Adult education classes made fun

Looking for feedback on the business idea of adult education made fun for adults. Years ago, I use to teach part-time for a company called “Fun Ed”. The classes were not your typical college class. A class could be 1-3 days, a crash course in some type of topic, like “Computer for Absolute Beginners”, “How to play Bridge”, “Technology for Dummies”, “Start an online business” and many more.

I have had my own business before and would be doing some of the training. They paid the instructor about $100-$120/class, but the instructor could follow-up with the students to be hired for addition consulting services outside of class. Looking for any opportunity in this type of business, since I would be competing with Community Colleges/Continuing Education.

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Permalink Reply by John (Jack) Dias on May 20, 2012 at 8:14pm

I am writing up a lesson plan on car maintenance to teach as an adult/community enrichment class through the Jr. College. I still have to approach the college board once I have the plan complete. I am using resources from the Govt. printing dept. and some other places. I don't plan on making a lot of money but a little extra is nice and I will meet more people and make new contacts. Sometimes just making the right contact(s) is worth the time and effort. BTW I was thinking of calling the class "Hoe to keep your car longer than your student loan."

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Permalink Reply by Connie Foster on May 21, 2012 at 4:45am

Michael -- Sounds like a great idea. My sister and niece are currently in a cooking class, my friend in an art class. I think there are many adults out there interested in fun learning versus boring college classes. For the computer classes, do you have a location that provides computer and internet access?

Best of luck to you!

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Permalink Reply by Michael Deason on May 21, 2012 at 7:55am

We are wanting to move from TX to TN. Currently, don't have a location yet, but have a few ideas.

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Permalink Reply by Travis Scott on May 22, 2012 at 8:13am

Cool idea! You could probably even teach classes for people to learn how to use their iPhones, iPads, or lap tops better. Then you could teach a couple classes at a Panera and have the students bring their own equipment. Just an idea. Good Luck

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Permalink Reply by Michael Deason on May 22, 2012 at 8:08pm

I am already teaching some classes along this line for a Senior Adult program at a community college in Dallas, but looking about bring the idea to TN. www.MichaelsClass.com

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Permalink Reply by Terry Hadaway on May 23, 2012 at 2:49pm

I believe this is a great idea. So many "adult educators" know little about the differences between the ways children learn and the ways adults learn. When adults enter a class where the teacher employs adult educational principles, they will keep coming back for more.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Marks on May 26, 2012 at 4:55pm

Great idea, Michael! Education should be fun at any age.

From your website, it appears you are currently targeting those 65+. I would imagine you could expand your audience to younger adults, too? I like the idea Travis suggested of having a session at a local Panera (or coffee house) to demonstrate practical applications for the technology.

A slightly different idea expanding on your adult education idea related to technology topics...

I find much of the technology today is second nature to my kids. You may be able to structure some classes with parents/children or grandparents/grandchildren where the younger generation participates in teaching their parents/grandparents. This would not necessarily help you with follow-on work, but could be used to bring the different generations together and provide value add to your services. From this you could probably also build some templates/tools/exercises to package up and promote on your website to further expand those you help.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Deason on May 27, 2012 at 8:33pm

I have a few traditional college students who take my class as an elective. In Dallas County, if you are 65+ and own property, they get 6 credit hours for free per semester. If I have enough senior adult students for a class, then class makes, if I don't have enough for a class, then I don't get paid. That is why I try and market myself to the senior adults students.

Thanks for the suggestion.