Supporting and mentoring mature learners : a 'train-the-trainer' programme for facilitators of ICT learning for older adults

Abstract

Mature learning refers to the process in which adults aged in the (circa) 50 - 75 age bracket, individually and in association with others, engage in direct encounter and then purposefully reflect upon, validate, transform, give personal meaning to and seek to integrate their ways of knowing. The handbook draws on practical experience, from planning and running events, to suggest ways to teach and train mature learners. It serves as a resource book to guide new projects that address the life transitions of mature learners in today’s changing world. This handbook can be used by managers and tutors in different types of organisations and groups involved in lifelong learning projects. It also will be of value to adult educators, seniors’ organisations, voluntary and welfare organisations and their networks, to local authorities and to policymakers in the field. The goal of this handbook is to act as a curriculum pack for trainers who will be training tutors how to deal with mature learners. Hence, its primary objective is to develop among tutors sensitivity as which learning styles and strategies work best with mature learners.