The Skillful Teacher

Apparent Irrelevance of the Learning Activity
People will generally resist activities for which they see no justifi-
cation. If the learning that students are asked to undertake seems
to have no purpose or connection to their own interests and 
Responding to Resistance
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concerns, they may well resist it. This holds true for all kinds of stu-
dents, but it is particularly apt for adults who have entered college
after a period in the workforce. For such students college demands a
heavy price. If someone has dipped deep into their financial reserves,
taken out massive student loans, resigned from a secure job, under-
gone all kinds of convolutions to arrange child care or work coverage
while they are learning, and also faced resistance from unsympathetic
spouses, friends, or colleagues, then they are going to be frustrated
and annoyed if they think that they are being asked to perform exer-
cises or undertake assignments that have no meaning for them.