myBama
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Guidelines for OLLI Instructors and Presenters

Arrival: Instructors/Presenters should arrive 15 minutes before the start of the class. This will allow time to test the AV equipment, put on the lapel mic and be prepared to start on time. If you are picking up requested handouts, please allow extra time.

Vision and Hearing: Be mindful that some class members may have hearing and/or vision limitations. To accommodate, we ask that you use the large font on PowerPoint slides, repeat the student’s question to the entire class before answering their question, and use a microphone (lapel mic or podium mic).

Controversial Topics: Instructors whose course content or class discussions may be controversial or where students may have strong feelings (such as politics, economics, race, and religion) we ask that you address this at the beginning of the first class. As the instructor, please remind the students that the OLLI program exists to promote lifelong learning and students must be respectful of others, should not argue with each other, or monopolize class time. If a student continues to monopolize the class time, suggest that he/she continue the conversation with you after class. Please contact OLLI program coordinator Lois Strachan lstrachan@ua.edu if any issues arise.

Handouts: If you have a handout for us to print, please email the class material to OLLI program assistant Rachel Smith, rsmith21@ua.edu, a few days before the class. The material will be copied and put in the facilitator packet or placed outside the OLLI office. If you would like to have the handout material emailed to the class members, please let her know.

Class Facilitator: Most courses will have a member of the class serve as the class facilitator. The facilitator will assist in the classroom and serve as a liaison with the OLLI office. In the first class, the facilitator will welcome the attendees, share general housekeeping information and introduce the instructor. Other tasks include taking attendance, making announcements, keeping track of time and calling for an AV technician when needed. Your facilitator will meet you in the classroom and assist you as needed.

Room Assignments: The OLLI program coordinator makes the classroom assignments based on the available space and classroom needs. If you have special classroom considerations, please let the office know in advance.

Available Technology/Audio Visual: Courses taught at Bryant Conference Center will have state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment available for use. Classrooms are set up to include a presentation display (digital screen), laptop computer at the podium, internet access, and a microphone. Instructors are encouraged to put their presentations on a jump drive. If you are using your own computer or Mac, or showing a DVD, you may want to do a test run. If you have special requests, please contact the OLLI Office.

AV Equipment and Training: Before your first class, instructors may make an appointment with the OLLI staff to review the classroom and AV equipment.

Evaluations: Course evaluations are sent to students at the end of the course. Please encourage students to complete the evaluations. If you want a copy of the evaluation, please make the request to the OLLI office.

New Courses: We invite you to share ideas and proposals for new courses. Please discuss these with the coordinator who recruited you, the Curriculum Chair or the OLLI office staff.

Class Cancellations: If you are not able to teach on your scheduled day/time, contact the OLLI office as soon as possible 205-348-6482 or 205-657-2700, or email OLLI program coordinator Lois Strachan at lstrachan@ua.edu. We can discuss if there is an appropriate substitute or rescheduling options. The OLLI staff will notify class members and the venue representative.

Class Date or Location Changes: In case of a change of date or location, please contact the OLLI staff to discuss this before any announcement is made to the class members. The OLLI staff is responsible for notifying class members about any changes.

Class Format for Most Classes at Bryant Conference Center: Although there is no single course format, instruction using a lecture/demonstration format and an opportunity to ask questions has been most popular with members. Giving assignments should be carefully considered and treated as suggestions only. Reading suggestions are appropriate. There are no tests and no grades in OLLI courses.

To give each instructor their full allotted time, please be mindful to start and end your class on the schedule. Most days there is a full schedule with a 15-minute gap between classes.

What can you expect from adult learners in the classroom?

  • Expect an informal and friendly atmosphere.
  • Students are eager to learn and will want to ask questions.
  • Student’s comments will add value to the class.

Tips on teaching/presenting to adult learners:

  • Be prepared.
  • Start on time and end on time.
  • Briefly introduce yourself and get to know your students.
  • Invite students to suggest additional resources or readings.
  • Invite students to share personal experiences relevant to the topic and as time permits.

Prepare to have a good time while interacting with a wonderful group of lifelong learners! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Classes held at facility partner locations, i.e., Pickleball in a gym or painting in a studio, may require special considerations. Please let us know your needs so we can make accommodations.

OLLI Staff:

General OLLI Information: