One of the most common frustrations adult learners have with traditional education is feeling disconnected from what they are studying.
After spending years in the workforce,many students want to understand how coursework applies to real-life situations rather than simply memorizing information for an exam.
This is one reason project-based learning has become increasingly appealing to adult learners.
At Degree Forward, students demonstrate what they have learned by completing projects. According to Dr. Raylynn Henry,executive director of Degree Forward, students are not expected to sit through lectures or spend time preparing for exams.
Instead, they focus on completing projects that require them to apply knowledge and skills to realistic situations. As Henry explained, “There are no tests, there are no lectures, there are no textbooks. The only thing you needt o do is work on a project.”
Project-based learning places students in scenarios that mirror challenges they may encounter in the workplace. Rather than answering multiple-choice questions, students might create presentations, analyze information, develop communication plans, or propose solutions to business problems.
These assignments help students build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
One advantage of this approach is that students often see an immediate connection between their coursework and their careers.
One advantage of project-based learning is that students can immediately see how their coursework connects to real-world duties. Students complete projects such as developing presentations,analyzing information, creating communication plans, and solving business challenges.
These assignments reflect tasks that many professionals already perform in their jobs. According to Henry, this allows them to apply classroom learning directly to practical situations while strengthening skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Learn more:
● Why Flexibility Matters So Much For Adult Learners
● Returning to College Looks Different When You're an Adult
Start working toward your degree with Degree Forward and see how project-based learning can help you build skills for what’s next.