Young Students
There are times that younger students do not want to dig into lab projects. I like when i have a few older students because they can help to motivate the younger students.
Jesse,
There might other differences that could indeed be advantages for young students.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I believe the young student has grown up in a much different enviroment. Kids don't take their bicycles apart and trade pieces. Every home near, Has air condition, so they don't leave the confines of the tv. most homes have 1 parent, almost never home, to get involved in some sort of mechanical project. Most High schools don't have a "SHOP" class. Most kids grow with a cell phone and tablet and are "book Smart". Not mechanically inclined.
I dont think that they are unmotivated, its they want instant satisfaction. Young students are use to pushing a botton and getting instant answers and not having to work for it. When it comes to doing labor they are unmotivated.
Joseph,
Why do you think the younger students are unmotivated?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I often find the young students in our automotive labs to be much unmotivated to do lab activities. Grouping them with older students helps balance the group and they seem to keep the younger students on track.
Ashley,
This is so right on. When students are connected to the school through the instructor and their classmates the opportunity for success is greater. Thank you for your post.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I have learned that if we try to understand why they are here and their needs then they are far more likely to succeed. Not only does it let them know that you care but it also opens up a connection between the student and the instuctor on an individual basis which helps you to provide the very best education for them.
Dustin,
Then
Getting to know they reason they are in school would be helpful. Using that information try to help them see a connection between their reason and the education.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The biggest issue that I have seen with a large percentage of the younger students revolves around their perception that they are still taking part in compulsory education.
Ron,
I would agree. We are a machinist training program. When it comes to the CNC portion of the training, the younger ones do excel. It’s all computerized. Blueprint reading and shop fundamentals favor the more mature student.
Kurt,
The younger students are coming to us with a lifetime of experience with the internet, mobile phones, and messaging. The vast majority of educators are not adequately incorporating this background into how they deliver education. It is not a lack of interest as much as it is a need to incorporate their experiences.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have a variety of ages in our program with all different types of backgrounds. I really couldn’t say that younger students are more difficult than the older ones. Anger issues are prevalent among all age groups. If I had one issue with the younger students, I would say they are not as motivated as maybe the older ones. Now I will say that the younger students that have graduated high school rather than receive a GED seem to do much better. I currently have a few “just out of high school†students that are awesome! They are sharp, eager and very motivated. I will say that in general the age group 20-24 seem to be the most challenging.
Laura,
You certainly are dealing with a lot of issues. A proper response is better served in a conversation as opposed to trying to address everything in a post. However, within the context of this course and the Maxknowledge course offerings this aids in the training of instructors. The section of this course addressing adult learners and their learning styles may not list or respond to the specific student issues you mention but these are issues of young adults trying to find a way in life. My suggestion is to address your concerns with your supervisor or campus leadership. Focus on what you have to offer to the students and how best to convey your knowledge and experience. Try to apply the information here to help facilitate student learning. They can learn and can deal with the material.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Most of our students are angry about finances and the perceived value of their education; many of our students are not appropriately screened for placement in our programs and often do not thrive. We also find that we (staff) are not trained educators and are often thrown into environments we are not able to handle well. I have found that many of our students are being asked to handle very adult situations like being homeless, abusive relationships, lacking transportation and finances--and they are tackling this in their young 20's.....they naturally lash out at people they think they have "hired" and are "paying" to obtain a service--a service they do not think they are getting or believe is substandard. In reality many times the service is at least adequate if not excellent and they are unable to emotionally or intellectually handle the material and the requirements.
Thomas ,
Do you inquire why? Are you able to show them how their education will help them deal with some of the issues that make them angry?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
young students i have are very mad at the world
Melvin ,
Do you create groups mixing the older and younger students? Are the older students aware of their influence on the younger students?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
