Dealing with students who may be uncomfortable that you are younger
I had an interesting situation this past term. I am in my early 30s, and had a student who is in his 50s. One day, as I was trying to finish my lecture and class discussion, this student and another were unfocused and loudly packing up their belongings (in a class of 5 people). I stopped and just said "Where are we going guys?" in a normal (not angry) tone. This basically prompted an angry, agressive response from my older student - "What, I can't pack up my computer?". After I explained that of course he could pack up, but I was trying to finish class and that both students were being a bit loud and weren't focused. The exchange ended with him yelling at me, finger pointed, saying "You need to calm your attitude down!". I was rattled by the experience, and after class I went and spoke to the administration about it. They were surprised, and the best answer we could arrive at was that he was uncomfortable as a person in his 50s being reprimanded (no matter how politely) by a younger professor. Looking back, I'm not sure what I could've done differently. I was polite to him, I was clear about what I was asking, and I wasn't trying to embarrass him. The students needed to be asked to quiet down right then because they truly were disrupting the class with the noise, so I don't feel that I could've waited until after class to talk to him. Still a bit perplexed.
Hi Jennifer,
I started in this profession at the age of 23, very young. My age was never a concern because I was/am a true professional, knowledgeable, confident, prepared, and fair. It is all in your presentation.
Patricia Scales
I agree that you handled this properly. Just like many others who have replied, I am in my mid 20s with a class of 14. Most of them are a few years younger, but there are a few that are a generation ahead of me. Ever since I first started working, I have typically been the youngest person in my position. Even though every job is different, people's insecurities are ultimately the same. Over the years I have found several tools that seem to be effective when faced with handling someone who seems threatened or offended by your position or lack of age. Number one would be confidence, you are where you are for a reason. Number two is respect, every person has strengths and weaknesses and recognizing that can go a long way. Number three is remaining positive and calm, flying off the handlebars or indulging someone else's negativity never improved any situation. Seeing as how you implemented all three of these when handling a difficult student/situation, you did the best that you could.
Hi Amanda,
You have it! Age is only a number. I was 24-years-old when I started teaching. I immediately gained the respect of my students because of my confidence, professionalism and knowledge.
Patricia Scales
This was a good thread for me to read. I am just starting at a new school and I am in my late 20's. Many of you seem to have some good advice regarding it because many student's are older. From what I can tell, as long as your present yourself in a way that shows you do know what you are talking about, you can gain the respect needed from the students.
Hi Kelsey,
I started in the industry when I was 23 years old, and age was never an issue. I always made a strong presence, was very professional, extremely mature, and was friendly to the students but never befriended them. I made sure I was always ready and prepared...very knowledgeable.
Patricia Scales
I know it is hard being the youngest at your job. I am the youngest instructor at the school I am at now and the students have a hard time with this. I try to get them to realize that I have been in the workforce in this chosen career for a few years now and I do know what I am talking about.
Hi James,
Students want to know and need to know that you are credible. It really is all in your presentation if you are credible or not. Perception is everything.
Patricia Scales
Hi Issa,
This tactic works. I do this with some older students and especially students with experience.
Patricia Scales
hello all,
I could not agree more. when I graduated from veterinary college, I couldn't help but notice no matter how often I arrived at the correct diagnosis or provided life saving measures, clients frequently asked me, "now, just how long have you been doing this doc?" I admit, I actually grew a beard to be taken more seriously by clients. much to my surprise, I had the good fortune of growing a grey one and thankfully, it bought me a lot of superficial credibility! the deeper credibility came from keeping a level head, remembering my training, and always adhering to the corny but very true "share that you care before you show what you know." transitioning from practice to the laboratory / classroom is new for me but some credos still apply nicely.
Hi Rory,
It happened to me last year. I'm in my early 30s, and had a student who is in his 50s. So I told him how excited I am to have him in my class. Also, I acknowledged his experience in life and I encouraged him to share his experience with us in some subjects. I felt that he was so excited and happy to be in my class. He never missed any class and he used to come early to my class.
Hi Rory,
You handled the situation appropriately! The student simply did not want you to say anything to him whether polite or not. Sometimes you just have to handle things right then. You did the right thing. I bet he will not do this again in class. I am sure you got your point across. The student needs to be spoken to privately so that he knows how he handled things were not appropriate, and this type of behavior is totally unacceptable.
Patricia Scales
When I was in the work force, I was the youngest manager at the firm I worked for. I ran the company and built three others. I was fierce. Mainly because I was so young and I always felt like I had to prove myself. Then I went into the classroom and it was different but the same. One time I had a gentlemen who was in his 60's tell me he has never gotten such a low score on a test in his life-which was double mine-as he put it. I was a bit shocked by this but, then I said- "well, it's a good thing you came to me when you did. I don't want you to feel as though you can't get something out of this class. This will help you reach out and learn more of the material from a different point of view- a younger point of view- wink wink!" I never had anymore trouble from him. He did work hard in the class. Still got a B in there and when he was done, he stopped by and said to me that he respected everything that I had done in my time and you can tell "you really know your stuff."
I always respect those that are older than me and tell them I respect the life lessons I still don't have and I will learn from them as much as they will learn from me. I tend to think of them as my parents and how would I treat my mom if she were in my class. I certainly wouldn't make her feel inferior, I would support her decision to go back to school and show her that I am here to help. Not make it easy, but to give tools for them to take for their career. Respect what she has learned so far and add to the lessons with theory or bridging what she has learned into the theoretical terms we use.
Hi Sharline,
Age is only a number! When your students trust and believe in you, age is never an issue. Be confident and know your stuff!
Patricia Scales
Most of my students are either a few years younger or a couple years older so I have to really prove to them that I am compotent enough and have enough knowledge to teach them. It can get tricky at times.
Hi Kelsey,
I was 23 years old when I came into this industry. Age is only an issue if you allow it to be so. Carry yourself professionally with great confidence. Be pepared and knowledgeable, treat your students with fairness and respect. Making a strong presence on Day 1 is paramount. You will gain respect by doing these things.
Patricia Scales
I have had the same experience as you, and as I am in my late 20's I catch flack all the time from my students. I always end up having to explain my knowledge and experience when it comes to my courses in order to get any respect from my students since I am so young.
