Returning to Learning: The Experiences of Mature Students
Transitioning back into the educational environment after a period outside of formal schooling can be both challenging and rewarding. This article explores the experiences of mature students, focusing on personal stories, challenges, and tips for success in a post-secondary academic setting.
The Benefits of Being a Mature Student
For many older students, returning to an academic environment can offer a multitude of benefits. Take, for example, the experiences of a student who attended college at the age of 38. According to this individual, they enjoyed their college experience far more than their school days during their youth. Several factors contribute to this, including the numerous advantages offered by modern technology and changes in educational formats.
The Internet is a significant source of convenience, making research and accessing information more accessible than ever before. They also noted that the move away from handwritten papers and the cumbersome task of footnotes to the more user-friendly APA citations greatly enhanced their experience.
Additionally, the social environment of this particular college was more favorable. As a school catering primarily to older adults, there wasn't the same issue with bullies. The peer dynamics were more mature and less fraught with drama, which could potentially lead to more effective collaboration during group projects. In this setting, group projects were more successful as more individuals contributed actively, rather than a few "free-riders."
Challenges Faced by Mature Students
While the benefits are clear, mature students also face their own unique set of challenges. One such example involves the daunting assignment load and the psychological barrier known as "hitting the wall." An instance of this occurred for a mature-aged student who had enrolled in a Computer Science undergraduate program. During their first week, they were informed that they would likely encounter significant difficulties around the fifth or sixth week, coinciding with the first major assignment due date.
This warning, while initially perceived as an unnecessary blow to confidence, served as a critical piece of advice. Their instructor warned that while the journey would be challenging, being prepared for these obstacles was key to continuing on. This student adapted by acknowledging and adjusting their expectations, ensuring they remained vigilant and focused throughout the course.
The advice given by educational professionals to mature students is consistent: one must anticipate difficulties in the initial weeks but remain resilient and persistent. Overcoming the "hitting the wall" phase successfully is crucial for the overall academic journey.
Practical Tips for Success
Education involves both learning and reliving, but for many mature students, reliving their youthful experiences might not be the primary aim. The learning experience should be the main objective, and with that, certain practical tips become invaluable. One such piece of advice from an experienced mature student who later became a lecturer in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is to regularly attend face-to-face lectures even if recordings are available. While recordings can provide convenience, they do not fully replicate the impact of live, in-person interactions with professors and peers. It's easy to accumulate an backlog of recordings, leading to significant delays in getting through the course content by the time assignments are due.
For this reason, it's highly recommended that students attend live lectures and make recordings only as a supplementary resource. This approach helps maintain a consistent progress and ensures that no important details are missed.
Conclusion and Good Luck
Returning to the academic realm after a significant hiatus is a journey that offers a mix of challenges and rewards. The experiences of mature students highlight both the difficulties and strategies for success. By leveraging the benefits of modern technology and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset, older learners can thrive academically. Success in this journey ultimately leads to personal and professional growth, making it an invaluable experience.
Good luck on this exciting and rewarding journey!