Knowledge

Knowledge

Most teachers know their subject matter they are presenting, especially when teaching to adult learners, who tend to have some level of experience or knowledge on the subject. It is critical that teachers maintain a level of understanding to today’s level of available knowledge. I don’t want to be taught how to repair a TV, and the teacher starts teaching me how to repair a 1950's TV that has tubes, diodes and resisters. Teachers need to understand that their lecture may always be challenged by the learners and they should be prepared to defend their position. It’s harder to teach to adult learners due to their past experience and knowledge. For an adult learner, sometimes a little knowledge in one area can be very dangerous. I quickly lose respect for a teacher when witnessing false or older information presented in the lecture, which of course affects my retention and level of understanding. ‘Al Cordera.

Students have expectations that their teachers are subject matter experts in what they are teaching. Particularly adult learners who will certainly measure the worth of a teacher based on his or her competence level of the subject. Dennis Flores