professional networking. I believe that learning is a continuous process and stopping for fear of not being able to make progress due to aging leads to stagnation.
Whether you engage in a more formal graduate program, or you take skill development courses, learning in adulthood will be fulfilling to keep you active, wise, and knowledgeable. Technology has advanced in giant leaps in the last 50 years whereas not understanding how to use a computer could be disastrous in securing the simplest cashier’s job in a fast food chain.
References
Cercone, K. (2006). Brain-based learning. In E.K. Sorensen, & D.O. Murchu (Eds.), Enhancing learning through technology (pp. 292-320). Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.
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
Response to Lmrodiguiz-
Interesting perspective you posted as an adult learner in their 50s. I particularly enjoyed your illustrative reference to swimming against the current. The current does get strong now and again, does't it?
I found from reading the blog that learners in their 50s commented on the challenges with technology. As a learner at 40, I developed an appreciation for technology. I initially learned on a basic cash registers, typewriters, and ledger paper. As I became an adult learner in my 20s, I incorporated technology by utilizing complex casher registers, word processors and accounting systems. The difference for the learner in the two age groups is that my group was able to incorporate technology, the learner older than me had to abandon their previous methods.
I appreciate your advice.
Rhonda Suggs
To Maria Gillespie,
From Betsy age 40.
I can really relate to your post.
I wanted until later to have my children who are now 6 and 9. School, work and family are constant challenges and juggling acts. I too believe family comes first. While I constantly push my children to do their best which most times is reflected by A's in school, I find myself (always an A student) struggling to make A's in the Doctoral program and still keep my focus on my family.
I deal with the "am I good enough" constantly. Good grades seem to reassure me that I am. I feel a sense of pride when a professor responds to me in a favorable way. It is amazing how much of an impression a teacher really makes.
Take Care,
Betsy
I have enjoyed reading all of these posts. I am 34 years old and pursuing my life long dream of obtaining my doctorate degree. I think we all share the fact that our intrinsic motivation keeps us going. Some of you have written about reaching for you own dreams in getting that doctorate degree, some of you have written about having the satisfaction and knowing that indeed you “can do it.” No matter what age we are, we all share the same goal.
I have also read in many of these posts that fact that we all doubt ourselves at some point along this journey. Every time I open a new module I wonder if I REALLY can do it. I wonder if I have the time, if I am smart enough, if I even have the motivation anymore. I am happy to read that many of you have the same doubts and fears that I do, but we are all pushing ahead.
We all share the love of learning. When I attended college in my early 20s I was not organized, did not manage my time well, and had more fun socializing then studying. It is funny now that we are all older and wiser how we see the importance of learning, and we have the desire to learn as much as we can.
Thank you to all of you for your advice and wisdom. We will all be putting DR in front of our name in no time at all.
The challenges of being a learner at this age are numerous. Trying to balance declining eyesight; mortgage payments; family life; full-time job; full-time school and keeping it all in order is quite a task. I am finding that after 20 years out of the graduate forum my skills need to be revived and updated. In particular my writing skills. Also the online environment provides new challenges with the various modes to post and receive feedback on work. I am finding that my computer skills are also outdated and need to be retooled.
The joys come from the overcoming and adaptation to the adversities that new learning provides. I am enjoying collaborative efforts with other students from varied parts of the country. I especially liked the residency in LA where I was able to associate with individuals that are expressly different than myself.
My hope for the next decade is that I will be able to continue this new stimulus for learning and create new meaning for myself and others. I am also hopeful that our graduating class will be able to improve our country through "social changes" in our respective work environments.
My advice for individuals entering this decade is to go for it and don't look back. Move forward and use learning as a tool to better yourself and others whom you associate with.
Also invest in overseas stocks..you get much better returns!!!
In response to lmrodriguez,
I think you explemlify the meaning of life long learner. I know many people who are in your age bracket and higher who wouldn't dream of taking on getting their doctorate. I think that you are inspiration to so many not only in your own age but those of us who are younger.
Although, there are many people however who are still raising children in their 50's or taking on taking care of their parents. I would agree, that for the most part, most adults are finished raising their children, but not everyone.
The challenge of being a learner at your age
I believe being a learner at 51 is a challenge because my mindset was and has been to learn the traditional way. I received both my masters degrees in a face to face environment. Now, I am pursuing a doctorate degree online, what a challenge. In all honesty, if you want it anything bad enough, you will adapt snd face your challenges one day at a time.
The joys of being a learner at your age
Since I begin this doctoral journey, it has been a wonderful experience. However, it has been hard for me at times, but I love to meet new people and the interaction between the my colleagues and the instructors has made it a great learning experience way beyond the assignments. We have become family.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade is to be a professor at an University teaching an online course.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice for anyone who is entering my decade as a learner is to make sure this degree is what you want. There's a long road ahead and you must manage your time wisely so you want get frustrated or overwhelmed with what lies ahead with the curriculum and life. Keep your eyes on your goal.
Response to Scott
Thank you for reminding me of what this age span truly means. We are to reassess our purpose in life. A time for reflection. You may ask yourself, have I accomplish every goal. We will always want to continue to learn different things. Just as this blog, it is the first for me too. We can add this to exciting intellectual journey. I know this a terminal degree, however,the more you know, the more you want to know.
Response to Imrodriguez
I enjoyed your take on being at this age. Your statement of life in comparison as "swimming against the current". At this age, we are constantly dealing with change. We can survive against the currents of life by being prepared. By having the motivation and determination to strive to be a better professional. I agree with putting our priorities in place as we head toward retirement. What a wonderful post.
Deb Ketner, along with others, write about the freedom they are experiencing in this stage - freedom to be themselves and freedom from what others expect of them. What is interesting is that this freedom, from the discussions, is both a challenge and a joy. Freedom to manage time can be a struggle with other pressing demands, yet the freedom to chart your own course is liberating. In my stage of life there is not yet the family freedom (small children demand a lot of my time), but I do feel the freedom to learn without an external or culturally prescribed check-list.
Constance brings up the long-lasting notion of education with her comment about her mother teling her that her education was her inheritance. My mother died when I was young and much of my education, to date, has been somehow related to investing in things (such as education) that can't be taken away. I appreciated being able to think about that this week and make those connections in my own mind.
Reply to Rhonda Suggs.
I appreciate your insight and understanding of the impact of technology handling at different stages in life. I am sympathetic to those in my group who take the next step towards looking for help to develop technology oriented skills but have found very reluctant others in younger stages to use technology in the classroom.
You are right to say “the current does get strong now and again”, thus I feel the investment in keeping up the current developments is really worthy. Here we are attempting to earn a doctorate degree online. My students consider me a true role model for not giving up when technological challenges are affecting their academic progress.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Luis
Response to Sue.
I consider life as a continuous journey. If the planets rotate around the sun, why couldn’t we rotate around life? Thus I consider life as a loop where you can return anytime to the point of departure with an overflowing luggage of knowledge and experiences, or you might come back empty handed.
You are right. Some people choose to raise children during later stages of adulthood but it is not my duty to judge that decision. I decided not to rush after that biological need in my fifties since I was not able to fulfill it in my early adulthood years. However, pursuing a doctoral degree now is perhaps a similar investment of time and resources. You never know what would be the outcome, but you keep trying.
Thanks for your reflection
Response to Carolyn B
I appreciate you found posting to be inspirational.
Over the weekend, I went to visit my sister in Plant City, a 200 miles trip from Miami, Florida. At times, I was on my laptop working on my assignments and she was somehow annoyed for my lack of interest toward the activities in the house. She couldn't understand the reason I was studying over there. Neither did I. However, I realized that some people in my generation are just enjoying life as it comes. They prefer to watch TV or read any media publication. They talk about life with a philosophical criterion based in their experiential baggage. I wonder then, why I am doing this to myself. How can others understand my desire to be intellectually challenged and go over boundaries of time, age, pains, or personal obligations? I guess the answer is given by the fact I have organized my priorities. Unfortunately, I haven’t arranged my funeral as yet. Though, you can wonder.
Thanks for your insight.
Jvanorhum, wow while I am a few years younger, your advice to go-for-it is touching. Your experiences allow others to achieve personal awareness and emotional maturity during times of uncertainty. As I enter my mid-life transition period your advice will certainly help deal with changing circumstances.
Sterling
Challenges;
I am late to the blog, as I will admit that I failed to read the end of the instructions. For that, I am truly sorry, and hope that my entry into this blog will still be somewhat effective. I am in the 50-59 age range, having started my re-entry into formal education at age 43. I am also female. I share this fact because I believe that my experiences as they relate to Levinson’s work support a different pattern of change/growth than may be true for men in this stage of life. The main challenges of this journey have been, and remain, an issue of time and priorities. However, in my growth as a nurse, an educator, and a person, I have been somewhat surprised at the amount terms of personal growth I believe I have experienced.
