Age Differences
There is an obvious definitive line between the values and needs of the younger and the "wise" (older) students. As their instructor who is 40, I often have to reach back into my memories to help me relate to my younger "kids", while at the same time I try to draw from my own elders' experiences to understand my older ones. Being 40 is a wonderful age to teach at this educational level as it makes it easy to be the bridge between both. I also find it very enjoyable being the "translator" in this interactive social scenario I refer to as "my class".
Phyllis,
Thank you for sharing this peer example. Your older student did not have any problem "helping" the younger student to understand the value of what was being taught and how the content was going to help in career development. This is one of the reasons I like having my older students in class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to ask the older students to tell us how things were in their youger days as compared to the experiences of the younger students today. Often they have little knowledge of each others world. I have overheard an older student pull a younger loud and sarcastic student aside and ask him what he expected to get out of the class and how he thought it would help him by behaving badly. I didn't hear the rest of the conversation, but the young student was much more aappropriate after that interaction.
Katherine,
Thank you for sharing your experience and how you handled the situation. You are right on with your approach as you are the learning leader and you must be in charge of how the content will flow and the class develop.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am 33, and I have had a similar 'butterflies' experience when initially teaching older students.
Once I realized that my hesitation to speak up, when they got off topic, or rein-in their side comments was based in my own sense of 'being young' I was able to actively re-orient myself to the reality that young in years (comparatively) is very different than being young in knowledge of the field and work experience. :)
After that, being confident with my students has been a matter of making sure I am well prepared for presenting the material each session AND being open to acknowledge and respect all of our contributions to the program.
Eric,
You make a good point because I still have a lot of middle schools students that enroll in my college courses, or at least I think that is their maturity level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree as well, typically the older students are there knowing that this education is much more important to them than it is to make friends and make people laugh like high school
I agree! The older students usually do set good examples for the younger students. But I have also noticed they have less tolerance and patience for the younger dis-respectful students.
I feel a classroom with various age groups are wonderful. The older adult students seem to motivate the younger ones. They seem to always offer encouragement and motivation.
The older ones sometimes help the younger ones feel more motivated in completeing
Lorena,
Some may question your youth but if you establish yourself as a well prepared educator with career experience they will quickly forget your age. The key is being the learning leader in the class and when you are the students will follow your lead and become engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being 28...the average age of the career college student...it can be tough setting yourself up as an expert in the field. While I love it and I believe that my enthusiasm helps I do wonder what my students feel about having a young instructor.
The age of students are a huge factor in the classroom. The older students usually are helpful in setting examples for younger students about discipline and responsibility.
Susan,
You are truly at a wonderful place as an instructor due to your age. Your analysis of how you are using your life experiences to relate to both sectors/generations of your students is well developed. I know your students value your approach and wisdom of using contributions from both sectors to move the class forward in learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
