The next Maynooth University Open Days take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November. Any and all potential students are welcome.
However, if you are an adult considering returning to education, you may be a little unsure if university is for you. We spoke to Dr Derek Barter, the Continuing Education Co-ordinator of Maynooth University’s Department of Adult and Community Education. He gives us the lowdown on heading back to education as a mature student.
Learning is learning, isn’t it? How does adult education differ?
The Department of Adult and Community Education in Maynooth University takes a very different approach to teaching and learning than a lot of people will have encountered through their previous educational experiences. We value the knowledge that people bring with them from their everyday life and work with the student to bring them through the learning process.
Could you explain?
Mature students have life experience that can be very valuable. Anyone who has been working, either formally or as a full-time parent learns skills along the way. These could be budgeting, time management or conflict resolution. In addition, being older gives you a different way of approaching problems. All of this can be very useful when returning to education.
When you are at school learning is a very top down process. This sounds more like an equitable exchange.
Yes, it is. Some of the key words that adult educators use in their work are respect, democracy and transformation. Putting these ideas into practice in a learning environment is exciting but can also be a challenge to people returning to education after a period of time and especially if this is their first venture into higher education.
What would you suggest for someone who is nervous about returning to education?
My first advice is to find out more about it. Making contact with a university, if you’ve never done it before, can be a daunting task but in our department in Maynooth University we are very happy and well used to speaking with people who are thinking about coming back to education. The Open Days in Maynooth on the 24 and 25 of November are perfect for Adult students who are curious about what’s available and what is their best option. I will be giving a number of talks on the Night Time degree in Local Studies/Community Studies and our other Part-time courses. I will also be working with our colleagues from the Mature Student access office on alternative routes into higher education and the adult learner experience.
How to apply
Applications for part-time evening degree (MH803) Local Studies/Community Studies through the CAO is open now. A talk on MH803 plus a CAO application process will take place on Friday 24 10.50-11.20 and Saturday 25 11.50-12.20.
For Certificates, Diplomas, CPD, please click here. You can also contact Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or Kay.Loughlin@nuim.ie.
For more information, see Maynooth University’s profile.
