Affiliation:
1. Angelo State University, USA
Abstract
In post-pandemic higher education, faculty face the challenge of motivating and engaging adult learners in the online learning environment. This chapter provides a theoretical foundation, evidence-based strategies, and tried-and-true examples of mentoring online adult learners to motivate and engage them through their educational journey. The Community of Inquiry framework is introduced as the foundation for online instruction. Adult learning theory provides the foundation for meeting learner needs. The chapter features specific evidence-based strategies that have been successfully implemented in undergraduate and graduate online learning environments as a means of motivating students. These strategies provide opportunities for faculty to provide focused feedback to students by teaching, coaching, mentoring, and guiding them through learning activities involving peer review and self-reflection.