Returning to school as an adult can be an exciting but sometimes daunting journey, and it’s natural to feel like you’re navigating it alone. However, connecting with other adult learners can provide invaluable support, camaraderie, and motivation. By building a network of like-minded students, you can create a powerful support system that helps you overcome challenges, stay motivated, and succeed. Here’s a guide on how to connect with other adult learners and some useful resources to refresh essential skills in subjects like English, math, and science.
1. Join Adult Learner Groups and Organizations
Many adult learners are returning to school across the nation, and numerous groups are dedicated to supporting them. By joining adult learner groups, you can connect with people who share similar goals and challenges. Here are some ways to find these groups:
- School-Sponsored Groups: Many colleges and universities have clubs, organizations, or online groups for adult learners or non-traditional students. Check your school’s website or contact the student services office to find out what’s available.
- Online Forums: Websites like Reddit (look for subreddits like r/adultlearners or r/GradSchool) and Student Doctor Network have active forums for adult learners where people share advice, experiences, and resources.
- Meetup Groups: Meetup.com is a great platform to find local or virtual groups of adult learners. Many groups focus on academic support, career development, or even specific study fields, such as business, science, or technology.
- Professional Organizations: If you’re studying in a specific field, joining a professional organization related to that industry can be beneficial. For instance, if you’re studying IT, consider joining CompTIA or ISACA, where you can meet other students and professionals in your field.
Building connections with fellow students can reduce the isolation that adult learners sometimes feel and create a network of people who support and understand your journey.
2. Engage in Online Study Communities
Virtual study communities provide a space to study together, ask questions, and discuss course content. These communities are especially useful for adult learners who may not have the same access to campus study groups. Some options include:
- Discord and Slack Channels: Many educational communities and course providers have Discord or Slack channels where students can chat, share resources, and study together. You can find study-specific servers or join public Discord groups based on your program or area of interest.
- Facebook Study Groups: Facebook has many groups specifically for adult learners in different fields. Search for groups like “Non-Traditional College Students” or “Returning to School After 30” to connect with others in similar situations.
- Class-Based Online Groups: Some professors create course-specific groups where students can interact and collaborate on assignments. If this isn’t provided by your school, you could suggest it to your classmates.
- Study Group Apps: Apps like StudyStream connect students for live study sessions and have a global user base. These tools are great for finding “study buddies” who can motivate and support each other, even across different time zones.
- Or participate right here on eduReboot by asking and answering questions.
3. Participate in Online Learning Platforms with Community Features
Online learning platforms often provide community forums, discussion boards, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities. These platforms help you not only to connect with others but also to access study resources:
- Coursera and edX: These platforms offer high-quality online courses in a variety of subjects. Many of these courses have discussion forums where students from around the world interact. If you’re taking courses that relate to your degree, engaging with your peers in these forums can be motivating and educational.
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers networking opportunities through its courses. If you’re taking a course, check the Q&A and comment sections where students often share insights and feedback. You can also connect with classmates on LinkedIn to build your professional network.
- FutureLearn: FutureLearn’s courses include an active comments section where you can discuss course material with other students. The platform also hosts “study groups” for popular topics, giving you an opportunity to learn collaboratively.
Many of these platforms are free or low-cost and allow you to learn at your own pace while engaging with a community of students from around the world.
4. Refresh Essential Skills in English, Math, and Science
As an adult learner, you may need to refresh foundational skills, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. Fortunately, many free online resources are designed specifically for adults looking to brush up on subjects like English, math, and science.
English Skills
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Purdue OWL is a valuable resource for adult learners. It offers comprehensive guides on grammar, punctuation, writing structure, and research skills. Whether you’re working on a research paper or brushing up on essay-writing skills, OWL is a fantastic, free resource.
- Duolingo’s English Test: If English is not your first language, Duolingo’s free resources are excellent for improving your language skills. While the test itself has a fee, their English learning materials are free.
- Grammarly: Grammarly offers free tools to help improve your writing by catching grammar errors and suggesting style improvements. It’s a helpful resource for refining assignments or written communication.
Math Skills
- Khan Academy: Khan Academy provides comprehensive, free lessons in math, covering everything from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. It’s an excellent resource for brushing up on math skills in a structured and easy-to-follow way.
- EdX Basic Math Courses: EdX offers a range of free courses that cover essential math skills. Look for introductory or refresh courses in topics like algebra, statistics, and geometry to rebuild your math foundation.
- Desmos: Desmos is a powerful online graphing calculator that can be incredibly useful for learning or reviewing algebra, calculus, and geometry. It’s especially helpful for visualizing equations and functions.
Science Skills
- CrashCourse on YouTube: CrashCourse offers engaging videos on biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Each video breaks down complex scientific topics into easily digestible lessons, making it ideal for busy adult learners.
- Coursera Free Science Courses: Coursera has a range of free introductory science courses. Popular options include “Introduction to Environmental Science” and “Foundations of Biology.” These courses can provide an excellent refresher if you need foundational knowledge.
- MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT OCW offers free access to MIT course materials, including introductory courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. It’s a valuable resource for those looking to dive deeper into science topics.
These resources provide adult learners with free and flexible ways to sharpen foundational skills and prepare for college-level coursework.
5. Attend Virtual Events and Webinars for Adult Learners
Many colleges and organizations offer virtual events, workshops, and webinars tailored specifically to adult learners. These events provide opportunities to learn about study skills, time management, career planning, and more. Examples include:
- College Open Houses: Many institutions host virtual open houses or orientation sessions specifically for adult learners. These events often cover topics like financial aid, academic resources, and support services.
- Webinars on Academic Skills: Websites like Eventbrite often feature free webinars on topics such as study techniques, academic writing, and test preparation. These webinars are usually led by experts and can help you build skills while connecting with other learners.
- Professional Development Webinars: Many companies and educational organizations offer free webinars on industry-specific topics. Attending these webinars can help you gain knowledge in your field and meet other professionals or students.
- Networking Events for Adult Students: Some organizations, such as the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), offer networking events for adult learners. These events provide a great opportunity to connect with peers and learn about strategies for success as an adult student.
6. Create or Join a Study Group for Accountability
Study groups are a proven way to boost motivation, reinforce learning, and provide accountability. Consider forming a study group with other adult learners from your courses or community. Here’s how to create an effective study group:
- Organize a Virtual Study Session: Use platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams to host study sessions. Set a regular schedule to encourage accountability and create a sense of routine.
- Set Clear Goals for Each Session: Having a specific goal for each study session—whether it’s reviewing a chapter, preparing for a test, or discussing a project—can make study groups more effective and productive.
- Create a Group Chat for Ongoing Support: A group chat on platforms like WhatsApp or GroupMe can provide ongoing support and a place to ask questions, share resources, and stay connected.
Working with others toward common academic goals can provide motivation, encouragement, and structure. Even when studying remotely, knowing you’re part of a team can make a significant difference in your educational journey.
Conclusion
Returning to school as an adult doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. By connecting with other adult learners, joining study communities, attending virtual events, and taking advantage of free online resources, you can build a support network that keeps you motivated and engaged. Additionally, using resources like Khan Academy, Purdue OWL, and CrashCourse can help you refresh essential skills and feel more confident in your studies. Remember, there are countless other adult learners just like you, striving to achieve their goals—and together, you can create a powerful community of support.
