Challenges of varying student age
A wide range in age within a single classroom often seems daunting. The differences in learning styles and technological manipulation can create a lapse in a group's ability to retain information and keep up with the course. However, a strong professional image and the use of several different instructional styles can act as the glue to hold together an entire classroom, regardless of age.
Richard,
This is a tough situation. Have never had that in my teaching experience. Yes, it would be hard to leave their positions at the door. Sounds like you have developed a way of encouraging participation by all students that has met with general success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My classes contain students ranging in age from approximately 24 to 50. In several instances, the younger members of my class work/report to some of the older ones outside of the classroom. This sometimes causes the younger students to minimize their participation/responses based on their "junior" position. I tell my students in the beginning to leave their job-positions outside the classroom in order to gain the full benefit of my classes. Sometimes this is much easier said that done.
Michelle,
I put my diverse aged students into work groups composed of the different ages. Then I assign them problems or case studies to work through. This strategy enables all age groups to contribute to the solutions based upon their knowledge and life experiences. It doesn't take long before respect starts to develop due to what each person contributes to the solution. It is at this point age starts being removed as a factor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jacob,
Right you are. Students need to learn how to work with individuals from all age groups and backgrounds. It is a part of the workplace and we all need to be able to be successful in it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that the difference in age (maturity) causes a "split" in the class. The motivations are different. My older students are putting themselves through school and my younger students parents are paying for their schooling so the way they view the classes are very different. Any advice on how to "close the gap?"
I see how this diversity could be a problem but also how it could be an asset to them. It reflects more of a real world environment.
