Age Diversity
How to do you deal with two students with a big age difference that are not getting along. Tried having them work together and didn't work.
I think that even though students that have a large difference in age may have different points of view which may cause them to not get along they still have vital information from their perspective to present the rest of the class. I try to put students which have opposing ideas in different study groups to debate the validity of their point of view. In time all of the students will benefit from seeing both sides of the story.
Ana,
I like the way you approach this issue and resolve it. By making it work based you have put the students into a situation where they need to understand how working with individuals of different ages and backgrounds is going to be necessary if they are going to be successful in their career growth. Thank you for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I honestly dont think age difference is the real issue. I believe its more the level of maturity. Age has nothing to do with it. I had this issue before as well. But I continued to partner the students with eachother. I explained how they should think of the classroom as a work setting. We dont always get along with co workers but we need to learn how to put those differences aside and work together as a team. Because I used a real life experience it had a very positive affect.
I have had this issue in my classroom as well. Putting them together or doing group work didn't really relieve any tension between the students. I would try to find some material that both could possibly relate to. Or I could also use some classroom management techniques in showing the importance of everyone here for progression and bettering of our society as a whole. Regardless of age.
Philip,
Great story, thanks for sharing it with us. This is what a learning leader is all about. You were able to draw out this student and let her use her life experiences to be successful. You helped to create a awesome learner by providing the right kind of learning support.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have instructed a course on music production. The older classmate was a stay at home mom. Everyone else was her sons age. She was very shy and I overheard the students saying they dont know why she was taking the course. I will call her Cindy...
I would often listen to each students songs and production and was always impressed with Cindy (stay at home mom's fake name). She felt apprehensive with working with others so I decided I would make a Competition. Everyone in class would submit a song (beat) they had done and we would play them for the class and every one would judge as which one was the best. Cindy won! Afterwards, the students gained a new respect for her and started asking her How she got so good. Her reply was a simple one, " I study and practice when I get home. I am tired of my son paying for beats that I can do myself..."
Her wisdom and insight allowed her to be greatly respected and she even taught me something. Never underestimate anyone regardless of age!
Stanley, I think it may also depend on how you group them together. Try to find a commonality (i.e. work experience/history, goals, even geographic locations, etc.). Adult learners can find that they have something in common, but I think that they need to talk it out first. I am taking classes in the Education Specialist program, and there are some older learners (include myself) in the classes. Since I am already a professor, I have nothing in common with any of the students. However, when I talk with them, and with my teaching experience, I learn quickly how to relate to them when we are in groups working together. :-)
Stanley,
Since putting them together did not work I would assign each of them specific projects that fit within the scope of the course. This way they can focus on the project they have been assigned and hopefully not spend too much time fussing with each other. Separate them physically in the classroom and lab so they can be successful in the course but don't have to work with each other. I would have a talk with them that they are going to find in the workplace people they do not like but must work with so they need to develop skills in getting along with co-workers if they are going to be successful in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