Many of the transitions that I have experienced were not based on the fact that I became an “empty-nester,” or that I re-entered the workforce. I did marry and have children at a relatively young age, but had completed college and saw even my part-time work as a nurse as a career, not just a job. What did happen was that in addition to working full time and being involved in family, community and church, trying to add school meant forgoing other activities that I also loved in pursuit of new goals and commitments. The demands of my life typify the “sandwich” generation; demands of elderly parents and young adult children with crises of their own. The transitions were much more extrinsic than intrinsic. I am often my own worst cheerleader.
Joys;
On the other hand, learning and interacting in academia has been a source of strength and learning that I can make choices, that I am responsible for those choices, and that I do not always have to be the best; there is learning in failure as well, even at this age/stage. I am thrilled that my brain still works and that I can extend the profession I am passionate about to a new generation of nurses.
Hopes?
However, my concerns for the next decade include facing the “late adulthood” Levinson describes. I worry that the culmination of my “middle adulthood” will be the students who failed; was there something that I should have / could have done to help them? Will my efforts to attain a terminal degree and be a better educator fall short due to failing health or a belief that I have short-changed other areas of my life? I admit this is not terribly optimistic, but when my spouse was diagnosed with cancer at age 50, and my sister died from cancer at the age of 54, the processes that make life worthwhile came into question, and the purpose and reflections often reserved for later in life, suddenly have taken on new reflections. I HOPE to be able to continue as a educator in some respect until the day I pass from this earth!
Advice;
Enjoy the experience and do NOT worry that the bills may not be paid off until well into “retirement.” (Keep the “cost” in perspective.) Be honest about your time and limitations and do not fear that your performance may not measure up to a particular set of standards. Reflect regularly on what you have learned and what you still want to understand. Try to find a mentor who shares or understands your journey – not necessarily for expertise, but for an understanding listening ear; a sponsor, if you will. Plan ahead and pace yourself!
Mary,
Your response has inspired me. I agree with you. You are never too old to learn. I too enjoy learning from our peers. We all have such diverse backgrounds. You have had some challenging experiences in your life, yet you still strive to obtain another degree. I know you will meet your goals. Good luck to you as you continue with your classes.
Linda Crim
Hello Deb,
Your posting has moved me. I can certainly relate to what you are going through in your personal life and how that affects what you are doing in school. Although I am in a different age bracket than you. I have experienced some of the same things that you have and are going through. I find it encouraging that you take the challenges of your job that have motivated you to continue your education. I know that you will be successful and you seem to have a strong mind and big heart!
Stay encouraged and push forward to completing your task of finishing the doctorate program.
Marian
After reading posts at this age group 50-59, I realize that there are challenges that are common across the board. For example time management comes up at every age group. I have learned that to complete this journey successfully one has to be able to master the art of managing time. Most of us are working as we attempt to complete our doctorate degrees, and whether we have started family or not we all have various responsibilities around which we must work.
I also observed that experience we have acquired over time is reported as a plus or enhancing ingredients that help us understand new knowledge. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge is obviously credited at all age group as an advantage for making learning much more meaningful and rewarding.
It is also apparent that ability to take these classes online has made time management much easier, even though some age group may have hard time navigating the technology that is needed to be mastered to be able to participate with ease in this kind of learning (distance learning).
Over all, knowledge is power and all age groups concur on this, even if they express it in languages best understood by them (the various age groups).
Challenges of being a learner at age 55
At this age when you physically have limitations, when you are wrapped around with family, community, and career responsibilities, when you want to role model to your children and grandchildren, when you want to stay close to your spouse and family members, when you want to have more rest time, the thoughts of being a resourceful person in your community inspire you to get up and learn more about how we should live in this world. The big question is, can I manage to keep up with my schoolwork with all these responsibilities? My challenges include how to prioritize my work and social activities with my learning. Also, I realized that I did not learn as I should in high school and in undergraduate years. Reading and analyzing theories are also difficult because I am an ELL and my reading is slow.
The joys of being a learner at age 55
I feel excited to enroll in a doctoral program because there are so much new things to learn about. Trying to be a critical thinker is the best thing that ever happened to me now that I need to slow down and think twice before I say my piece. My messages become more effective and people listen when I speak since I am more careful on the kind of information I pass. At this age, things are learn are falling into place as I relate them with my experience. This makes learning more meaningful with purpose.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to continue to learn at post graduate so that I can teach and share new knowledge with others in my field of study. As a corporate trainer or in-service teacher training I wish to learn about their practices and share my knowledge to help them grow.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would tell others to enroll in an educational program and stay with it until they complete it. That there will be disruptions and discouragement along the way, but to persist and succeed.
Challenges of being a learner at age 55
At this age when you physically have limitations, when you are wrapped around with family, community, and career responsibilities, when you want to role model to your children and grandchildren, when you want to stay close to your spouse and family members, when you want to have more rest time, the thoughts of being a resourceful person in your community inspire you to get up and learn more about how we should live in this world. The big question is, can I manage to keep up with my schoolwork with all these responsibilities? My challenges include how to prioritize my work and social activities with my learning. Also, I realized that I did not learn as I should in high school and in undergraduate years. Reading and analyzing theories are also difficult because I am an ELL and my reading is slow.
The joys of being a learner at age 55
I feel excited to enroll in a doctoral program because there are so much new things to learn about. Trying to be a critical thinker is the best thing that ever happened to me now that I need to slow down and think twice before I say my piece. My messages become more effective and people listen when I speak since I am more careful on the kind of information I pass. At this age, things are learn are falling into place as I relate them with my experience. This makes learning more meaningful with purpose.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to continue to learn at post graduate so that I can teach and share new knowledge with others in my field of study. As a corporate trainer or in-service teacher training I wish to learn about their practices and share my knowledge to help them grow.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would tell others to enroll in an educational program and stay with it until they complete it. That there will be disruptions and discouragement along the way, but to persist and succeed.
To PatD:
Yes, I think those elements are factors that hinder progress. I am also experiencing shortages of time because I have to attend to obligations related to family,the community, or church. The technology is a great challenge because some for me I am not savvy on technology as expected. I had the toughest time logging to this blog. I had the challenge to read instruction over and over.
To BGoodman:
I can not agree more that we have so many things going while doing classwork, especially at doctoral level when concentration and focusing on assignments is highly critical. I wanted to share that adding community and church obligations to your list make a heavier load. I was told by my instructor to leave some things out; try to cut down doing other things. I have tried, but it seems that my exercising will be the first one out. That is also important to me.
I have read a few of the challenges made by the age group and they seem to be concentrated on workloads, prioritization, motivation, and time management. The demands of the workplace could take up the whole day then we need to have time with the family, and exercise to stay fit. I agree that if we need manage our time well that we need to prioritize our work. But even if we prioritize without leaving some out there will be no time for others. In this case I want to agree with my teacher to leave some out, but then I would not meet my obligations. I think the most challenging thing to have an alternative schedule for my life and submit when things are due. I would like to stay with a schedule and strive to achieve my goal.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
The biggest challenge of being a learner at my age is managing my time wisely to meet the many demands of my busy schedule.In addition to working full-time as a public school teacher, I am also a pastor and part-time tutor. There-
fore,it is necessary that I use my time wisely and not waste time. I must prioritize.It's a challenge to take time to prepare sermons to preach.It's a challenge to take time for exercise and recreation.It's a challenge to take time for quality time with my wife and family.It's a challenge to find time to read and meditate.It's a challenge to do all the things I need to do and I want to do!
The joys of being a learner at your age:
It is a joy for me to be back in school pursuing a doctorate degree! It is a joy for me to be in pursuit of realizing a lifelong goal and dream---earning a doctorate degree!It is a joy for me to interact with other adult learners pursuing a similar goal.It is a joy to continue my education and learning.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope to receive my doctorate degree in education.Also, I hope to teach at the university level or as a distance education professor.I hope to write a book.I hope to continue to be a self-directed lifelong learner.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
You are never too old to go back to school!Pursue your dreams!Update your skills! Don't rest on your laurels! Invest in yourself!Learn all you can!
