Facilitator: Jim Berger, Associate Professor, Special Instructional Programs

STRENGTHS

Non-traditional students, in spite of their many challenges and constraints have many strengths that can aid them inside and out of the classroom. Non-traditional students bring with them world-views and experiences that help them make sense of the materials they are learning. They also have strong reasons to be in school, such as becoming qualified for a higher status, higher paying job. They have faced difficulties in life and learned “life skills” in the process. They expect to gain something from the classroom which can be used to improve their everyday lives. Non-trads are often the students that will sit in the front of the classroom, be ready to take notes, ask in-depth questions, and provide much of the discussion. They are also the ones who can see the material in a much larger context, will work harder on their assignments and projects and spend more time studying the material. They bring wisdom with them that traditional students do not have.