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More and more adults are returning to college or university after an extended absence, writes The Globe and Mail's Naja Sayej in "Battle of the Ages--At a Campus Near You." These mature students can face an array of challenges, from interacting with their younger peers to juggling family and career commitments with studying. The following back-to-school tips for mature students will help those returning to school make the transition successfully. Tutoring for Mature Students Many universities have learning centres at which students can access free resources, workshops, and tutoring services. Mature students should consider booking several tutoring sessions early in the year to help them transition into their new environment. There may even be tutors available who specialize in learning issues facing mature students. It may be useful to ask specifically for advice in the following areas, which can pose challenges for mature students who have been out of school for some time: note-taking strategies juggling school and other life priorities (career, family, etc.) how university writing differs from business writing Studying On or Off Campus Another good tip for mature students is that it's best to study on campus rather than at home, where it is all too easy to be distracted by life's other priorities. After class, they should book time to head to one of the library's quiet study spaces and, once there, turn off their phones and hit the books. Those who are unable to study on campus should create a study oasis at home. Choose a quiet room or corner of the house away from distractions like the television and computer. Mature students should view study time the same way they view class time: as an important, and fixed, part of their schedule. This will make it more difficult to fall behind on readings and assignments. School Supplies for Mature Students It can be difficult for mature students to determine what to bring to their classes. The learning environment has changed rapidly in recent years, and many students rely almost solely on electronic devices such as laptops and Blackberries to take notes and keep track of their schedules. However, many students still prefer to take notes the old-fashioned way, and those who are less tech-savvy will not look out of place using a notebook and pen during lectures. Mature students might consider purchasing an agenda book or calendar that can be used solely for school assignments. This will make it easier to compartmentalize and prioritize a college workload and prevent other tasks and priorities from taking over. Visual learners may benefit from pinning a separate calendar above their home workspace that clearly displays assignment due dates and exams. How Generational Differences Affect Learning Different generations view learning in different ways. It may be useful for mature students to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the generation that dominates most campuses – that is, Generation Y or the "millenials" (those born after 1982). According to Diana Oblinger in her EDUCAUSE Review article "Understanding the New Students," the following traits are often true of those in the "millenium" generation: fascination with new technology preference for group activities desire for structure positive attitudes used to constant multi-tasking These are broad distinctions, of course, and not all will be true for every millenial. However, understanding the general differences in perspective and attitude between learners of different ages will help those returning to school interact successfully with their fellow students. Returning to school after an extended absence can present challenges; however, with foresight and planning, mature students can make the transition with ease. Adult learners should remember that they have an advantage over many of their peers in terms of life experience and maturity, and as such are well-equipped to succeed.
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