Adult Learners “Teaching International Relations Theory to Adult Learners”

Thurston compares teaching IR theory to younger and older working adults by highlighting differences in the students’ prior learning and access to information technology and how these impact learning and teaching. Prior learning impacts a student’s flexibility of thought. Older working adults understand basic security concepts and how theory impacts decision-making, but they often favor Realism as their worldview. Younger working adults may not understand basic security concepts, but they are more open to alternative (critical) theories. Younger working adults are less financially stable and therefore often lack the IT access that older students enjoy. Different access to technology requires extra effort in finding alternative learning materials on IR theory. Thurston addresses teaching materials and accommodations for both sets of students and provides an example of a class discussion on IR theory and a writing assignment that applies theory to the U.S. National Security Strategy.