Understanding and Teaching the At-Risk Adult Student

Strategies to Improve Retention and Success

By (author) Diane Mierzwik

Publication date:

22 March 2013

Length of book:

124 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781475801644

This is a guide for teachers entering or continuing in the specific realm of adult education of students who are at-risk due to their criminal backgrounds, substance abuse issues or undiagnosed learning disabilities. The book provides readers with an overview of the teaching challenges for this population of students, presents research on their unique challenges as learners, and provides teachers with evidence-based practices to enhance the success of this adult learner population.

Preface
Introduction
Part One: Understanding the At-Risk Adult Student

Defining "At-Risk"
Undiagnosed Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders
Substance Abuse Induced Brain Dysfunction
Chronic Criminogenic Behaviors
The Adult Brain

Part Two: Teaching the At-Risk Adult Student

Managing the At-Risk Adult Learner
Classroom Environment
Delivery of New Materials
Explicit Teaching of Problem-Solving Skills
The Use of Graphic Organizers and Other Non-traditional Teaching Strategies
Group Processing and Cooperative Learning Strategies

Ms. Mierzwik has written a clear, concise text that identifies the at-risk adult student, outlines their learning needs, and gives clear direction on creating effective teaching strategies. The book is well organized, and the bulleted summary of each section captures the essential elements for training teachers who elect to enter this challenging field. The cited source documentation provides excellent direction for those who want to delve further into specific areas researched by this author. As a former state-wide administrator of correctional education programs, I wish I had such a resource for pre-service training. This book is a “must” for teachers, curriculum developers and administrators who work in this alternative field.