Young Instructor - Older Students
As an older (in age) instructor with many years in a private industry field, I have been asked by new instructors who are chronologically younger than their students, "How do I approach the classroom?"
My advise is to have them always explain their field experience, successes, and their love of teaching. What are some other pieces of advise that can be given?
My students who are older than me often joke about the fact that they have an instructor that is younger than themselves. It makes students' self worth come into question. I respond by adding that I took one path which was full of study and a lack of a social life, while they did the same thing, but in an opposite manner. This shows the student that it doesn't matter the age, but what you do.
Hi Latanya,
I like to tell my younger instructors, you must give respect in order to receive it. I also let them know students will respect you based on your level of professionalism or lack there of.
Patricia Scales
Being the second oldest instructor in my department, the advisement I give to my younger coworkers who deal with the disrespect of older students; is to help the student feel as comfortable about there education and them as the instructor.
Hi Alisa,
On Day 1 enter the classroom with a very STRONG presence. Let them know at the start of class your qualifications. I was 23 when I started in the industry, and I never had an issue about my age because I always was very professional and mature. I also had a very strong knowledge base pertaining to the subjects I taught.
Patricia Scales
I am also a younger instructor to an older batch of students. My first day was a little daunting, being as I was asked by a much older student what made me qualified to teach this class, and what made me think I could. I calmly explained a breif portion of my backround experience,and then asked them to give me a chance. If after 3 classes they still did not feel comfortable with my teaching, then we could take steps from that point. The student did happen to stay through the remainder of the class.
It did seem to be a solution to the issue, but are there any other options that I could explore should this issue arise in the future?
It definitely can be challenging for a younger instructor to gain the respect and credibility from older students. This usually comes with age and lots of experience. Confidence in their abilities is important for students to see and your good instructors will be able to accomplish this over time. We sometimes have to have thick skin and not take things to personally in our field!
You also have to consider that teh student is changing the subject (from course content) or being plain mean. A couple of 50-something Program Chairs told the 35 year old associate Dean that he would not be an effective manager until he had kids. That was mean and indicated that they did not respect him in his position regardless of what talents he possessed.
On the other hand, we have a really young looking DA instructor who weighs about 100 lbs, but has 10 years of field expereince. Her professional presence in class - on day one - changes everyone's mind about who should listen to whom.
Hi Vickie,
I was very young and credentialed when I started teaching 23 years ago, but it made all the difference in my persona. I earned my students respect, and I of course gave them respect as well. It truly is the way you carry yourself.
Patricia
I may be a younger instructor by I have had alot of schooling and alot of experience. I let my class know that too, in a nice way ofcourse. I look young too. Noone believes I am an instructor they all think I am a student so it does make it hard at times but I seem to handle myself well.
I believe that this issue is more a personal life dilemma than a professional one. No, as a young person, I may not be able to identify, but my professional self has reached goals and landmarks that can be learned from. By not pretending to be the same, you solve many issues.
Hi Ashton,
Great way to handle not knowing answers to student questions. Age is only an issue if the instructor makes it an issue. You can still act professional at a young age.
Patricia
Hi Markesha,
I see how this can work.
Patricia
i find by being humble and to practice some humility that i gain their respect despite being younger or the same age as majority of my students.
As a Young instructor teaching older students I had to come into the program with all my ducks in a row. I had to make sure I was well prepared and in doing so I still had the older students ask questions they already knew to see if I knew my stuff. I had enough confidence in myself to know that I knew 90% of their questions. And if I did not know an answer I made sure I looked it up right away to show my class that I may not have all the answers but I will sure find out.
Hi John,
I will advise them to walk into the room on Day 1 and every day making a strong presence, by being prepared, knowledgeable, organized, caring, and professional.
Patricia