Lester Graves
Friday, August 21, 2009
How adults Learn
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
I must say that i have so many challenges for being a learner at my age.Erick Erickson says that at our age we are supposed to be recovering from the stress we went through in middle adulthood.We should be able to look at our contribution and feel a sense of greatness which he calls'integrity".Sometimes the fact that i have not reached the peak of my education makes me feel that am not doing the right thing.But what encourages me is that we are supposed to seek knowledge from the cradle to the tomb.Another challenge is the fact that i have to balance between work,school and family responsiblities.It has never been easy to beat deadlines in all this sectors and sometimes i feel so much discouraged that i have to undergo this. I have now learnt that i always wanted the best for myself,i really wanted to get an education and improve my ways of living and be an example to tohers and so,there is no reason to regret.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
The joys of being a learner at my age are many.The very imperative one is that my dream of attaining a higher education will be fulfilled.The other one is that my children and my relatives' children ,and even my own studentswill have or are having someone to look at.They will always know that it was not easy to get where i am and, so they have no choice but work hard and gather all the necessary degrees at an early age.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next generation is that there will be a generation that has a craving for education and knowledge.People will nolonger have to do somethings at an older age of their lives. Students will listen to the instructors and there will be no giving up in pretence that they are not good at that.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
The advice is that,the future is bright only to the patient and diligent workers.If you give yourself fully and stop making excuses and deferring responsibilities,then it is really easy to have the best in your entire life.And to the old,life will be better with education so let us go for it. Education is the key to a successful life and knowledge is power.As confucius said"I hear and I forget.I see and I remember."It is through being persistent and wholly involved that we are able to attain knowledge and be able to pass it on to future generations.
References
http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html
http://www.awakeblogger.com/2008/09/confucius-says-the-top-10-quotes-by-confucius/
Dear Maria Gillespie
I must thank you for being sincere about your age,actually it doesn't matter what age you are so long as you are doing the right thing.And as for me,as grey hair appear on my head,i appreciate that am getting wiser.
I have been in your position once,doubted myself until i learnt to tell myself that i can make it.Don't yopu think if all the greatest people kept doubting themselves their would be no great accomplishments under the sun?
My joy is that i have learnt so much and more keeps coming in and so am happy.Many people do not know what they think about the future just like you said,but according to me i know deep within you there is a wish,i wish that everyone should yearn for the best.i think your final remark is perfect and i may give it a nother word,they should work smart and not hard!
The challenges at my age are fulltime employment, average skills with technology, an irritation if the work required seems "busy" and not worth my time. So, much of the problems at this age for me are mental. I need to change my mindset.
The joys of learning at my age include a broad amount of experience, an emotional connection to my learning, the fact that I am attempting this for a challenge and not for financial gain. I can better eliminate what is not relevant and focus on what is needed.
My hopes for the next decade are to master technology better with each invention, to possibly teach online, to be better person more sure of what I believe and why.
My advice for people in their 40's is simple: keep learning! You can do it! You are never too old to attempt something enormous!
Sharon,
I agree with you wholeheartedly about irritation caused by perceived "busy work." I am not really sure that irritation is specific to any age bracket in particular - it drives me nuts and I am in the 30-39 group.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and your advice.
• The challenge of being a learner at my age is really one of focus. As I have aged, it seems I have more to do. I believe someone once said that we should slow down when we get older; I am still waiting to slow down. I love my career as an educator and I am enjoying what I am doing in class.
• The joys of being a learner at my age are many. I enjoy the fact that I do not have little children that will take me away from my class time. I enjoyed my children when they were small, but I look back and do not know how I went to school and kept up with them and my husband. One of the joys I have is the ability to have 55 years of experience to help me with my thinking process. I have become a better critical thinker over the years and doing this constant research sharpens my skills as a reader, researcher, writer; and ultimately a better facilitator. Another advantage and joy of going to school is that I identify with my students and they identify with me when I tell them to turn off the television and read their texts. They keep me on my toes. Each week they want to make sure I am on track and they ask me about my homework situation and my grade point average.
• My hope for the next decade as a learner is to keep on learning everyday. I pray for good health so I might continue with my teaching and I would like to write a Medical Terminology text. I have been teaching in the medical field for so long and I always complain about the textbooks; so I decided to write one and try and get it published for future medical assistants.
• I would advise anyone wanting to start school in this decade to go ahead and do it. I think people have to really weigh the pros and the cons of the decision, but if they feel it will take them to a level that will benefit them and they want to feel a sense of accomplishment, then go ahead and start to school.
Sandy,
You mentioned an important idea that we may not have appreciated fully at a younger age. That is support by family and friends. Even students can be a great support and motivator. You are being a wonderful mentor and role model by sharing your experiences as a learner. I find when doing this it really does make an important connection with the students. Good luck at writing your book!
Sandy,
You mentioned an important idea that we may not have appreciated fully at a younger age. That is support by family and friends. Even students can be a great support and motivator. You are being a wonderful mentor and role model by sharing your experiences as a learner. I find when doing this it really does make an important connection with the students. Good luck at writing your book!
Response to Lester Graves
Dear Lester,
It’s Rawya from your current course. I enjoyed reading your posting.
I am in the ‘30-39’ age group and I am curious to learn more about other groups.
I have to agree with you and say it is a tremendous challenge to be able to manage your time so wisely to fulfill your obligations (family and work) as well as do exercise and recreational activities (personal). It’s quite admirable.
As I read your joys, I understood from your wording that you had probably stopped for some time before returning to school. A few questions came to mind. How long was that period? Academically, how difficult was it to return to learning after certain time had passed? Has your profession as a public school teacher made it easier? What made you come back (personal fulfillment or job requirements)? I ask because I am very interested in knowing more about different developmental phases in order to identify with the various stages I undergo (past, present, and future).
It caught my attention that many of us, though in dissimilar age groups, have similar hopes. We all want to progress, aim to continue learning (though that could be in informal circumstances later on), and hope to publish.
Your pieces of advice are incredibly authentic. This is what we all need.
I wish you all the best in your doctoral journey.
Sincerely,
Rawya
Hi SEH,
Thanks for your comments. I think you are right about having friends and family as support. I have found in the last few months that the students I teach and the students I go to class with are strong motivators. I want to let my students know they can succeed at any age.
Sandy
Lester,
In the beginning, I too had time management issues. With being a Coach (a very demanding job), community volunteer and family man, time management was a huge challenge. I utilized the time mangagement table from Dr. Burner's class and it has helped tremendously. Although we are doctoral students, we still have to keep the other important aspects in our lives first. Balancing school, work and family can be a challenge and strain on us presonally, but obtaining a doctorate degree is definately worth the sacrifice.
Coach J
Sandy,
I am still waiting to slow down as well. My family says that I will not slow down until I am in the grave, and I tend to agree. I also love what I do. Being an educator and helping to shape the new nursing generation gives me great satisfaction.
I also identify with my students
"I feel their pain", and I have gained more patience as an educator. I encourage people everyday to continue their education, and that it is never to late to learn.
Vera
Deborah Allar
-The challenges of being a learner at your age. I believe that learning is challenging at any age. We face the life challenges of balancing our home, work, school an social calendars, but with organizaiton it is obtainable. I found that with age, it may take me a little longer to do these "tech" assignments, but I always manage to figure out how to accomplish them! I find learning to be very exciting. I tackle my educational journey with the glass half full not half empty. My nursing career has also given me that continous inspiration to do the best that I can.
I have been a nurse for 33 years. I hold an ADN in nursing, BSN, MSM-(Master in Management) and a Master's in Nursing. Now my Doctoral journey began at the age of 54.( I was accepted into school on 2-13 of this year). I finished my first masters degree when I was 30. For 18 years I worked in middle management in clincial and acute care settings. At the age of 48 I went back to school and completed a Master's of Science in Nursing with a certificate to teach, because I wanted to teach nursing students. Now I am fulling my life long dream of teaching and advising nursing students who are in pursuit of their BSN degree.
-The joys of being a learner at your age.
I enjoy the challenges that come with learning. I find that being a doctoral student brings me back to the days of being that student out of college. I discuss my studies and subjects with my children who are 20 and 17. I believe we are inspirations for one another. I also want to be an inspiration to the student who questions if they have the ability to go back to school for a second degree. I enjoy getting to know colleagues thorugh online learning. The interaction with the professors and my colleagues serves to be a life long learning journey.
-Hope for the next decade as a learner.
I have been teaching in an online BSN completion program since Jan 2007. The ability to have a flexible schedule, to balance personal and school scheudles will continue to be essential for adult students. I believe online learning will continue to be the path for many adult learners. Indivduals need to embrace the new journeys and paths that will support educational journeys.
-Advice for people who are entering your decaade as a learner-
Learning is a life long journey! In the medical and nursing field I look back as to how we practiced 30 years ago and then look at today!
The challenges are sometimes difficult, but well worth their weight in gold. What do you have to loose? You will never know what is waiting for you behind the next door until you open the one in front of you!
Being a learner at the age of 54 is a real challenge, most of all because I am a wife, mother and grandmother, with a full time job as a teacher and academic program manager in Queretaro, Mexico.
