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How to Choose the Right Learning Opportunity

Ask Yourself Some Questions!

by Traci Becker

As an older adult, you are likely to approach learning in an entirely different way from the way you did when you were younger. 
 
According to Rennie Cohen, Coming of Age’s online learning guide, “Adults typically pursue learning because there is an unfulfilled desire or interest… a longing to learn something new or pick up where you left off at some point in your life.” 
 
But even if the desire is there, that doesn’t guarantee that the pursuit of learning will be challenge-free.

The Basic Questions

"This is a point in your life when you may have the time to pick and choose what you want to learn,” Cohen says.  “You should embrace that. Take advantage of it!”
 
Here, according to Cohen, are some questions to ask yourself:
 
  • Do you want to reawaken skills you’ve let go by the wayside or explore something new and exciting? 
  • Are you looking for an intense, extended learning opportunity or something that “just gets your feet wet?” 
  • Do you want to be with people like you – same age, same lifestyle or interact with people of varying ages, cultures and races? 
 
Another key consideration is your comfort level with the location.  Do you relish the thought of strolling around a college campus and sitting in a lecture hall or does the thought of a college setting – and all those “kids” – put you off? 
 
Maybe a community learning situation is more comfortable for you… a place that’s somewhere in the neighborhood where you may see familiar faces. 
 
“If you feel comfortable in the environment, you’ll get much more out of the experience,” says Cohen.

Where to Go to Get What You Want

Once you know what and where you want to learn, you should access tools— like the Coming of Age learning opportunities search engine   — that can help you determine where courses, classes, lessons, etc. are offered. 
 
Say you’re interested in art lessons… do you want to take them at a local art center, a city art school, at a university or at a senior center? 
 
While art lessons are offered at all of these places, you have to go where the skill level and work intensity fit your needs.  Also be sure the time demands match what you can – and want – to commit to.  These criteria apply to almost any learning opportunity out there. 
 
Indeed, adult learning opportunities are offered in many settings, including:
 

Other Important Considerations

  • Are you able to drive? 
  • How far are you willing or able to travel?
  • Do you need transportation? 
  • Can you easily leave the house? 
 
All of those things will help determine the kind of learning opportunity you should pursue.  If limited mobility or other matters keep you from heading out on the town to a class, don’t forget about the many online and telephone educational opportunities online available today.  But, if you can go where you want when you want, a trip for a weekly class or even daily courses may be just the ticket.
 
And once you’ve chosen a possible learning location:
 
Ask questions of the organization before you sign up for a class or lessons.  Will you have an interactive experience?  Will they help you determine whether you have the talent or aptitude needed for the work? 
 
Also, encouragement from your family is important.  Let them know what you want to do and that it’s important to you so, simply stated, you’d appreciate their support.
 
And never feel as though you are locked into a situation.  Even once you make your choice about where and what your learning experience will be, you have the freedom to change your mind and call it quits and look for another learning opportunity that better suits you. 
 
“That’s one of the benefits of being older and pursuing learning for learning’s sake.” Cohen says.  “You’re doing it for yourself, so be sure you— and you alone are satisfied with your decision.”