I am also younger than many of my students, and I find that outlining my experiences in the field and my educational background helps establish that I do, in fact, know what I'm talking about. I do get the occasional "you think that because you are young," but I am often able to give concrete examples that support my opinions, I believe that helps.
Matthew-
I also began teaching college-level courses at a young age, however I learned (through experience) that "universal respect" and knowledge of content outweigh initial perceptions. For instance, during the first weeks of class, individual perceptions are the dominant factor in determining relationships with instructors and students. Eventually, your knowledge of content will become more important to the student, than your age.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing these words of encouragement with us. This information is going to be valuable to new instructors.
Gary
I agree Matthew. I too am younger and have taught the past two semesters to a few students are older than me. It is a little awkward sometimes - but I do think they share a lot of good experiences as well. And it is a learning environment for everyone.
I wondered the same thing when I started teaching (i.e. issue of respect with older students). I have found students older than me as their instructor to be nothing but respectful, hard-working, and delightful. In my experience it's the very young students who can be a handful at times due to entitlement or disciplinary issues. However, I've found as long as students can see your heart is in the right place (i.e. you truly want the best for them) they are generally great to work with!
Like several of the participants in this forum, I have been teaching for a very long time and remember the pitfalls and problems in teaching older students. Now, sometimes, I have the problem with convincing the younger ones that what I am teaching is relevant, that I am not the source of all knowledge and that I too am still learning. I like your point of letting them know that you are aware on many levels...and my younger students need to know that I am aware of their world, and that they do not feel the course is solely geared to making them aware about mine.
Yes, thank you for pointing this out! I teach many students, some of them in my age bracket and some of them much older than me.
I agree, it is about teaching while respecting the students. Sometimes explaining a subject matter that you have expertise in can make you come across as arrogant if the student views you as a peer rather than a teacher. It's important to establish respect with the students so they know you are not there to compete with them (especially if you are the same age), but are there to help them and want them to succeed.
Hi Meghan,
Thank you for your response. You have outlined a very comprehensive approach to the hows and whys of working with students.
Your last sentence really sums it up. This establishes you as an expert in your field with the instructional ability to help the students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for success. With your help it is up to them to put forth the effort it takes to be successful in the course.
Gary
What a valid point you have!! I am 31 and although most of my students are in my peer group, I have several who could be my parents!
I think you're correct in stating that we must find a balance while showing we are knowledgable. I find that often times reminding the students that I have been in their shoes is helpful. I may say "I know this is a tough test to study for; you may feel overwhelmed; we are going to work through this together...I know how you must feel, etc."
I think reminding students also that they're in charge of their grade while still encouraging them to do their best is also tough. As a teacher we are met with numerous excuses that we must also learn to balance. I feel part of the learning process not only for us as teachers but also for our students, is to teach them classwork and LIFEwork!
Creatively, I must also meet the needs of each learning style in the classroom. I try to use a kinesthetic approach but find that doesn't always work with each group. Sometimes I have to shift my personal teaching style to meet the needs of the students.
Collectively, I think my point is this: I remind my students that although I am young - I am aware! Not only am I aware of my subject matter, I am also aware of different learning styles, methods of teaching and approaches because I've been in their shoes.
Hi Matthew,
Your choice of the word "guide" is a perfect example of setting a tone that you are there to help students through the process of learning vs. the "sage on the stage" approach to teaching. :) You sound like an excellent teacher!
It has been nice for me to have some sort of format built into the classroom where students can make contributions from their experiences and perspectives, regardless of their age. In this way, I get to hear from and learn new things from my students. The "older" students have the opportunity to really share experiences, wisdom and at the same learn new things from the younger generation in the classroom.
-Eleanor
Yes there is a very fine line. As the instructor you have to set the tone. Most the students that I teach are in my age bracket (30's) and have been trying to test me. It has been a learnig process but I am getting there.
I am also youger then most of my students and feel that there need to be that balance of equal respect. So that they do feel that they are getting someone that dose not have the knowledge to teach them.
Due to my abilities, I have been educating people since I was 21 (almost 32rs ago)
I am acknowledged as a maven in my field.
I made a lot of mistakes early on trying to 'force' education onto people who were, in many cases, set in their ways and often actively hostile to change in the workplace. (This was prior to ‘formal’ teaching in an educational establishment)
I found it is easier to teach people who have fewer preconceived ideas, no matter what age they are.
Very well put Matt. I agree. The level of respect is very significant. The age does not need to be an issue because you as an instructor have earned the right to teach. Teaching older students as a young instructor shows that there are new and innovative ways to spread the knowledge. Also there are students who are not so keen on technology and updated software, so this helps that you are an instructor in the modern days with much to teach and offer the students.
Matthew: By the time you read this you will have completed the course. But let me respond anyway. First I've been teaching college courses for 28 years. I started when I was in my late 20s. The first thing I had to do was communicate to my students that I knew more about the subject than they did. I'd engage them and make them feel that they were about to learn as much as I knew. By the end of the class we could discuss topics as "peers" and they appreciated that. But they did want to feel that, in the beginning, I was the expert. Good luck in your career. Jim V
Hi Erin,
Good way of establishing your control of the class and how the instruction is going to flow. This way the students will be focused on the content and expertise you are sharing and not your age. This is a sign of good instructor that knows how to manage a class of diverse students.
Gary
I have had issues with students older than me, I started teaching at 22 and I ran into many challenges. Now still only 27 I have found better ways for me to adapt and do preventative maintenance. I teach each student the same as I want to be treated but remind them that there here for my skill and knowledge not how old I am
Hi Tim,
Good point about respect. When respect is shown no matter the age or situation communication is enhanced and understanding expanded.
Gary
Many of my students are older than me too. I've found that I'm able to to use this to bring out there passion, and they like seeing someone who is full of energy. Being respectful is the key.
Hi Jessica,
This can be a challenge but by being well prepared and confident in your classroom approach you can earn the respect of your students no matter what their ages. For the more experienced students use their life experiences as examples. This way they will see that you respect the knowledge they have acquired in life but yet have something to offer them in the course or you wouldn't be the instructor.
Gary
