On completing this chapter, you will be able to do the following: 1. Using your birth date, identify your generation and its characteristics. 2. Identify yourself as a traditional adult learner, returning adult learner, or recycled adult learner. 3. Identify personal areas of strength that will help you ensure success in the practical/vocational nursing program. 4. Identify personal areas that could interfere with your success in the practical/vocational nursing program. 5. Explain in your own words three rights of learners. 6. Discuss personal responsibility for learning and active participation in the learning process as learner responsibilities. 7. Identify the purpose of evaluation in the practical/vocational nursing program. The adult learner (one who acquires knowledge and skills) comes in all ages, and it is possible to have learners from four generations in your nursing class. Depending on birth year, generational groups can be characterized. Time frames and names for the four generations vary among authors, but each generation is separated by approximately 20 years (Box 1-1). Your goal is be aware of each generation’s shared experiences. Avoid stereotyping individuals of a specific generation as their experiences may be viewed differently. A stereotype is a false assumption. It is an expectation that all individuals within a specific group will act exactly the same because they are members of that group. Stereotypes ignore the individual differences that occur within a specific group—for example, a generational group. See Box 1-2 for characteristics of each generation. Your Generational Personality Using Box 1-2, Characteristics of the Four Generations, identify the characteristics of your generation that do/do not apply to you. • Desire to acquire new job skills • Possible lack of jobs in area for which person has a degree • Outlook for a full-time job with benefits is more promising in practical/vocational nursing • Traditional adult learners are accustomed to formal education. The practical/vocational nursing program in a vocational-technical school, junior college, or private school is an example of a program of formal education. • Returning adult learners might not have been in a classroom for some time, but they have been learning. They have had informal education experiences every day of their lives. Examples of their informal educational experiences include using a new cell phone, filling out a new income tax form, and handling a new family problem. These experiences can be helpful when learning new material. • Recycled learners may have recently graduated from college. Some may have entered the practical/vocational nursing program after a career in another field of work. Recycled learners have many formal and informal educational experiences that help them in a practical/vocational nursing program. • Are at their prime physically, are filled with energy and stamina, and often have fewer out-of-school responsibilities to distract them from their studies. • Are experts at educational routine and have been given the opportunity to develop reading, writing, studying, and test-taking skills. • Are digital natives who have always had cell phones and computers in their lives. They know how to register for classes and take tests online. When they need information, they “Google,” and when they want to contact a friend, they send a text message. • May feel they have used up their energy in finding a parking space, and once they do, they may be puzzled about how to find their way to their assigned classroom. • Have had responsibilities and life experiences that help them relate well to new learning, make sense out of it, and get the point quickly. These serious learners are ready to work. • Are digital immigrants who have had to learn to live in a digital world. Some find it easy to adapt, but others may find it more difficult to do so. When these learners need information, they go to the library or reach for the telephone directory. To stay connected with friends and family, they use their landline, cell phone, or email. • Are mature, motivated, and self-directed learners who have set goals for themselves. Many have made economic, personal, and family sacrifices to go back to school.
The Adult Learner
Hints to Succeed
Diversity of the Adult Learner
Formal and informal educational experiences
Geared for success
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