The Great Adult Ed Challenge: Teaching the Hidden Rules of Employment

The magic of workforce education is in the fact that adult students are already literate in their first and possibly second language and their lives are filled with a tremendous amount of experience. They need to learn to translate the richness of their lives into the development of English and other employability skills.

To speed this process, they often share their knowledge among each other. Their lives are intertwined on social media platforms like Instagram. As they proceed from one language level to another, they accumulate a relatively large number of acquaintances. They also gain reputation as experts in different aspects of life in the US.

This fact is multiplied by the collectivist mindset that they bring with them from their original countries. They are quick to recognize that, for example, if their car is broken, a classmate's cousin is well-versed in cars and can fix nearly anything for much less.

Paradoxically, the same mindset that helps students survive, can sometimes prohibit them from further growth. For many of them, it is nearly impossible to comprehend the American individualistic approach to life, especially the fact they have to accept their share of responsibility. For example, it is easier for a large segment of adult student population to learn English, pass employment certification exams, and find a job than keep that job by being punctual, considerate, and flexible.

It seems that in order to instill work readiness skills in adult students, schools must adopt clear rules that translate well into the life of any American employee. While adult students need every chance to help them achieve their American dream, they must receive pedagogical support that will sustain that dream.

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Social Media and Adult Education

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