Discipline In The Modern - Non Traditional Classroom
Today, many of the instructors at career colleges are relatively young and the students are older(a lot whom are going to school for the first time since their children are grown, or attempting new careers). Have you ever found yourself having a more difficult time disciplining these types of students as opposed to those freshly out of High school?
Hi Dr. Duley,
This is a great student support you are providing. By monitoring how these "study buddy" efforts work you are showing the students that you want them to be successful in addition to knowing how the groups are working. I know this is a model that other instructors can follow.
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
One way I approached the "lack of study skills" is asking each students to identify a study buddy for at least four weeks. This has been a successful approach and after four weeks if they find they no longer need a study buddy the action is no longer required. I actually monitor their study meetings by asking the teams to submit documentation of time, location, and content of study together time.
Hi Jeffrey,
You make an excellent point about the need to earn the respect of your students and those that you work with. Once you have earned their respect then you can establish rapport and then the process of learning and growth for everyone starts to expand.
Your expertise and leadership helps to establish the climate of the class which leads to enhanced learning and a winning situation for everyone.
Thanks for sharing this perspective.
Gary
A positive with older generation students is their respect level. I am a fairly young CEO and a fairly young instructor. At both places of employment I have found the older generation of worker and student to be respectful. Respect is more of an issue with the younger generation. There is always the exception to the rule but I have been pleasantly pleased to not have had this as an issue yet. I believe that if you are verse in the topic and that your teaching comes across in a positive manner, those that are not as verse will see that come through you as an instructor and not care about your age. Have you personally had this issue arise with you?
Hi Christopher,
This can be a challenge for a younger instructor. The key is to approach the classroom with confidence and a leadership style that lets the students know you are in charge, no matter your age. You don't have to be a dictator to be in charge. Be prepared, organized and human in your approach and you will find that you will be respected for your expertise and knowledge and not challenged due to your age.
Gary
Teaching professionalism is not a challenge with the older student, however; teaching them the study skills. they have been out of school for a long time and do not know how to study.
