Adult behavior in class
How do you find the balance between treating the student as an adult and trying to discipline them on bad behavior.
This is a great way to prevent having bad adult behavior. As somebody already mentioned, it's very difficult to discipline adults especially when they are 10+ years older than the instructor. But many times I have encountered adults behaving like kids as a desperate way to fit in and it actually makes it worse.
I do have trouble being a disciplinarian. the course did give me some tools. There is always that one adult student who thinks the rules do not apply to them. Or ones who have had success in their life in the past and resent you telling them what to do. Listening is a great way to diffuse resentment and hostility.
I think adults respond differently. Being a younger instructor is sometimes tougher to discipline students who are older but I think as long as it's kept professional most people will respond accordingly.
During the initial session of a new class, an experienced instructor will emphasize the points that: all the students in the class are adults and they all chose to sign up for this class. Additionally, they (or some organization ) are paying good money for them to be there and hopefully learn a skill which will improve their careers and livelihood.As a result, all students will be treated as adults and will be expected to act like adults during the weeks of this course. Any ongoing childlike behavior which continually disrupts the learning process in this class will not be tolerated and will result in termination of adult treatment for the offending individual and the beginning of more childlike forms of discipline.
I have noticed that adults are harder to discipline. Especially if you are younger. They are set in their ways. You do have to keep it the same for everyone.
Hi Douglas,
Sometimes you can not balance behavior. It is simple, you have rules, and you enforce them. You will quickly realize that some adults act worse than children.
Patricia Scales