I love to learn, and lifelong learning is part of my life context, because is a passion and I need to continue working so I have to be continuously updating my knowledge and skills.
There is a big challenge in this lifestyle, to have quality time with my family, mostly my husband,
and time for myself. Is not easy to have my age in Mexico, and have a good job or just a job. There is a lot of competition. There is always someone behind you.so there are a lot of additional working hours involved just to keep a position.
I have to deal with the little physical things that make you wonder. How did I get to be 54 so soon? Full of plans, maybe not the energy but still productive and looking my age, (which by the way is not a good think when looking for a job in my country)
It is a great joy for me to read, to discover new things, to learn, to use what I learn to help others in this journey. Interaction is great, mostly because I discover many things from my colleagues in other countries. I learn from them.
For the next decade I hope to be working at something that I really like; helping minority groups in my country and teaching adults and always learning so I can be a better person in every way. Designing online courses is also something I see myself doing.
My advice:don´t despair, learn to manage your time, always remember to have time for yourself and your loved ones. Live every day as if it were your last, express your love, surprise, wonder about this wonderful journey that is being middle-aged and an adult learner.
I have a health problem, so I don´t know how much time I can continue being this active. Sometimes I feel that I can´t go on, then I read something, interact with others, I really like our group´s discussions.I constantly remind me while there is still life there is hope and most of all there is many of us in this journey.
My life is great¡ I am happy and when I am depressed I just think of others, and the sadness goes away.God is always present.
I come from people, like my grandfather, who fought in the Mexican Revolution and died at the age of 37 because of what he believed in, a better country, equal rights and education for all not only the privileged. I live in a country that it is not as it should be, but still change will come and I really believe that education is the key.
I would like to share this poem with you.
A segment in English:
IN LIFE, BROTHER, IN LIFE, let’s not wait for people to die to talk about our affection. Let’s do it while they’re still alive brothers and sisters. If you want to give a flower don’t wait until someone dies, send it today with love, while they’re still alive.
You would be very happy if you learn to make others happy,
Si quieres hacer feliz,
a alguien que quieres mucho,
dícelo hoy, sé muy bueno ...
en vida, hermano, en vida. Si deseas dar una flor
no esperes a que se mueran,
mándala hoy con amor ...
en vida, hermano, en vida. Si deseas decir : ‘Te quiero"
a la gente de tu casa,
al amigo cerca o lejos ...
en vida, hermano , en vida. Tu serás muy, muy feliz,
si aprendes a hacer felices,
a todos los que conozcas ...
en vida , hermano , en vida. Nunca visites panteones,
ni llenes de tumbas flores,
llena de amor corazones ...
en vida , hermano, en vida.
Ana María Rabatte
Mexican Poet
Yola Reyes
Coach J.
I agree,
Sacrifices have to be made. Balance in our lives is so important. The will to go on as in sports is one of the key factors.
Yola
Lester,
After reading your comment it came to my mind this quote from Octavio Paz, a Mexican Poet.
“Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor in change, but in the dialectic between the two."
I believe that we cannot give, what we don´t have to give. Lets continue investing in ourselves to have plenty to give, teach and learn¡
Yola
Hi Sharon,
Nice to see your name again. What work are you referring to that “seems busy and not worth” your time? I agree and like your joys of learning. I can’t help but wonder if we tend to appreciate these things more as we get older.
Reading through the blogs there are so many great sentences that one could write a book on this adult learning blog. It can be titled, " Learning through the eyes of the student". One particualr quote caught my eye. Suzanne stated that, "I am busier and yet older and less energetic than at previous times of my life". It is funny how many adults decide to go back to school for primarily learning as the goal, not necessarily money or career advancement. I found that was an interesting point that seem to be a common thread. When I ask students at the community college why they enrolled in school, the majority who the majority of the students are between 20-30, they often respond that it is for a career path or pay increase. I guess at our age (I am close- 47) learning is mainly for the love of achieving a higher educational degree rather than for increase in salaries (anyone in academia would agree). I enjoyed reading all the postings in your age group. LOL! I will be here soon!
After reading and reflecting on the different age ranges, I have come to the conclusion that telling is not teaching and listening is not learning.
I have learned that we all have one common thread, the desire for more knowledge. We also share many of the same challenges like balancing life and technology.
I have also considered how I might approach the adult learners I work with differently. I need to trust that they know what they need and my goal is to guide them in their discovery. I believe a students learning should be more important than my teaching, which means I need to offer a menu of choices within my syllabus of requirements, while still maintaining academic integrity.
Learning is emotional. This should be respected and celebrated. I've come to the final conclusion that regardless of the age, all of us are smarter than one of us.
The challenges of being a learner at my age are predominantly of the technical kind. I will readily admith that I am not a lover of computers and other high tech devices. I admit that they are very useful and I can honestly say that my life would be more difficult without them, but I will also be honest and say that most technology scares the !*!* out of me. I have come to realize and admit, however, that it is mostly my own fault. I have allowed tech stuff to intimidate me and have not taken the time to get to know the true benefits. That is changing day by day with my pursuit of my doctorate. Can't stand still now!
The joys of being a learner my age have to do with the level of independence I enjoy. I'm single, kids are out of the house, have a job I love, and grandkids I can visit when I need a "Nanny" fix. My main joy is the sheer joy of WANTING to learn and enjoying the journey.
Someday I'll be Dr. Nanny, as my grands call me, and I am so looking forward to attaining that goal. What I hope, though, is that through my accomplishments I encourage my family to go after their desires. I hope to be that beacon of light and inspiration for them.
The advice I have for others entering our decade as learners is to remember that there is so much we have to offer our world and the more we learn, the better we get and the more we can offer! So, go for it: live, love, and LEARN!
Teresa Sullivan
Teresa Sullivan
The challenges of being a learner at my age
The challenges I face in adult learning are numerous. I am 56 years old and at the changing point of my life and career. Between work, home and retirement, I want my golden years to be healthy and productive. Despite these unknown challenges, there are other issues I face. There are prejudices towards the older adult learner. My greatest challenge now is technology and the online experience for my education. My bachelor’s degree was a typewriter and libraries. Information technology was being introduced and I was in awe of how this could possibly occur. I purchased my first word processor 25 years ago. I paid the “experts’ to help me learn my very expensive new machine. I have worked hard at acquiring my technological skills. When I am thoroughly challenged, I seek advice from my grandchildren or neighbor, who is in his first semester in college.
The joys of being a learner at my age
“Grandma, are you really going back to school?” You bet I am! No more kids at home, time to reflect on quality of life and my sense of well being. I view life long learning as a way to keep involved. It will assist my neuro synapses and build new pathways for my brain. I am involved in a new community of colleagues. Above all, I hope to bring home a paycheck in my retirement years. Being this is my second half of life, I am excited about the future prospects. I am independent and have a vast amount of experience. As a registered nurse, I have enjoyed my career for the last thirty four years. Teaching pre hospital and emergency medicine has been my passion. Unable to practice at the bedside, I look forward to teaching on line and sharing my knowledge and expertise while I travel. Although I recognize daily I am aging, this does not mean I am dying. I look over my career and have witnessed so many changes in education practices. I am excited and intimidated at the same time about what hold for our future in technology and best practices. I am an expert in my field; however I look forward to acquiring the knowledge of how I deliver my expertise. The generational differences in my field are most noticeable with their techno savvy knowledge. I am motivated, so here I come!
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
First of all, my hopes are to stay healthy. As I age, there are physical and cognitive changes that occur. Hearing, sight, heart are to name a few. There are some cognitive changes also that occur. The positive aspect however is that research learning can occur in healthy individuals well into their seventies. Based on different theorists, research has shown that although younger individuals learn more quickly, older adults have a great deal of experience and patience to draw on (Crawford, 2004). Transitions are challenging. The loss of my parents, family and friends were very painful to me. These unfortunate circumstances were actually the stimuli that prompted me to move forward with my education. In conclusion, staying healthy, motivated and on track are my hopes for the next decade as a learner.
Your advice for people entering your decade as a learner
My advice is to have fun. Recently I was at a Walden University residency program. We broke up in groups according to age differences and were asked a few questions. Our group, ages 50-59 had a great time. We reminisced about our early college years and the sacrifices made. Of course we shared stories about typewriters, cars, libraries and life before the internet. We laughed and had shared more stories! We are the age of near self actualization. We are obtaining our degrees because we want to. Most of us are financially stable (or we were until recently). My best advice? Reach out and ask. We are old enough to know we have a great deal of knowledge yet we do not know everything and not afraid of sharing..
