In his book, "The Skillful Teacher," Stephen Brookfield argues that "college students of any age should be treated as adults" (2015, p. 23). Whether fresh out of high school or returning to post-secondary as a mature learner to work toward a new career, independent students want to be respected, want to understand the significance and relevance of what is asked of them, and have confidence that their teacher is both competent and trustworthy.
As an aerial teacher, I teach both adults and children, but I prefer to treat all my students as adults. Unlike grade school, aerial students can opt in and out of classes. Anyone taking my class has chosen me as their instructor. They show up because they desire to learn. In this way, whether child or adult, my students fulfill the assumptions of Malcom Knowles' theory of andragogy.
They are self-directed; they come with relevant experiences that contribute to their learning. They want to understand how learned information has practical application. They are intrinsically motivated. They desire the knowledge and skills I offer.
Aside from the parallels between Brookfield and Knowles, I think that it is appropriate for me to treat all my students as adults because aerial circus arts are a physically dangerous activity. Students need to trust that I know what I'm doing and communicating everything necessary to them. I need to trust that my students will follow my instructions and make responsible choices for their own bodies.
This mutual relationship of trust between me and my students protects them as they learn scary and cool tricks and it protects me from unnecessary liability as their coach.
I have several consistent students in their teens and even younger and I think they appreciate the way I communicate with them - showing trust and giving responsibility. It's also fun to watch their progress both as aerialists and people!
Brookfield, S. (2015). The Skillful Teacher. (3rd Ed.) Jossey-Bass.
Rusconi, G. (2025). Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning Theory | Principles & Assumptions. Cloud
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Comments