Late to Class
61Tips for Adults Returning to College
When adults go back to college, after being away from classrooms for a while, they commonly feel somewhat intimidated by the younger students. "They're so much smarter than I am," is a common observation. As a college English instructor, I found that these adults actually brought a lot to the classroom discussions: life experience, some seasoning from having spent time in the Big World, and a clear reason as to why they were back on campus.
Here are some tips if you're one of those adults who wonders if you're up to the college routine:
1. Know that your role in the class is important. Those younger students will be learning things from you, whether you know it or not.
2. Practice time management as you juggle a career, home and family obligations, and other commitments. Keep a calendar of assignment deadlines and dates for announced tests.
3. Get acquainted with the college library, particularly the reference librarians. They love to offer help to students trying to find books and periodicals for research.
4. Use the Internet to do additional research on your class topics. If your humanities class assignment is to read up on Leonardo da Vinci, Google him and amaze the professor with what you have found out.
5. Take it all one day at a time. You will soon get into the rhythm and flow of your college classes, and you won't feel so much like a fish out of water.
6. If you find yourself struggling to understand the professor's lectures or the textbook language, etc., ask for help---FAST. Don't put it off out of embarrassment. Professors can't read your mind as you sit in class, lost in a fog. If necessary, make an appointment with the instructor to talk about what's giving you problems.
7. If the professor assigns a research paper and it's been centuries since you wrote one, do some research online for the proper format or pick up a book (either at the college bookstore or a local bookstore) that gives you an outline of what to do.
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Aqua: You certainly have your head on straight. After teaching college classes for years, I am more and more convinced that education can occur at any age. The "young ones" don't have a corner on it. Even if you do learn at a different rate and speed than "the kids", you have something to contribute in those classes. And sometimes you'll be understanding the professor's lecture while the younger students will have the "deer in the headlights" expressions.
Aqua 2 years ago
I'm a "non-traditional" college student in my mid-40's. Yes, it does indeed feel a little strange (and intimidating) to be sitting in a class full of teenagers and young twenty-somethings! However, one thing I have learned is that it actually makes me feel younger. I am more inclined to keep up with the latest technology for example. Going back to school is one of the best decisions I have ever made, even though it has not been without many challenges. I think it definitely takes me longer to grasp the new material than it used to when I was younger. Also, I'm simply not as fast as the younger students. I think your advice about taking it one day at a time is spot on. The more classes I attend, the more comfortable I become, and the more adept I am at studying. Thank you for the hub! :)