Adult learners don't return to school for social life and fun. They are there with a direct objective, to take care of business and obtain the required classes or degree. Be sure to engage them to be honest in their goals and expectations in the class. Let them know what is expected and how you are there to hear their issues and concerns.
Going back to school later in life can be daunting. Many adults feel self-conscious returning to school amid younger students. Letting the adult student know that their thoughts, ideas and concerns are important, and that they have your respect goes a long way toward encouraging their success.
Adults generally come into the educational institution having been in the work force or other situations where they have needed to work with others to reach a solution. Engaging all of the students and asking them to work together is positive for students of all ages. These projects show the group that all ideas are valid, and create an additional comfort factor for older students.
According to "Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach," sequence and reinforcement are critical steps to helping the adult learner. Sequence means programming knowledge, skills and attitude in an order from simple to complex while reinforcement is the repetition of those things until the student learns them. Adults respond well to this method of learning, as it instills comfort with the material.
Adult learners have practical experience they can use to help with their studies. The more practically you can apply lessons to life, the more accessible the information will be to adult students. Give adult students everyday, real-life examples to help give relevance to the materials.