Session: Introduction

Preparation

• Print class rolls for the teachers or gather paper and pencils.
  
  
• Order copies of the book Understanding Today's Adults: 25 Years and Older (allow three weeks for delivery) or print the contents page and make copies.
  
  
• Provide name tags if the participants do not know each other.

Reflect and Practice

1. As participants arrive, distribute the class rolls or ask them to write down the names of the adults in their class or group. Guide them to keep this list with them during the group discussions so they can consider how the information is true of the individuals in their groups.
   
   
2. Distribute copies of this book or the contents page to participants. Ask participants to share what they would like to learn about the adults in their groups. Refer them to the contents page. As a group, determine the order of sections the group will discuss.
   
   
3. Encourage the members of your group to read before each session the section to be discussed during the session. The group experience will be enhanced by individuals reading the section to prepare themselves for the discussion. Have a season of prayer to give each person an opportunity to make a commitment to understand the adults in his or her group.
   
   
4. Depending on which section your group decided to discuss first, ask them to share what they know about the subject and what they want to learn during the next session. For example, if your group decided to reflect on the section "Adults and Learning," ask them to share a learning experience in their own lives that changed their behavior. Ask, "What do you want to learn about learning as we read this week and reflect next time?"
   
   
5. Close the session with a prayer concerning personal needs and concerns of participants. Remind participants to read the section for the next session.