Teresa Sullivan
The challenges of being a learner at my age
The challenges I face in adult learning are numerous. I am 56 years old and at the changing point of my life and career. Between work, home and retirement, I want my golden years to be healthy and productive. Despite these unknown challenges, there are other issues I face. There are prejudices towards the older adult learner. My greatest challenge now is technology and the online experience for my education. My bachelor’s degree was a typewriter and libraries. Information technology was being introduced and I was in awe of how this could possibly occur. I purchased my first word processor 25 years ago. I paid the “experts’ to help me learn my very expensive new machine. I have worked hard at acquiring my technological skills. When I am thoroughly challenged, I seek advice from my grandchildren or neighbor, who is in his first semester in college.
The joys of being a learner at my age
“Grandma, are you really going back to school?” You bet I am! No more kids at home, time to reflect on quality of life and my sense of well being. I view life long learning as a way to keep involved. It will assist my neuro synapses and build new pathways for my brain. I am involved in a new community of colleagues. Above all, I hope to bring home a paycheck in my retirement years. Being this is my second half of life, I am excited about the future prospects. I am independent and have a vast amount of experience. As a registered nurse, I have enjoyed my career for the last thirty four years. Teaching pre hospital and emergency medicine has been my passion. Unable to practice at the bedside, I look forward to teaching on line and sharing my knowledge and expertise while I travel. Although I recognize daily I am aging, this does not mean I am dying. I look over my career and have witnessed so many changes in education practices. I am excited and intimidated at the same time about what hold for our future in technology and best practices. I am an expert in my field; however I look forward to acquiring the knowledge of how I deliver my expertise. The generational differences in my field are most noticeable with their techno savvy knowledge. I am motivated, so here I come!
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
First of all, my hopes are to stay healthy. As I age, there are physical and cognitive changes that occur. Hearing, sight, heart are to name a few. There are some cognitive changes also that occur. The positive aspect however is that research learning can occur in healthy individuals well into their seventies. Based on different theorists, research has shown that although younger individuals learn more quickly, older adults have a great deal of experience and patience to draw on (Crawford, 2004). Transitions are challenging. The loss of my parents, family and friends were very painful to me. These unfortunate circumstances were actually the stimuli that prompted me to move forward with my education. In conclusion, staying healthy, motivated and on track are my hopes for the next decade as a learner.
Your advice for people entering your decade as a learner
My advice is to have fun. Recently I was at a Walden University residency program. We broke up in groups according to age differences and were asked a few questions. Our group, ages 50-59 had a great time. We reminisced about our early college years and the sacrifices made. Of course we shared stories about typewriters, cars, libraries and life before the internet. We laughed and had shared more stories! We are the age of near self actualization. We are obtaining our degrees because we want to. Most of us are financially stable (or we were until recently). My best advice? Reach out and ask. We are old enough to know we have a great deal of knowledge yet we do not know everything and not afraid of sharing..
Teresa Sullivan
The challenges of being a learner at my age
The challenges I face in adult learning are numerous. I am 56 years old and at the changing point of my life and career. Between work, home and retirement, I want my golden years to be healthy and productive. Despite these unknown challenges, there are other issues I face. There are prejudices towards the older adult learner. My greatest challenge now is technology and the online experience for my education. My bachelor’s degree was a typewriter and libraries. Information technology was being introduced and I was in awe of how this could possibly occur. I purchased my first word processor 25 years ago. I paid the “experts’ to help me learn my very expensive new machine. I have worked hard at acquiring my technological skills. When I am thoroughly challenged, I seek advice from my grandchildren or neighbor, who is in his first semester in college.
The joys of being a learner at my age
“Grandma, are you really going back to school?” You bet I am! No more kids at home, time to reflect on quality of life and my sense of well being. I view life long learning as a way to keep involved. It will assist my neuro synapses and build new pathways for my brain. I am involved in a new community of colleagues. Above all, I hope to bring home a paycheck in my retirement years. Being this is my second half of life, I am excited about the future prospects. I am independent and have a vast amount of experience. As a registered nurse, I have enjoyed my career for the last thirty four years. Teaching pre hospital and emergency medicine has been my passion. Unable to practice at the bedside, I look forward to teaching on line and sharing my knowledge and expertise while I travel. Although I recognize daily I am aging, this does not mean I am dying. I look over my career and have witnessed so many changes in education practices. I am excited and intimidated at the same time about what hold for our future in technology and best practices. I am an expert in my field; however I look forward to acquiring the knowledge of how I deliver my expertise. The generational differences in my field are most noticeable with their techno savvy knowledge. I am motivated, so here I come!
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
First of all, my hopes are to stay healthy. As I age, there are physical and cognitive changes that occur. Hearing, sight, heart are to name a few. There are some cognitive changes also that occur. The positive aspect however is that research learning can occur in healthy individuals well into their seventies. Based on different theorists, research has shown that although younger individuals learn more quickly, older adults have a great deal of experience and patience to draw on (Crawford, 2004). Transitions are challenging. The loss of my parents, family and friends were very painful to me. These unfortunate circumstances were actually the stimuli that prompted me to move forward with my education. In conclusion, staying healthy, motivated and on track are my hopes for the next decade as a learner.
Your advice for people entering your decade as a learner
My advice is to have fun. Recently I was at a Walden University residency program. We broke up in groups according to age differences and were asked a few questions. Our group, ages 50-59 had a great time. We reminisced about our early college years and the sacrifices made. Of course we shared stories about typewriters, cars, libraries and life before the internet. We laughed and had shared more stories! We are the age of near self actualization. We are obtaining our degrees because we want to. Most of us are financially stable (or we were until recently). My best advice? Reach out and ask. We are old enough to know we have a great deal of knowledge yet we do not know everything and not afraid of sharing..
**Challenges
I started college as an adult which created many challenges. I was a single mother raising two teenage daughters. I worked during the day and went to school at night. First, I had the fear of not succeeding. After I completed a few courses, I started to relax and enjoy what was learning. I found my biggest challenge was having time for the required assignments and coursework, my job demands and spending time with my children.
**Joys
I think one of the joys of being a learner at my age was teaching myself how to learn. When I went to high school we were not taught how to study, prepare for tests or conduct research. I have become a critical thinker, problem solver and a lifelong learner. I enjoy the thought of learning new things. I feel I have accomplished a lot as a student. I have finished many degrees and have plans for the future.
**Hopes
As an adult learner, I hope that my love of education encourages my children and grandchildren to follow in my footsteps and become lifelong learners. My daughters know that education is important and both are continuing their education. I only hope they do not stop and continue on to become adult learners.
**Advice
My advice is there is so much to learn. Never think you cannot do it, or complete it, take a breath and keep going. Learners coming into this decade have so much more skills, especially in technology; use it to your advantage to enhance your learning; become that lifelong learner.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
Time constraint is the biggest challenge. Competition for resources, since there is another university student, puts financial stress in the family. However, cultural suicide is the worst emotional stress (Brookfield, 2008). Therefore, it’s such a bonus to find myself in a study community, where I find support.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
I’m relaxed. I know I can always quit or defer my study. It will not be the end of the world. On the other hand, I enjoy my study because I’m relaxed. I enjoy finding myself learning something new as I study.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My plan for this decade is to acquire at least one degree, or even more. Next decade, I hope I can apply my new knowledge and contribute to the society. This is another form of learning, because according to constructivism new knowledge is constructed based on experience. Further down the road, I need more experience than theories.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Go for it! It’s the best time! We baby boomers are such a big group, whenever we move into a stage, the society has to address (Baby boomers, 2005). Now our wish is to further our study. That is why there are so many opportunities, and hence our program (Higher education and adult learning). We are leading the trend, and we’re going to get the best of it. It is meant to be enjoyed.
References:
Brookfield, S. (presenter). (2008). Emotional rhythms of adult learners. On Foundations: Higher education and adult learning . (2008). [DVD] Laureate education Inc.
Baby boomers.(2005). Encyclopedia of Human Development. Retrieved August 12, 2009 from http://sage-ereference.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/humandevelopment/Article_n71.html
For Peggy and Terri,
Please let me know if this helps, since this will be a very important point in my future project. Thanks. I would like to advise you about technology.
Constructivists think we build new skills based on experience. We gain experience by practice. I would practice on one particular task (or program) until I’m comfortable with what has been learned, and ready to learn something new. I would focus on one application at a time, and concentrate on understanding how a task can be completed.
My mother is 70 years old. She is learning how to send text messages with a cell phone. She sends at least one message every day. It doesn’t matter what the message is, she just practices. She doesn’t know English, therefore she is actually learning two skills at the same time; that is, to input Chinese words using a cell phone keyboard, and then to send the message that she has written. She has never received any proper education. If she can do it, I suppose almost everyone can.
