First Time teaching
I'm newly hired instructor and no experienced at all. I'm only 28 yrs. old! Most of my students were the same age as me so they treat me as their buddy although I'm keeping distance! I feel like I don't get the respect that I wanted like If I asked them to perform certain skills that I thought them, I feel like I need to beg them just to do it! What should I do? Is it because of my age?
Donna,
Good point about personal motivation and career development. Instructors need to do all they can to support and encourage students but as we know in the end it is up to them. They need to see the ROI of their investment in time and effort. Unfortunately, in some cases they never get and then wonder why they aren't successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I too am a first time instructor. I previously worked in an IT dept. where we developed systems for our users then we prepared classes and scheduled the employees for training. Each employee was expected to learn the material. When I started academic instruction I learned that these students may or may not want to learn. They did not 'have' to learn- big difference. I now am learning motivational skills on a different level.
Donna Mason
Teri,
This is a good point. Instructors need to analyze what is going on and make sure to stay above the dynamics of the current group of students.
Gary
Gary, your are so right. Students try to test the instructors all of the time, even if they don't realize it. Sometimes it can be difficult not to get sucked into a situation.
Beth,
Good information for other new younger instructors to follow. The key is have confidence in yourself and your abilities and the age factor will cease to be an issue.
Gary
I have to admit that I am very young looking and therefore people assume I am a student or not as knowledgable as I am. I have found that time in my field built up confidence. I do believe just trying to carry myself upright and speak with confidence (even if I do not feel it) helped. Unfortunately I have to admit that practical experience made the biggest and most positive change in my confidence and therefore affected how I was perceived
Evelyn,
I wish you much success with your teaching. I know you are going to do a great job.
Gary
Its very hard in my situation because some of them were saying that this is the first time that they have an instructor with my age! So they treat me differently
Thanks Gary, that's very helpful! I need to be firm, fair and consistent so I could have the control of the class!
This is a hard situation, I think if you are professional and confident with your instruction to the class they will respect you and your knowledge, if you worry about your age and if that is the problem, they will sense that and the respect will not be there, they will see your lack of confidence.
Evelyn,
Carry yourself with confidence as you approach the classroom. Lay out the course requirements matter clearly and concisely and hold each student to the standards. When one doesn't meet the standard or do the work have a conference with the student and work with that individual until the task is completed. The point is you are issuing an order not asking a favor. It won't be long before your students start to respect you for your experience/expertise and professionalism.
They are also testing you to see what they can get a way with. Be firm, fair and consistent and you will have control of the class.
Gary
