Young Instructor: Adult Learners
I am a 25 year old instructor and I have a number of adult learners who are double my age. Many of them tell me they have kids that are older than me. Although I am confident in my ability and knowledge, they do not always feel the same way. Sometimes I get disrespected because I am supposed to be respecting my elders, so they expect me to give extra to them. How do you overcome age difference between instructor and student, let alone amoung students?
Kira,
I started teaching at 24. That first day was very difficult for me--students giving me the stare down, rolling their eyes, constantly asking about my age.
Age is not something I like to reveal in class. I could just look young :)
However, I understand your issue. It was hard for me at first because they didn't want to listen to me and, since I am very nice, they walked all over me.
You have to toughen up and show them that you really know your stuff. The respect will come and then you can let back on the firmness a bit and be friendly with the students.
Once you've built up a reputation, students will already respect you. :) It's like having street cred...ha ha.
Seriously though, I am turning 27 this year and students come to me, having heard about my class and how fun it is and how fair I am--they actually want to learn now.
Stick it out and you'll be fine! :)
Hi Elinore,
Good way to express your approach to the classroom and your students. This way each students earns your respect and in turn gets respected back. This creates a solid foundation from which the class can function.
Gary
I am a 28 yr old instructor...and to me age is just a number. I show the same respect to all of my students no matter what their age. I am in the medical field, and I explain to the students that when they are dealing with a patient-they could be many years older or many years younger...but both deserve the same respectful treatment. I like to have the students share their life experiences-so we can all learn form one another.
Hi Enid,
Good to hear. I wish you the best in all of your instructional efforts. Sounds like you have a very good understanding of how to work with students of all ages and experience levels.
Gary
I am 25 years old too. And usually the adult learners that are twice my age are my best students. They are responsible and independent in their extern sites. However recently I had a student who had previously been to the extern site that tried to take over the class. These comments have given me good advice on how to earn my students respect.
I also am a younger teacher and have many students older than me and also many students younger than me. I tell everyone on the first day that no matter what, you can learn something from everybody. I try to have all students relate the subject matter to something they have had experience with. With the older students, they will usually speak of how it happened at their job or "back when they were in school". The younger students usually talk about their first job or how it was in high school. Hearing both experiences told, there seems to be a better understanding of the "age-gap". Having each student being able to relate their experiences brings a better connection within the group and they all feel like their contributions were beneficial. It helps us all understand different generations, which is a great way to further everyone's education and be more equipped to either go back into the working world or begin.
Hi Kira,
I admire young instructors that are confident in the area of expertise they are in and the ability they have to demonstrate something new to the "older student". I have heard many positive comments on our young faculty and how well they were liked. I attribute this to good teaching.
Juan M. Martinez
Hi John,
You have shared some good advice for young instructors. The telling them about your life experiences in the field really helps to establish you as an expert in the field no matter your age. This is a key part of earning their respect.
Gary
I know exactly the situation you are in. I started teaching when I was 25 years old as well. The best way I found to work with students that are older is to remain professional and prove that you belong there. Tell & show your students that you know what you are talking about. Give the students real life examples of what you have done in the industry.
Hi Carolyn,
Good way to establish your credentials as an educator but also as the class leader. This way respect and rapport starts from the beginning of the class and builds from there. This really shows the students that you are an experienced expert in your field and that you are going to share that expertise over the coming weeks.
Gary
I'm in my late 30's but (thankfully) get mistaken for much younger. I make it a point at the beginning of each class to ask the students to go around and introduce themselves, and to describe their related experience and education. I wrap up the introductions with my own, which is often enough to establish credibility. The bonus is that the older students get the chance to brag a bit, and the younger students often ask questions and feel more comfortable interacting with them after breaking the ice a bit.
I have had a few older gentlemen with military experience who preferred to call me "sweetheart" or "honey" instead of Professor--that was easy enough to stop with a private conversation that was firm yet polite.
I'm a 27 year old instructor, and many of my students are younger and many are much older. Basically, I find that treating them all professionally and with respect helps them see me for my knowledge rather than my age. I also strive for that "real world" professional relationship and conversational instruction that makes them feel comfortable and challenged at the same time.
Hi Dawn,
Good to hear about your success as an instructor. The key is as you mention to have confidence in your abilities and knowledge. By having confidence you become the class leader and manager. The other parts of instruction will start to fall in place and you will be well on your way to becoming the instructional delivery expert that you want to be.
Gary
I am a 34 year old instructor and find myself in that same position! However, after a couple quarters of teaching under my belt, I feel mcuh more confident. That confidence alone seems to put all of my students at ease. I think it assures them that I know what I am doing.
Hi Aimee,
This is good advice for instructors. Sometimes instructors forget what they are bringing to the classroom--experience and expertise. Everyone needs to keep that in mind no matter their age as they step into the classroom.
Gary
I agree, you must remain fair, but when planning take age differences into consideration. Remember, you may be younger in life years, but you are older and wiser in years of experience for your profession. That is what the students are there for-once you establish yourself as the expert in the field with them, they will respect you no matter what your age.
Hi Kira,
Be fair, consistent and professional in your interaction with your students no matter their age and respect will come to you. When an older student asks for some type of exception in the class reply that is not possible due to the professional requirements of the course and then explain to such students that you don't want them to think less of you by making an exception in their case.
Gary