We are not going to become a computer expert. We only need to know what we need to use. Some people fear they may ‘break something’ when trying out with the computer. It is quite impossible to break a computer or wreck a program, but it is a good idea to have someone nearby for trouble shooting, at least at the beginning. Frequently a wrong click can be restored by a couple other clicks. It helps too if we allow some slack in case something does not work, we still have time to fix it. Relaxation is the trick, since when we are stressed our brains shut off the learning mode. We should be optimistic that with practice we can master the monsters (Internet, Microsoft office, blog, etc…)
Happy working with technology!
Holly
Challenges of being a learner at my age comes in many forms. All can affect one’s ability to learn. They can be personal, professional, and academic, and sometimes unforeseen. Responsibility for personal relationships ranks at the top of challenges because of the human capital that is involved. It could be that one must take care of children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, significant others, and/or friends. In addition, personal health related issues such as cognitive or physical decline may impede plans for successful learning.
One would hope that learning occurs professionally on a continuous basis; however, professional responsibilities may hinder one’s ability to learn outside of that environment. As previously noted, challenges can be of a cognitive nature. Along that line the technological advances may complicate subject learning while time is spent learning technology. No, it is not time wasted. It is just time. And time management is a challenge. Finally, there are always the unforeseen issues or incidents that arise. One can never predict them or predict how they will become challenges to goals including learning.
The joys of learning at my age include the ability to recognize and/or to seek “learning moments” more discriminately. The ability to identify most favorable times to learn and appropriate subjects/skills to learn may come with age and experience as does many other things. Experience which increases with age can potentially contribute to the joy of learning by making learning less intimidating and more satisfying (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2005). The more I learn, the more I want to learn. Being able to have control to a degree over my own learning can also be a joy.
My hope for the next decade as a learner is that I continue my desire to learn, continue my quest for good health, and that I am able to identify and access learning moments. My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to thoroughly contemplate direction and enthusiastically set goals. Likewise, I would advise to communicate your feelings about your goals to those who matter. This will make those people aware of your plans and make it easier to garner support. I would suggest that a learner should not waste time. I would suggest that they learn as much as possible and enjoy the experience.
I would caution that issues or incident may occur that may seem to derail one’s goals but I would want for them to realize that sometimes this happens and adjust accordingly. Finally, I would advise that when confidence seems to wane to remember what Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” (Roosevelt, 1937, p. 57).
References
Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. G., & Swanson, R. A. (2005). The adult learner: The
definitive classic in adult education and human resources development. Boston, MA:
Elsevier.
Roosevelt, E. R. (1937). This is my story. New Your, NY: Harper and brothers.
As an adult learner I am pleased to share my challenges, joys, hopes, and some advice for future members of the 50s group.
I find there are several challenges of being a learner at my age. Balancing the demands of work, school, and family is a daily challenge. Reflection has caused me to reprioritize time and activities in order to meet all the demands. The learning shift from fun to the pursuit of an educational goal has also been some what of a challenge. The final challenge would be understanding what one needs to know about technology. As technology continues to change so rapidly it is hard to know what one must learn to remain current.
For me the joy of being a learner at this age is all about choice. The opportunity to choose how and what you are learning is very empowering. I think the most interesting people are self directed engaged learners.
My hope for the next decade is that I continue to learn something new everyday. Understanding that learning is a major factor in the aging process and recognize that it will be critical to seek new stimulating experiences in the next decade and beyond.
My advice for people who are entering the 50’s decade as a learner is to embrace all opportunities. Utilize all the great resources available to adult learners and be open to all learning opportunities that present themselves. Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to tackle experiences that may seem daunting – the results maybe amazing!
Sandy,
You inspire me. I hope to have the level of excitement that you have when I cross over to your adult phase in a few years. I agree that continued learning plays an important role in improving the thought process...my critical thinking is much improved. I consider myself a lifelong learner and hope that I maintain the mental well-being to continue learning throughout the rest of my life. I work hard to have a balanced work-life-learning lifestyle. It is challenging andvery stressfull at times, but I continue to work on it! Good luck on your Medical terminolgy text!
Jackie Mitchell
Hello Holly,
Your spirit and commitment are very encouraging! I agree that the joy in all of this is to relax and take in all in. I always say that if I learn one new thing today..I've had a successful day!
Jackie Mitchell
• The challenges of being a learner at your age. The biggest challenge I face is convincing me that I can do this. This is not something new to me, as I have always had an inferiority complex. Another challenge is procrastination. It seems the older I get the more I participate in activities that I enjoy rather than completing assignments/jobs that need to be completed. A third challenge is making the time to complete assignments. There are so many things I enjoy doing such as reading, swimming, crafting, and traveling that I never have enough time to do everything I want or need to do in a 24-hour period. Sleep has become a luxury rather than a necessity.
• The joys of being a learner at your age. Learning at any age has been a joy for me. I have found that a number of my experiences provide a good foundation for studying just about anything. I find that I enjoy networking with other learners of all ages. I am often surprised that young learners are very accepting of me as an older learner. I believe that learning is beneficial for everyone but especially as we age. Learning is a wonderful way to keep your mind active and alive.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner. My first hope is that I can maintain the confidence I need to complete my doctorate. I would also like to learn ways to help my students succeed in their classes, especially developmental math classes. Writing is a skill I would like to improve so I hope to have time to complete some additional writing classes.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner. My advice to anyone regardless of his or her age is never stop learning. When you stop learning, you stop living. For those entering their 50s, my advice is to go for it, as it is never too late to learn. Whether you want to change careers or learn a new skill, do not let your age stop you.
• The challenges of being a learner at your age. The biggest challenge I face is convincing me that I can do this. This is not something new to me, as I have always had an inferiority complex. Another challenge is procrastination. It seems the older I get the more I participate in activities that I enjoy rather than completing assignments/jobs that need to be completed. A third challenge is making the time to complete assignments. There are so many things I enjoy doing such as reading, swimming, crafting, and traveling that I never have enough time to do everything I want or need to do in a 24-hour period. Sleep has become a luxury rather than a necessity.
• The joys of being a learner at your age. Learning at any age has been a joy for me. I have found that a number of my experiences provide a good foundation for studying just about anything. I find that I enjoy networking with other learners of all ages. I am often surprised that young learners are very accepting of me as an older learner. I believe that learning is beneficial for everyone but especially as we age. Learning is a wonderful way to keep your mind active and alive.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner. My first hope is that I can maintain the confidence I need to complete my doctorate. I would also like to learn ways to help my students succeed in their classes, especially developmental math classes. Writing is a skill I would like to improve so I hope to have time to complete some additional writing classes.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner. My advice to anyone regardless of his or her age is never stop learning. When you stop learning, you stop living. For those entering their 50s, my advice is to go for it, as it is never too late to learn. Whether you want to change careers or learn a new skill, do not let your age stop you.
Teri,
I enjoyed reading your blog! You are setting a wonderful example for your grandchildren by furthering your education. Your advice regarding reaching out and asking for help is important for all age groups! I especially liked the statement that we are old enough to know that we don't know everything!!
Shaley
advise
Don't put off education. Life will always happen. Joy, pain, ups, and downs will not go away for you to go back to school. Do it with life.
Hopes
When my youngest Raven goes to college and I complete this program I want to travel and help create adult learning programs in Africa and India. Most of my life I have dreamed of working in Africa now I am blessed to travel for free and I want to see and learn about this earth and it's people first hand.
Joys
The joys of being a learner at my age I am amazed at how much information I know. I tell my students "you know more than you think you know", this is true for most people. I love the challenge each week of the assignments in the doctorate program. I never find the time to look ahead, each week is new and exciting. The real joy is seeing my own improvement. I have not earned an A in four courses only B's. Yet I see progress.
Challenges
Life Happens. At age 50 I thought all my children expect one are adults living on their own, I will have plenty of time to study. Right. My adult children need me just as much only in different ways than when they were small. Many times I start my study on time according to plan, and something like this happens; The phone rings my grandson is sick at school my third daughter a senior in college is not answering her cell. I pick up my grandson, spend time with him, now my two hours for study have passed. With seven children and six grandchildren life is always happening. One month this term I had a son in the hospital, a daughter to get married, and a daughter to start college in another city. My grades showed my lack of focus.
I have taught only mathematics for many years, with very little writing. My first course in the Ed.D program was extremely difficult. I had to re-learn basic grammar rules. I am thankful for a understanding professor that allowed me to re-submit three papers.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
Adult Phase Blog 50-59
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenges of being a learner at my age is you are going back through re-teaching, re-developing study skills and conquering the feeling of being perceived as "old."
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joy of being a learner my age is a great experience to me. I am exercising my brain and I enjoy communicating with my classmates online.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
Since I work full time, I enjoy online learning because you are at home and not in a traditional classroom. I am pursuing my Ed.D in Adult Education. I want to work at a University.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would tell them that YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL! If you believe you can achieve, you can make a career transition at any age.
