Intellectual Pitfalls to Avoid as an Adult Learner

Going back to school after a long hiatus? Good for you. Lifetime learning is essential to our continued development, regardless of why we choose to pursue higher education. However, getting an education as an adult, as opposed to directly after high school, can have its disadvantages. Because adult learners have become acclimated to a world of strict rules, regulations, and formulas for success, it can be difficult to accept a more open classroom environment. To get the most for your investment, take a look at the following common intellectual pitfalls to avoid as an adult learner that could inhibit your educational experience.

Pitfall #1: Holding on to what you "know." Traditions, culture, religion, work history, and life experience can greatly inhibit our abilities to think outside the box. We have a certain viewpoint on life nailed by the time we're old enough to be called "adult learners," and expanding our minds to encompass different value systems can be a daunting task. Learn to take in and appreciate different viewpoints and completely different angles from which to assess common problems, and your experience will be much more gratifying. Not only that, but your grades may improve, as well.

Pitfall #2: Holding on to what everyone else "knows." Sadly, many of us could site Perez Hilton as our number one source on issues of the day. What we know collectively, as a culture, is questionable at best. Consider your sources, and be prepared to witness lectures and lessons that prove the general opinion wrong. In a classroom setting you'll be expected to research everything, including what is considered common knowledge. You may be surprised at just how much of what you took for granted is in fact misguided.

Pitfall #3: Avoiding risks due to fear of rejection/failure. Adult learners tend to avoid taking risks in their writing and research. Because they are trained, usually in a workplace setting, to believe that there is only one way to succeed, they limit themselves. Teaching yourself to take risks and go out on a limb every once in a while is a crucial part of higher education. Just because an idea has never been discussed before doesn't mean it cannot work. Don't be afraid to apply yourself. If you are proven wrong, at the very least you will have eliminated a potential possible answer to a question.

Pitfall #4: Neglect of the non-practical benefits of education. Again, adult learners tend to be trained before they enter a classroom to adapt their lifestyle around the way they make their living. As such, they tend to register only for classes that offer a practical applications to their current lives, such as business or finance. While there's certainly nothing wrong with improving on these areas of your life, one mustn't neglect to expand their personality and intellectual horizons as well. Classes on philosophy, psychology, literature, art, and music enhance our abilities to analyze the world around us more clearly. Not only that, but they can completely change one's viewpoint on life. The point of an education is not merely to make more money upon graduation, but also to become more interesting, enlightened and well-rounded as a person.

Pitfall #5: Depending upon the professor for encouragement. Adult learners tend to view their professors as their bosses. They take their words to heart, and they live for their direction and personal opinions. Be aware, however, that the higher education system is much different than what you may have experienced in high school. Professors aren't likely to hold their students by the hand and nurture them. You'll receive a letter grade, perhaps a few quick notes, and little more. As a matter of fact, a good rule of thumb in the college environment is that no feedback at all may be good news. If you are phenomenal, you may receive some extra attention, but don't depend upon that gold star to prod you further. You may spend weeks on a project that you feel is a tremendous success, and still receive no feedback other than your grade. You'll simply be expected to take responsibility for moving forward with your talents.

Pitfall #6: Demanding instant answers during a lecture. Ask any younger student who raises their hand the most in their classrooms, and most will refer to that token forty-seven year old enthusiast who sits in the very front row. Understand that there's absolutely nothing wrong with a zealous return to college, but adult learners do tend to demand that their professors clarify theories and statements as they go. Fearful of not grasping the information before the test, especially if their studying time is limited, they often ask questions intermittently that interrupt the lecture. Instead, listen to the lecture in its entirety, record it for later reference, and read the chapters. You aren't meant to understand everything from one single lecture. For the full effect, your professor will expect you to do some research of your own.

Going back to college as an adult learner is an admirable step, but be careful to open your mind and prepare for a shock to your senses. When you've mentally warmed up for the classroom, your peers will be impressed at what a contradiction you are to their view of a non-traditional student. Instead of feeling like the underdog, maybe you'll teach them a thing or two...