Dealing with older students
As an instructor we need to respect sometimes that older students do expect a certain type of respect but make sure to let them know that it works both ways. They may be older but they need to respect the fact that they are there to learn from you.
Hi Ruby,
I agree! They can be exhausting, but we have to cheer them on with constant rah rah rah!!!
Patricia Scales
I agree with this. I will say, though, they can be so hard on themselves. They want to do everything perfect, in many cases because they were not anywhere near perfect when they were in school. They realize that now, and are their worst critic. They require alot of at-a-boys. : )
Hi Michael,
I also like to pair my Generation Y students with my Baby Boomers to help with technology, and I do vice versa to help with experience/life.
Patricia
Older students can be your best ally. They have to be respected for their life.s work to date and validated for it. They can often become your unofficial TA. Also pairing older students with 13th graders can get be beneficial for all parties.
I find this to be true too. Not in every case, but I've had it happen in my classes. One problem that I've had is when an older student feels the need to take over the class. I know that they are only trying to help others understand the material, but when the older students starts teaching, especially when they think they have a handle on a concept, but don't, it can be a huge problem. In dealing with a situation like that, I talked to the older student one-on-on and after class. I explained that they are a valuable asset to the class, and I want their input, but they have to leave the teaching up to me. I told the older student that I want everyone to succeed (including her), but giving other the wrong information will only keep that from happening. This strategy has seemed to work.
Hi Chonitia,
Older students are precious, and they are really like sponges. They want to absorb it all. They are very serious, yet nervous. I enjoy working with older students because they try to hold on to your every word. They appreciate you as their instructor.
Patricia
I tolally agree with the comments previously given yet it is important to reinforce and give gredence to the older student for taking on the challenge to either begin school later in life and or return to continuing education. Older students tend to be less destrated. Unfortunately the younger students at times are just a little less serious and sometimes do not give 100% and sometime must be challenge to do critical thought. Patience and calmness is what I try to reinforce in my class since it is part of the medical field. Older student are also encouraged to be students and not parents.
Using the older students to give "real-life experiences" often will help the younger students to recognize the importance of the lesson material.
It also allows an older student to understand the wealth of information and prior learning they have repurpose to this new area.
On the side older students may feel like they know everything simply because they are older. They also maybe more hard headed to new ideas ans information. I found with these students talking to them privately and ensuring them that there experience is vauluable to the class bbut they need to be open to new ideas.
I find older students to be more studious than the younger students. The older student wants to absorb it all material given. Sometimes, I do see when younger students acting out, the older students will open his or her mouth and letting the younger student to be quiet.
