adult vs kids
I have had the opportunity to teach bout younger kids and adults; I find in easier for me to work with adults. I agree they are more motivated and goal orientated but you must listen to them and acknowledge their questions with respect. I find that if they see no value to the material they will not participate but when they see how the information or lesson impacts their life they are eagerly motivated to participate.
Hi Fred,
Yes, rules must apply to everyone. No one is exempt from the rules. Being fair is a must.
Patricia Scales
I agree with Brandon. However, I often find that the older students sometimes think that the rules of the class are for the "kids" and do not pertain to them. This is especially true of students 30-40 years of age. Usually an explanation that rules apply to everyone equally gets the message across.
Hi Robert,
We also have to remind some adults that they must keep their eyes on the prize and anything worth having is worth working toward.
Patricia Scales
Hi LeAnn,
Students really do get excited when they fully understand what is in it for them. Everyone wants benefits.
Patricia Scales
And communicate this to your diverse audience - so all students know what is in it for them.
The adult student already understands the value of what they are learning and expect to get everything they are paying for.
The "kid" is a different story...you must keep showing them the value of their education and remind them to keep their eye on the prize.
Hi Brandon,
Students are students. No two students are the same. As instructors we have to learn how to deal with the various types of students. We have a challenging job to be able to manage the fifferent personalities. Classroom managment is important.
Patricia Scales
Age? does not matter in my opinion. Every class has a first day and a last day. The first day is the most important, you as an instructor can see that in the room is three types of students 1) "Prisoner" 2)"Clown" 3)"Learner" your job is to indentify how to connect with the class to engage them. First Let the prisoner out give him or her the chance to NOT feel like they have to be here but on their own want to be here, 2 the clown is only here to make jokes and people to laugh, which is fine if done at the right time. The instructor can control the clown and use to your benifit, the clown can make the class fun 3 the learner is here for one thing and that is to learn(serious face all the time), and the class will recognize them as well so ask the learner questions during class waiting for the clown and prisoner to speek out and only waiting to engage those conversations between the three of them, its a small war at first but when they begin to talk to each other they recognize they are all in the class for the same thing (to Learn). obviously not to forget about the rest of the class but this will show the class you have control and can teach to anyone regardless of age
Hi Lance,
I concur! It is all up to the student about the seriousness of their education old and young alike.
Patricia Scales
I have had all ages of students in my classes. . In my experience it doesn’t matter how old the student is, it’s if they are interested in what you are teachingthem . they have to want to learn . Your ability as an instructor is to determine the best way to teach them.
Hi Mark,
I have found that older adult learners are very proud of themselves when they grasp a concept quicker than a younge learner.
Patricia Scales
I agree. I think adults reflect if they are understanding the material quicker than children do.
Hi James,
You're right age has nothing to do with it! Success comes from those who are very determined and motivated.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ginell,
Even adult learners want to be recognized for their accomplishments. We have to be our students biggest cheerleader.
Patricia Scales
I am a firm believer of Self-Motivation and determination to produce what you essentially put in a class. I found with direct guidance adults learners are more effective with well thought out direction and acknowledgement of their attributes within a classroom setting.
Sincerly
Ms. Ginell Agnew SBC, San Antonio College
I have had all ages of students in my classes. From, "I'm turning 16 in your class" to "I qualify for senior discounts when I go out for dinner†and everything in between. In my experience it doesn’t matter how old the student is, it’s are they interested in what you are teaching. They first and foremost have to want not only to be there but to want to learn what you are teaching. Your ability as an instructor will either make it easy or hard but in the end they will succeed if they want it.
Hi Wayne,
You definitely have to let adult learners know how the course will impact them either professionally or personally. Adult learners want to and need to know what is in it for them.
Patricia Scales
