Adult Learning

Understanding instructional methods that are appropriate for adult learners is an essential part of being a higher education instructor. Higher education instructors must be able to effectively relay information to adult learners in ways they best respond to. Instructors must also select appropriate resources that support instructional methods and enhance learner engagement and achievement.
For this assignment, continue to use the “Course Design Template” that’s attached. For each of the six topics that were previously created, you will develop instructional methods and activities appropriate for adult learners that align with your chosen topics. Complete the highlighted portion on the template.
Include the following for each of the six topics:
• Design one instructional activity that aligns with the topic and objective to engage students in the learning in both online and traditional classroom settings. At least one activity in the course must require student collaboration.
• Describe one research-based instructional method that could be used to facilitate learning.
• Describe a formative assessment or assignment for each topic that will assess student learning.
• Include strategies for differentiation of instruction and assessment.
• Identify the instructional resources that will aid in the implementation of instruction, instructional methods, and activities. Describe how each resource will be used to meet the established learning objectives. At least one resource in the course must be technology-based (not including the online learning management system).
Support your instructional methods, activities, and formative assessments with a minimum of three resources.
In-text citations and references should be presented using documentation guidelines.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Rubric Criteria
Collapse All Rubric
Instructional Activity
14 points
Criteria Description
Instructional Activity
5. Target
14 points
Instructional activities creatively engage students in the learning and are expertly aligned to the topics and objectives. At least one activity includes meaningful student collaboration.
4. Acceptable
12.46 points
Instructional activities effectively engage students in the learning and are aligned to the topics and objectives. At least one activity includes logical student collaboration.
3. Approaching
10.36 points
Instructional activities are minimally engaging and somewhat align with the topics and objectives. Collaboration included is weak.
2. Insufficent
9.66 points
Instructional activities are ineffective for the topics and objectives. Collaboration is not included.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Instructional Methods
14 points
Criteria Description
Instructional Methods
5. Target
14 points
Selected instructional methods are excellent for facilitating learning. Explanation of how each method facilitates learning is thorough and well-presented.
4. Acceptable
12.46 points
Selected instructional methods are appropriate for facilitating learning. Explanation of how each method facilitates learning is detailed.
3. Approaching
10.36 points
Selected instructional methods are partially proficient for facilitating learning. Explanation of how each method facilitates learning is minimal.
2. Insufficent
9.66 points
Selected instructional methods are inappropriate for facilitating learning. Explanation of how each method facilitates learning is insufficient.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Formative Assessments/Assignments
10.5 points
Criteria Description
Formative Assessments/Assignments
5. Target
10.5 points
Formative assessments/assignments are insightfully created for each topic and skillfully assess student learning.
4. Acceptable
9.35 points
Formative assessments/assignments are created for each topic and effectively assess student learning.
3. Approaching
7.77 points
Formative assessments/assignments created for each topic are overly simplistic.
2. Insufficent
7.24 points
Formative assessments/assignments are irrelevant to the topics or are ineffective for assessing student learning.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Differentiation Strategies
7 points
Criteria Description
Differentiation Strategies
5. Target
7 points
Differentiation strategies for instructions and assessment are well-crafted for adult learners.
4. Acceptable
6.23 points
Differentiation strategies for instructions and assessment are effective for adult learners.
3. Approaching
5.18 points
Differentiation strategies for instructions and assessment are superficial.
2. Insufficent
4.83 points
Differentiation strategies for instructions and assessment are not included.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Instructional Resources
10.5 points
Criteria Description
Instructional Resources
5. Target
10.5 points
Selected instructional resources are timely and relevant to the topic. How each resource will be used to meet the learning objectives is insightful. Technology resource is innovative and clearly aligned with learning objectives.
4. Acceptable
9.35 points
Selected instructional resources are relevant to the topic. How each resource will be used to meet the learning objectives is clear. Technology resource is competently selected and clearly aligns with learning objectives.
3. Approaching
7.77 points
Instructional resources are inconsistently selected. How each resource will be used to meet the learning objectives is unclear. Technology resource selected partially aligns with learning objectives.
2. Insufficent
7.24 points
Instructional resources are inappropriate for meeting the learning objectives. Technology is inadequate or not included.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Template Format
7 points
Criteria Description
Template Format
5. Target
7 points
Content is well-presented and easy to read. All required template and format elements are correct.
4. Acceptable
6.23 points
Content is clear. Appropriate template is fully used. There are very few errors in formatting style.
3. Approaching
5.18 points
Content is unfocused. Appropriate template is used, but formatting includes several errors or lack of clarity.
2. Insufficent
4.83 points
Content is confusing. Template is missing key elements or includes pervasive errors. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Research Citations
3.5 points
Criteria Description
Research Citations (in-text citations, reference slide, and type of sources)
5. Target
3.5 points
In-text citations and references slide are complete and error-free. Sources are credible and appropriate for the submission. The sources strongly support the submission.
4. Acceptable
3.12 points
In-text citations and references slide have few errors. Sources are credible and appropriate for the submission.
3. Approaching
2.59 points
Some citations may be missing or the citations do not support the submission. References slide may include errors. Sources may not be appropriate for the submission.
2. Insufficent
2.42 points
Many citations are missing where needed. References slide includes numerous errors. Sources may not be credible.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Mechanics of Writing
3.5 points
Criteria Description
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, and grammar)
5. Target
3.5 points
No mechanical errors are present. Skilled control of language choice and sentence structure are used throughout.
4. Acceptable
3.12 points
Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used.
3. Approaching
2.59 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent.
2. Insufficent
2.42 points
Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout.
1. No Submission
0 points
Not addressed.
Total70 points