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5 tips for teaching older
learners
Before I
get onto dodgy ground I'm not going to specify an age for the older
learner. Some time ago in the UK I was involved in a project
which funded teaching volunteers how to share crafts with the older
learner that they classified as 'over 50'.
So here I mean old in attitude or ability rather than in chronological
age.
There will be a number of general issues that you will come up against.
Let's go through them.
1. Physical issues
Your learners may have difficulty walking and moving their limbs.
Their movements may be slow and handgrips may make craft work difficult
for them. Any problems with their hands may make them shy away from
participating. Do all you can to minimise problems.
2. Emotional resistances
Over a period of time we all build up resistances to certain
activities. Depending on their previous experience they may
sincerely believe that they are 'useless' at the activity
you are proposing. Be as encouraging as you can, and empathetic
but not sympathetic. Appreciate the problem whilst finding a
solution.
3. Social needs
Their main concern may be to sit in a group of other friendly
souls. Crafting, or making something may be considered an extra
bonus or icing on the cake. If they show resistance to making,
just be welcoming and allow them to sit around the table without
'doing'. As they become part of the visual and aural process they
may choose to join in later. Cajoling may have the opposite
effect from that you're looking for.
4. Sensory impairments
Be mindful of any hearing or speaking impairments . Find out
individual problems and see what you can do to help. If hearing
is an issue, then write things down. If it's eyesight, make
projects larger, more colourful. Even I find some print hard to
see, and I too prefer to use brighter colours.
5. Mental ability
As we get older our mental ability can sometimes diminish. That
doesn’t mean that we can't do something, just that it takes
longer. That's because the memory routes that connect what you're
saying to what they may remember take longer to happen. Often
these connections may go awry, not work or frankly prompt inappropriate
thinking. Make it as easy as possible for everyone to join in
with masses of encouragement.
The project should always go at the speed of the learner, not the
timing of the session. Adjust things as you go to accommodate
everyone's needs.
Many's the time I've had people 'sitting out' the project. When they're
been shown what a friend has achieved, and having witnessed the fun,
they feel cross that they didn't join in. It's always better that
people join in at their level when they are ready, rather than when you
are.
Remember that teaching craft is a people activity. The better
your people skills the more success you will have at encouraging others
that they can too.
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Geraldine Jozefiak is passionate about
crafts and their place in
education. Be part of raising standards in teaching and learning
by offering the best possible creative opportunities.
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Looking for
craft
projects, books, teaching manuals or courses? Need ideas on what
to teach and how to teach it?
"The Craft Teacher" can save you time and stress in teaching and
learning crafts.
Click Here => http://www.the-craft-teacher.com
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