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Deb, I am on the same career track as you are. May we continue to support one another in our endeavors
The challenges of being a learner at any age seems to be varied. However,
Challenges of a Learner
All individuals are challenged at every level of the education process. According to Levinson, men go through ten stages of learning in his lifetime. This seems like a lot of changes for an individual but we make adjustments in our lives every day. At my age of entering into middle adulthood of Levinson’s theory, the challenge is fitting into the younger age crowd that is part of the learning process. This learning period is when we are trying to fit-in and be accepted with younger and more vibrant people. Although age can be a factor in learning, we learn to integrate into the learning process to be successful in our over fifties category.
Joys of a Learner
The joys of a learner start with accomplishing the goals which were set in the beginning. With success in every milestone in learning, our adult life becomes meaningful with a great career, close friends, colleagues and family in our circle. In addition, learning and development at my age also brings confidence, respect and admiration for yourself, for others and for life.
Hopes for the next decade
I envision that with technology and innovation in learning methods, adult education and development will be enhanced and proceed at a very fast pace. We as educators need to prepare to provide the training and guidance in the upcoming decade to all potential adult students. This would ensure a well-educated population and make our world a better place to live.
Advice to fellow Learners
My advice to fellow middle adulthood colleagues is that age does not really define your personality. Keep the learning, development and education process moving forward so that we can be role models for our younger counterparts. Let not your age be an obstacle for reaching new heights and obtaining your ultimate goals as an adult educator or facilitor.
Calian
Response to Anita,
Girl, you are not old, and I doubt that you are perceived that way. Learning is a challenge despite the age group. We are in this together and we will prosper. Keep learning and educating that brain. I agree, it is never to late to start learning new things.
Vera
One thing that I have noticed in reading the comments of older and younger adult learners is that we have more things in common than we realize. The process of education is truly a lifelong process that beckons us to grow in the process of living. That is,we continually come back to formal education when we desire a midcourse correction in life such as the desire to have a better job or just the intrinsic desire to understand more about ourselves and how we fit into the adventure of life. No matter if we look at the phase theory of Levinson or Perry's model of intellectual development, we all want to make sense of our lives and where we fit into the world and society in general. The blogs I have read make me want to use these stories of individual life to help design my teaching towards the needs of my adult learners.
Tom
To Maria Gillespie,
Thank you for your wise input. Wow! At 48 years, I can look to the next decade without apprehension but with excitement about the blessings that lie ahead. Family and fulfillment of career goals are paramount. I hope to have my EdD by the age of 50 so I look to the next decade to be a time of giving, sharing and legacy building. You give me great hope and encouragement.
While I believe that age is given too much weight by many people, it is, after all just number. While this number is used often used to as an explanation or portrayal of an individual; chronological age, or the number of years of life, might not be an accurate measure of the individual. Age can be established by other means, also. Cultural attitudes toward age vary as does physical capabilities and health. Frankly, I never viewed myself as “old,” until a recent job interview, where the school superintendent made a comment about my age. Now, I’m adjusting to the fact that I don’t look 30ish anymore.
The biggest challenge of being a learner at my age is the lack of time to spend studying. However, I’ve felt the same through my entire learning career. I’ve often had to abandon or sacrifice my desire for more education on the altar of taking care of family or work demands or spousal hassles. I’ve had many shattering experiences occur in my life. But, I’ve learned that a person can rise from the ashes to start over, many times during a lifetime.
I find great joy in completing assignments and making it through the immeasurable paperwork (or should I call it screen work?) of engaging in the pursuit of a higher degree.
Even though I often feel unintelligent, dim, and brainless while working on understanding the material, when I get the “ah-ha” it’s a fantastically fulfilling feeling.
My hopes for the next decade include graduating and working. I’d also like to be able to reconnect with people, make new friends, and enjoy my delightful grandchildren. (I hope I can get a least one or two of them interested in horses. Then I’d have someone to go riding with.)
Advice: You can learn from everyone, young or old when you take the time to actively listen and ask questions in a non-judgmental manner. Don’t let other people’s negative attitudes or comments keep you from your goals. Get back to your goals; tackle them, even if you have to start over again many times. The same amount of time goes by whether you are endeavoring to accomplish your dreams or not.
The challenges of being a learner at my age has been juggling my schedule. Although my two sons are in college I have a mother in law who is struggling to start over after losing her husband. I have a full time job and a husband who is also working on his doctorate. I also find it challenging to handle the the emotional ups and downs and the physicals changes I have encountered this decade.
The joys are the confidence I feel because I have experience many things and come through them just find which leads me to believe I will get through this too. I enjoy watching my sons come into their own. I have more appreciation for each day and I find joy in the simple things like waking up to a new day.
My hpes for the future include acheiving my final degree and becoming a college professor with a more flexible schedule. I also hope for more travel and time with loved ones.
My advice to the decade before me is don't worry about getting older. If you are blessed you will get older. Pray for good health and you can take care of the rest.
The challenge of being an adult learner at this age is to find the study time. I lost my job and at the age of 54 it has been really difficult because businesses think I have too much education. I also have 3 beautiful granddaughters so traveling to visit them takes time. In addition, I wasn't sure if I wanted to really go this route or take courses in art. Ever since I had surgery on my heart not once but twice, I have realized what is important and the art courses and traveling to Europe would be more fun but I have always wanted my doctorate. So I am making the time.
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I enjoy learning. I went back to school in my thirties. I received by BS in my late 30's and my masters in my 40's. In fact I wasn't sure if I was old enough to receive my doctorate. The joke now is that I will be called Dr. Watson. So eveyone wants to know where Sherlock Holmes is.
My hopes in the next decade are to continue learning but it will be in the field of art. I am an artist at heart and I might be old enough to go to school free by then. I also believe that I will be teaching in a university and my young students will be teaching me.
My advice for people entering the classroom at my age is be prepared to take time to read. It is all about reading and being interested in the subject you want to learn. You also have to be motivated. If you aren't you won't succeed.
Holly, thanks for the advice! I need to rid my self of technophobia! Thanks Teri
1. Time management is the biggest challenge that I face at my age, which is 58. I have a career, a family, and varied interests and relationships that are satisfying but also time consuming. Concerns about my health also present a challenge. I must find more time to devote to taking care of myself while at the same time meeting the demands of assignments such as these.
2. I am experiencing the joys of learning and of realizing that I am quite capable of accomplishing the goals that I set for myself long ago.
3. Over the next decade, I hope to earn my doctorate and to help other adults to succeed at reaching their educational goals.
4. Never give up; never allow others to sway you. Always have confidence in yourself and your determination.
The challenges of being a learner at your age. Human development is a challenge for a learner at any age because it is unknown to the learner what to expect. Most oftentimes, learners are unaware of Erikson's model of human development. The challenges of being a learner at my age are generativity,self-absorbed, and avoiding stagnation.
The generativity challenge is signficant according to Erikson because I am very concern about instilling culture and family values as well as creating a stable environment for them. In my middle adult phase strength is important because generates teaching care of others hoping it will contribute to a social change in our society. I oftentimes fear being unproductive or wasting meaningless time doing nothing each day. At this point in my life I am most concern about creativity and family security because in about 12 years I will enter the final stage of development which is old age.
Consequently, the challenges of being a learner at my age is reinforcing love of family, creativity, meaningful work, stable environment that direct me to focus and engage with total self-absorption. A learner at my age must manage challenges of middle adulthood to maintain important relationships within the workplace, community and family.
The joys of being a learner at my age are feelings of accomplishment in a challenging course, juggling responsibilities of family and contributing positively to family through lifelong learning. There is a great self worth when a learner of my age can be effective learning within the classroom. In other words, experiencing success of academic achievement while competing with young adults make one feel I am learning. I think many middle age adults have hope of competing in academic settings among any adults.
In the next decade as a learner I hope to have written several books and become a full-time professor at the local community college or university. Also as a learner teach others how to learn no matter of their human developmental issues. I hope in the next decade my health continue to sustain in order to fulfill my goals during old age.
My advise for people who are entering my decade as a learner, read more than ever to challenge ones mental spontaniety as well as instilling good family and cultural values. In addition, exercise, improved diet, and seriously plan for retirement which is essential. I think the adult phase theory can affect your practice as a facilitator of adult learning if one is not able to successfully understand and transition from one developmental phase to another. As a facilitator of adult learning I must be the guide on the journey for learners. Let the learner know what to expect during the journey and how to resolve, manage or overcome obstacles that prevent one from making the necessary transitions to the next stage of learning. In truth, the adult phase theory is a great model for facilitators to practice and illustrate an understanding of human development.
