Integration of Older/Younger Students
I've found in my classrooms that students who have returned to school, be it 5 years or 30 years later, all want to feel like they are part of something bigger. I've implemented group work into most of my courses with some success. I think that the students, for the most part, look forward to working with other students. However, from time to time I have those younger students who seem to separate themselves from the older students. I'm working on a way to over come this, without becoming a "traffic cop" of sorts. Does anyone have any ideas to help the older and younger students integrate better?
Hi Anita,
This is the method that I use to create learning groups and I have had the same success with them as you have. They are easy to create and they really encourage the students to work together.
Gary
I have found that putting students into groups of 4 for discussion has been a good way of breaking the ice. For example, I'll just count off 1-4, so they're mixed, have them go to tables, put up a topic of discussion, and appoint one group member to be the facilitator to make sure everyone participates. This has been a really good way of breaking up cliques as well. What I teach requires pairing off as well, so occasionally if they aren't working with enough new partners, I'll mix everyone up at least once, tho' most students will work with each other at least once ... but some don't.
my students range is 18-50 i mix them and works well
I have a variety of students form 18 to 50 is difficult to integrate at times but I manage
I try to relate it to the "real-world" work environment; you almost never get to choose whom you will work with on projects at work. I usually choose the groups, and give each member the opportunity to assess the contributions of the others in their group. I'm surprised to find that they do benefit from each other. That way there is a blend of younger/older students, and can remove "cliques" from the equation.
Hi Gail,
This is a great strategy. Subtle but effective. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
I've done group projects and divided them up as this side of the room, this quarter of the room, etc. That way there is a mix of older/younger without 'trying' to mingle them together.
Maybe trying to use current events to stir up some commonality between the two.
