The effects of increasing numbers of mature students on the pedagogical practices of lecturers in the institutes of technology

This article is concerned with the effects that growing numbers of mature students have on the pedagogical practices of lecturing staff in the Institutes of Technology in Ireland. It is predicted by the Commission on the Points System and Mature Students that mature student enrolment may reach 15% by 2006, increasing to 25% by 2015. Lecturers in the institutes have primarily designed courses, employed teaching approaches, strategies and methods of assessment for a student who is 18 years of age and has just completed the Leaving Certificate. Mature students do not fall within these parameters, and have approaches to learning and pedagogical needs that are quite distinct from the mainstream student. It is important that the needs of this cohort of students are recognised. A small survey of lecturers from various Institutes of Technology, using semi-structured interviews, was undertaken to ascertain the level of understanding and insight they have towards mature students and how their pedagogical approach may have been extended to include both the mature and mainstream students within the learning environment. While respondents revealed a high level of awareness towards the needs of adult learners, reflecting many of the theories and approaches expounded by educational theorists, it was found that incorporating growing numbers of mature students into mainstream classes presents many unprecedented challenges for which little or no provision has been made in terms of staff development.