Post for Myrtle Brown,
I really admire you going back to school at your age. I sometimes wish my mother would have pursued her degree in nursing. Having me put some of her dreams on hold. I have the same challenges balancing time and I am in my 40's. Family wants all of the time, coursework consumes all of the time family wants and work just overshadows them all. It is wonderful your family supports your endeavors. This is very important to me as well. I am going to suceed, but having the encouragement from family gives me that added boost. I wish you the best.
Lisa
At age 55, there are some challenges of being a learner at this age. The main challenges are having enough time and having a desire to study after a day’s work in the job and allocating time for the family. In addition, other work-related activities and social and family commitments consume the time allocated for learning. The age-related challenges include the length of time I can study without breaks. I take at least two breaks per hour and limit the maximum continuous study time for 4 hours.
The joy of being a learner at this age comes from learning new things and staying current with technology. For example, I have never used a blogger until today and it made me happy to have learned it and added another skill into my abilities. Also, I am thrilled about the progress that I made in writing scholarly papers and in the discussion board. Learning also gives me some measure of my mental capacity compared to earlier stages in my life and I feel good that I am able to process knowledge as good as I did ten years ago.
My advice for anyone at my age is to enroll into a learning program that gives them opportunity to learn and develop a skill that they always wanted to gain. After completing high school, I enrolled into Kufu Karate class and surprisingly there was a man at his sixties in the class with us. He continued for months and developed the same skills like the rest of the younger members. There was no dull moment for him and he was very happy.
Hi Frank,
Kudos to you. I agree, you are never to old to go back to school. Learning is a lifelong process and hopefully one day when I am old and gray I will be wise just as my grandparents before me.
I too, see the procrastination issue as a weakness of mine. Actually, I don't personally procrastinate on purpose, rather I feel I really can put together what I need in less than six hours on the day it is due (smile)!
Tracie,
It was very interesting reading the blogs from the different age groups. One thing I saw with several of the age groups was trying balance being a wife, mother, and education was difficult and we all had to learn to manage our time wisely.
I agree that learning can be very emotional especially if you don't get the outcomes you hope for at times and you punish yourself for it for quite some time.
Frank:
You are very a special learner and I guess you possess high personal motivation. Congratulations for this successful self education project. I enjoy learning but I usually take long time to self educate. I agree with your advise that you are never too old to learn.
Challenges
This journey has been a mental challenge for me. I am a normal confident person in most cases. Recently, I have come face to face with the truth that I have an inferiority complex. I'm sure it has existed for a while. I imagine if you don't acknowledge something, then you can pretend that everything is fine. So, I have began to wear the facade of confidence that is not really there. Maybe, not in every circumstance, but I have never second guessed myself the way I have through this process. So, the challenge for me at this age is to admit that at times I feel inadequate through this process. Maybe, this is my midlife crisis. I truly hope so, I am ready to move on past this stage and regain my normal state of confidence.
Joy
The joy of being an adult learner has to be the new discoveries I have experienced. I an excited with I read the information in the assignments and I am able to relate it to my situation or see the benefit of the knowledge. Yet, while I am a little fearful of this journey, I must admit that I cherish this opportunity. I have to keep reminding myself daily that it is a step by step journey.
Hope
I hope as I grow older that I am able to continue to use the knowledge I have gained to better the world around me. I would like use the knowledge I have gained to promote adult basic education in rural communities. Combating adult illiteracy and preparing young adults for the workforce is a goal I have had for some time. Helping to transformed these lives into productive citizens is my desire. I plan to continue to be a lifelong learner in this endeavor, this will also help me to enhance my knowledge and keep me abreast of current trends in this field.
Advice
My advice for anyone becoming an adult learner at this stage of life is to be sure you are mentally prepared for the challenge. Understanding that you have to take it one step at a time.
Comment on Pam Cannon:
Your blog shows an interesting and productive life and Erikson's comment's on "completion of life" was really depressing to me as well.
Most people achieve great things at the later age in life after raising families and gaining wisdom and experience. You did a great Job and need not be depressed!
THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A LEARNER AT AGE 56
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
Being a learner at age 56
The Challenges of Being a Learner at age 56:
Being a learner at my age has meant that I have had to adapt to all the new forms of technology, such a blogging, that I have never done before. At first I am very apprehensive about trying new technology but once I have done it for a while I can seem to adapt. Another challenge is that younger students can read material online and grasp it without having a printed document. I am from the "old" school where I need to hold a book, download and print a research paper rather than just read it online.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
I have always enjoyed learning and this is especially true as I get older. Perhaps it is due to my ability to use my life experiences to validate what I read rather than just accept it at face value. Plus, I am able to emphasize with others more than I used to.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope education will evolve to try to involve students more as people rather than having teachers that teach mundane facts rather than addressing student needs as individuals. From being an educator I believe we are losing too many students that feel their education does not address their needs now and in the future.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
Have fun and enjoy your education. Life is too short to not question what you read and be able to adapt what you learn to your everyday life. Learning takes place for an entire lifetime. Don't be afraid to adapt previous conceptions or beliefs. Growth involves adaptive education.
Tom
POSTED BY TOM N. AT 4:18 PM 0 COMMENTS
LABELS: THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A LEARNER AT AGE 56
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The challenges of being a learner at my age are manipulating the internet and controlling my ability to offer my opinion when it is not asked of me. Since I learned from my own personal experiences it is occasionally difficult not to warn my younger peers of the impending doom that will result as they make their decisions regarding issues that revolve in their lives. Other challenges are my changing body. I must adjust my movement (both pedestrian and dance) to accommodate my range of motion. I must limit how far I can reach physically but never mentally.
The joys of being a learner at my age are that I know I do not have to accept something just because someone says it is so. I have learned how to defend myself and support my opinions. I have slowed down just enough to focus on my writing. The other joys are that I have lived long enough to celebrate my children by taking a step back and respecting the decisions they have made regarding their children and their decisions. With my age comes a level of respect I should have had in my thirties.
My hope is that I continue to grow and develop and live just long enough to see the fruits of my labor unfold by reaching the final goal that I have set for myself.
Advice is not to give advice unless asked. I want to see everyone learn from their journey so that they can celebrate their self-awareness and eperiences as I have.
Posted by missA at 7:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: advice, challengs, hopes, joys
EMMoore
8/31/2009
Challenges of being a learner at my age:
I am at the ripe old age of 50 and I have found that my strenghts out weigh my challenges. I am a committed driven by the notion that I can earn my doctoral degree and still have some wonderful years to share with my may family and my friends. I do have some challenges in this program, but I am dtermioned to succeed. One of my main challenges is using all of the technology that we have to use to communicvate with others, such as knowing how to post to this blog amongst others. Other challenges for me has been to do so much research that I have been overwhelmed by the work that we have to do in this program.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
I have really enjoyed being an online learner. As I stated, the research has taken it's toll on me, but I love learning and being able to come home from work and attend class in my own home.
Just being able to work on my assignments whenever I choose has been the best part of what this porgram has to offer.
Hopes for the next decade as learners:
My hope for you is that you enjoy this program as much as I have. I hope that the next decade of learners are able to follow prior students footstep, and we leave a legacy for others to learn
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner:
My hope for the next decade is that all of them learn how to use all of the technology that is available to them and become as familiar with the computer as possible.Learn all of the latest technology and update to date software.
Posted by scea at 6:17 PM 0 comments
Hi Teri,
Thanks for your response. I like your term 'technophobia'. Yes, we all need to overcome it. Now I need to figure out how to do online presentation. I would also try to use Survey monkey to collect feedbacks. I'm optimistic about learning these stuff. Let's support each other and we can enjoy modern technology.
Holly
Hi Maria,
You sound a lot like me about age. I always tell the truth with pride. I am 50 this year a single mother of seven and six grandkids. Like you, returning to school on-line is challenging. I often doubt myself. Yet after reading and allowing "soak time" to think over new concepts I do well. Peace to you.
Hi Tom.
I am happy to know someone else that needs a real book. I refuse to read any thing over one page on a computer. My printer is out of ink. I love the feel and smell of old books. Every term I get excited to recieve new books. Peace to You, HRH
Hello Anita
I am 37 and though I have only visited the 50-59 posts for insight. In reading your post and others in this age group, I find that you all have embraced technology as a future means of education.
I think that is great!
My parents who are now in their 80s would have most likely not accepted technology during their 50’s they were in their adolescence during the post-war era and saw advancements in radio and black & white television during that time.
I would assume that the 50-59’ers would have seen advancements in cable television, the first cellular phones and the first computers during their adolescence. I would believe that this might provide some positive influences to embrace technology.
Do you have additional insights to offer on this subject?
Thanks again for your posts and your insights.
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