Teaching Sociology to Non-Traditional Students

• In Event: 487 - Section on Teaching and Learning Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 05. Strategies in Active Learning

Abstract

This presentation describes strategies and suggestions for teaching sociology to non-traditional students. There are unique challenges that come with teaching non-traditional students, such as lack of support, balancing work and school, parenting and studying, as well as social isolation. As a result, these students have unique challenges to face, which traditional students do not have. This presentation offers strategies to improve these students’ likelihood of success in a university setting and future employment. This presentation provides helpful suggestions for teaching adult learners, first-generation college students, international students, students who parent, and who have a mental impairment, such as a learning disability. Finally, this presentation describes the power hierarchy and the bureaucracy system which within academia. These bureaucratic systems are traditionally difficult to comprehend for non-traditional students who lack the cultural and social capital to properly navigate and succeed within academia.

Author

• Lori Hale, Michigan State University