PATHWAY CONNECTION

Atlantic Cape Community College and Rowan College of South Jersey jointly piloted the Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners course. This eight-week asynchronous professional development program launched in April 2024 and was designed to prepare educators to better engage adult learners, particularly those pursuing careers in offshore wind and renewable energy.

The pilot enrolled 27 participants, with 11 completing the program. The course used the “Hints for the Highly Effective Instructor, 5th Edition” textbook and included reading assignments, online discussions, and assessments. Content focused on core instructional strategies, adult learning theories, effective communication, instructional planning, and more.

Participants received traditional grades, a certificate of completion, and an invitation to claim a digital badge. Feedback from the pilot has informed recommendations to extend the course to 12 weeks and to offer future cohorts grouped by industry to encourage sharing of sector-specific insights.