Age Diversity
My biggest issue is when I have both the younger generation and the older generation in the class because they are very different in their learning styles. Any suggestions?
Hi Robert,
You make a very good point about needing to learn more about each other so we can find ways to work together. Thank you for sharing this example of how cooperation was possible after common ground was identified.
Gary
When I was in college, I had an English class with a red headed woman about my age with whom I constantly argued and fought. We seemed to hate each other. Then one day the class was broken into groups and the instructor teamed she and I together. I figured we would end up killing each other by the end of the assignment. Turns out, we had a lot in common once we got to know each other. We ended up good friends and kept in touch while we were still both in school. While this situation isn't so much about age diversity, it does illustrate that two people from seemingly different backgrounds can get along and work well together once they find that common ground with each other. Salesman do this all the time as do military trainers (ie; Drill Instructors). Help those students find what they have in common so they don't seem so different from one another, regardless of their ages!
I like that idea. I usually try to include the more experienced, but that leaves out the exprience of the younger students. Thanks
I think the older students enjoy the excitement and the younger ones like the self confidence of their elders..both learn from each other
Our setup doesn't allow for a lot of time being spent in small groups so i strive to keep everyone involved in the discussion and look for opportunities for dialogue between older and younger students ... exchanging world view, defending positions, and truly listening to the other's positions.
Hi William,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. This is a good way to draw out different students and get their reactions to the diversity in their class. Also, it helps them to see how they will encounter different age groups in the work place and they need to know how to get along with their fellow workers, no matter their age or experience level.
Gary
I've used the group combinations, too, with a fair amount of success. Still, as some of you mentioned above, there are times when students are not engaged in groups, in some cases because of age differences. Then what?
Regarding age diversity, I have sometimes gone as far as to ask students to discuss the idea directly. I usually only do this if an adult student says, "Well, I've been out of school for a long time, so . . . " or if I generally sense that the class is not connecting well as a group. I ask them to answer simple and positive questions, like "What strengths do our traditional learners bring to the classroom?" "What strengths do our adult learners bring to the classroom?" "As a group, how can we benefit from each other's unique strengths?" "What unique challenges do traditional learners face?" "What unique challenges do adult learners face?" "How can we use each other's strengths to overcome our challenges?"
I don't necessarily recommend this approach. If you use it, be prepared to answer some questions yourself. However, you may be surprised at the positive comments students make. Younger students often say, "the adults bring wisdom and life experience . . . they've been there." Of course, the adults feel good about hearing that and toss the positive feedback right back, "the traditional students have a lot of energy and creativity."
This exercise may cause a warm and fuzzy feeling in the classroom, which may make some students more comfortable and others less.
I agree with your methods. I think making the course open to all ages and level of experiences encourages all Students to be active. I do think age differences are important but I do think it comes down to level of dedication. I find I have just as many older motivated students as I do younger ones and the same when it comes to Students who are not active in the course. Making the course relevant for all (as you do) is key to ensure all are served.
Hi Elke,
I think this is a great idea. I usally find that the class is the bond that ties everyone together regardless of personal demographics.
It works for me too, I pair up the older with the younger students so that gives my older students confidence and also the feeling of a team. I worked so far
I try to ensure that each and every lecture includes asking for both age groups for experiences that can be age related. I also ensure a mutual respect for the age difference is maintained.
If the subject being taught permits, I think this is an excellent opportunity to use groups which are intentionally comprised of people from both groups (kept small enough to avoid one or two students becoming too dominant). In this way, students can learn from each other; the older students can learn new ways of thinking and the younger ones can learn life lessons, like say humility. Everyone has something to offer and by allowing each side to stand in the shoes of the other, everyone wins.
I have participated in a group with those age differences and I enjoyed the feedback from the older and the younger students. It was fun and learned alot. In conclusion I believe that is one way to take care of it.
Hi Wayne,
That has been my experience as well. It really helps to form a bond between the students as they work on a common problem and share life experiences.
Gary
I have also had very good success in pairing students so to work in small learning groups. Matching an older student with a younger student or a student with specific experience with a non-experienced student. Not only have I noticed the exchange of real life experiences, but it seems to build personal relationships. It's a win-win for the students.
Interesting idea I think I will try that.
Hi Joan,
I put them in learning groups where they have the opportunity to work together to solve problems and work on case studies. This way the get a chance to understand where each is coming from plus develop respect for each other.
Gary
