Digital Toolbox for Adult Learner Success – HEL-101 Evening Class by Keli Swann

kelimswann — 2025-08-06 19:37:46 UTC

Age Range

24 to 58 years

Gender

18 women, 12 men

Cultural/Ethnic Diversity

40% White/Caucasian, 30% Hispanic/Latinx, 20% Black/African American, 10% Asian/Pacific Islander

Languages Spoken

80% English, 15% Spanish, 5% Mandarin

Educational Background

10% High school, 40% Some college/Associate's degree, 40% Bachelor's, 10% Graduate/Professional degree

Work Experience

40% Healthcare, 20% Education, 15% Business, 10% Skilled Trades, 10% IT/Tech, 5% Government

Learning Preferences

45% Visual, 35% Hands-on, 20% Reading/Writing

Tech Savviness

30% Highly comfortable, 40% Moderately comfortable, 30% Limited technology skills

Learning Challenges

25% Time constraints, 15% Learning disabilities, 10% Tech literacy, 10% Language barriers, 5% Neurodiverse, 20% Assessment anxiety

Career Goals

40% Career advancement, 30% Career change, 20% Personal growth

Learning Goals

50% Seeking professional development, 30% Career transition, 20% Personal enrichment

First Week Activity Icebreaker

kelimswann — 2025-08-06 19:58:45 UTC

Students will have the opportunity to create a name plate that shows their preferred learning style and a picture or symbol that represents their future career or personal goal. This activity displays their identity and helps students get to know each other (Potash, 2025)

Learning Preference Activity

kelimswann — 2025-08-06 22:37:46 UTC

Visual, Kinesthetic, Reading/Writing & Auditory will be posted in different areas of the classroom and students will gather at their preferred learning style which will help students engage and understand each other.

What Brings You to The Classroom?

kelimswann — 2025-08-06 23:23:46 UTC

Students will break into small groups to discuss what their motivation is to come to the classroom and discuss their goals and past experiences, encouraging students to connect with each other and be a source of motivation (Weimer, 2019).

Belonging and Adult Students

kelimswann — 2025-08-07 00:01:29 UTC

Wanting to belong is a vital part of adult learning, especially those with multiple responsibilities and having to strike a balance between work, school and family. The idea is if students feel they are welcomed and safe in the classroom, they are more likely to stay motivated and accomplish their goals.

Maslow's hierarchy places belonging right after safety and without a sense of safety, adult students are not able to learn. In adult education, a sense of belonging and safety allows for growth and transformation. According to the transformative learning theory, adults are able to learn when they examine their own belief system and feel they are supported. The toolbox creates an environment of belonging by being culturally responsive, promoting collaboration and minimizing any feelings of isolation by working together towards a common goal (Mcleod, 2025).

Hear About Maslow's Hierarchy

kelimswann — 2025-08-07 00:03:06 UTC

Demographic Profiles

kelimswann — 2025-08-07 00:14:09 UTC

A visual display of student demographics