"Older" students aiding "Younger" students
One thing I have tried is when I see a “younger” or less mature student in the class having issues I will try and get an “older” or mature student to almost mentor or help them. I try to link ethnicity and gender if possible – this has worked very well especially with some behavioral issues.
Hi Justin,
I would continue to pair students as you are doing. I would make sure though that you instruct the pairs in such a way that the younger students can be of help to the older ones, and vice versa. This way both groups can save face and feel that they are contributing to the knowledge base of the other group.
Gary
I teach graphic design and found that I usually do the opposite. I'll pair a younger and older student so the younger student can help the older student understand the software better. It's usually the older student that will become frustrated with the program when he or she can't figure out how to perform an action, and they sometimes express to me that they feel too old to be in a design field. I always encourage them to stick with it and once they learn all the functions their maturity will give them an advantage in the design field. Do you think pairing them with a younger student will help or embarrass the older student?
I agree, sometimes I have noticed the older students don't have the "time" for dealing with the younger students as they don't always want the same outcomes.
For my younger students this class is the first time they have made a decision about what they want to do with their life and finding the safe comfort zone with their peers is too important.
This is my challenge.
Hi Kelvin,
Thanks for sharing this perspective. This is a "heads up" notice for all instructors. They really need to "read" their students throughout the course.
Gary
recently I have found older students are not going in the same direction as the younger students. I teach in an environment that lets the students see what the curriculum has been training them for. I see the older students leaning away form the fast paced side of the industry and the younger looking for that fast/exciting pace. I guess what I am trying to say is that sometimes the two "groups" have different goals and it is something to keep an eye on.
Hi Lev,
Good method to use. This will give each pairing a proper mix so each student will benefit from the work they do together.
Gary
Rather then using age or gender I use maturity level as a guide for pairing
Hi Karen,
Good example of cross peer tutoring. Yes, I have had success with it working both ways. This is to the advantage of both age groups because they get the opportunity to develop respect for what each brings to the learning site.
Gary
I know that having a older student help mentor a younger student is a great way of building relationships in class, but I have had equal sucess in having a younger student step up and tutor a older student in areas such as math or computer technology. Some of my older students are not computer savvy, so having someone helping them, even if that student is younger, helps alieve some of the stress. Have you had this kind of success?
I have used this tactic also, mixing age and gender groups. The students who are 'mixed' seem to interact and learn at a more mature level than groups of same ages. Also, many of the older students get over much of their fears of college while interacting with younger students.
