Different age groups
Being a clinical instructor I get a variety of different age groups. Through this topic I learned to better understand that adults may have a harder time with grasping the info due to them not being in school for a while. I will need to be detailed in what I teach with each age group.
Well said Pam...I agree. I often team older and younger students together for projects.
I have observed this often benefits both.
The older students gain insight on "todays"
methods of learning and the younger ones gain
some skills on how to blend experience with
course material.
The range of age with the students I deal with are very far apart, and from my time teaching them, its been a challenge to seek what works best as far as a teaching method. I find with older students, They tend to be more focused and dedicated than the young students, which makes it easier for them to grasp what I teach. The younger bunch has a harder time retaining new information, and just listening for that matter. Finding creative ways to have the younger bunch take more notes is my goal.
I would have to agree with you Pam when having older students the class runs more efective
James,
This is a very important part of teaching success. Recognizing and utilizing the background experiences of students helps to get them integrated into the class setting and earns their respect as well. This forms a supportive learning foundation for them to operate from throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have very large and diverse age group from about 21 yrs. to 65 yrs. old, with many having a military background. From a teaching point of view, I need to constantly realize what experiences each student has in order to facilitate the learning experience.
Tammie,
You are a great example for your students in that you were able to complete school in addition to meeting the responsibilities that you had personally. This information will be valuable to your students as they struggle with the demands of school and life outside of being a student. Keep inspiring them to complete their programs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like having a variety of ages in my class, the experience of the older students helps with the younger students
I was also an adult leaner when I got my degree. I thought to myself several times, "what am I doing here at my age, with four kids at home" but I soon realized that I was able to do it with the help of my teachers and support staff at home. I think you just need reassurance that you CAN do it by anyone and everone you come in contact with. I use this story many times in my classroom with my adult learners.
Tracey,
Glad to hear it. You are a role model for your students because you were an adult learner that was successful as a result of your effort and dedication to being a successful college student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was actually an adult learner when I finished my degree. I was intimadated at first but was very focused compared to before when I went to college at 18. So this information, I feel was very accurate.
Adina,
Adults being a lot of life experience to the classroom as you know but they sometimes have a hard time of translating those experiences into a useable format for the course. You can do them a great service by helping them to do so. Also, if you can give them some strategies for note taking or graphic organizers you will be helping them a lot because they have forgotten some of their student skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
