Get Your Students Hired
I was 33-years-old when I decided to return to school to finish my degree. I remember quite well the feeling of looking around at my much younger colleagues. Most of my instructors picked up on my apprehension and engaged me in a positive and healthy fashion. In my years of teaching and other academic work, I still maintain a special 'soft spot' for the non-traditional student
Tiffani,
This is very common because of the life experiences the non-traditional students are bringing to the class. By forming learning groups where you can mix the older students with younger ones is a way to enable the older ones to share their experience but also learn from the younger ones as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The program I am teaching in currently has few non-traditional students. From my experience, it seems that the younger students look up to them, and try to mimic their behaviors.
David,
This has been my experience as well with my older students. They know why they are there and they want to maximize on the opportunities that are there. I put my students into work groups and I make sure to mix up the groups so they have exposure to each other can see how each age group contributes to the solution of the problem they are working on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have more non-traditional students than younger students. I have similar issues with students but somewhat reversed. The older students that I teach have been in school for a few semesters already and are somewhat at ease with the school environment and are mostly ex military. The real issue is that the older students have less tolerance for immaturity and will police student conduct. They are definitely motivated to learn, although there are rare exceptions.
Angela,
First I congratulate you on your success. You made sure that no matter what your situation was that you were going to continue to move your education forward achieving more success as well as degrees as you went. You are a poster person for your students because you have not only "talked" it you have "walked" it. Your son is fortunate to have someone in his life that can help him chart his educational journey. I wish you much continued success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too was a non traditional student. I dropped out of high school at age 15, got my GED at age 16. I started college when I was 27, received my under graduate degree at age 33. I then went on to get my master's degree in 2004. A positive but very challenging experience, because I had a family as well. I believe that you can achieve whatever you dream. I set the stage for my my son and laid the groundwork or foundation. He is currently working on his second degree.
Curtis,
This has been my experience as well with my non-traditional students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The non traditional students as a whole seem to definitely be more focused and goal oriented,and its great to see them excel in a new craft!
James,
It makes perfect sense to me as I teach classes with both groups in them. I find that the younger and older students balance themselves out in terms of bringing unique life experiences and perspectives to the classroom. They learn from each other and benefit from the sharing process. I enjoy teaching classes with such a mix.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree whole heartedly with this. The non traditional students come from so many backgrounds. I think alot of them think this is their last chance so they have to get it right. Whether it is a displaced factory worker or someone trying to better their life. Most of my adult students have a since of work ethic I like, because it can help inspire my younger students to do the job right the first time and to be more punctual. I feel like the younger student helps the adult student get better adjusted to coming back to school. Does that make sense?
Non-traditional students are a pleasure to teach. It is true that at the start of the class, they are afraid of being the oldest in the class and concerned about the amount of time they have been out of school. The amazing part is to witness the transition in the students. As time goes by, they start to believe the praise given in class and realize that they are in the top of the class due to the experience they bring.
Antonio,
This has been my experience with non traditional students as well. I really like having them in my classes because of the contributions they make to the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I found many times that the non traditional students tend to have more focus and doing the best they can. They understand the value of the course they are taking and are usually more focused since it affects their pocket. They tend to be a little apprehensive at first but usually do well because they are focused. I find many times because they have been out of school longer and have more life experience, that they tend to ask more questions. I find that this is not only helpful for them but also for the younger students who at times less likely to ask as many questions for fear of ridicule.
Terry,
Glad to hear that you had a positive experience and an understanding instructor when you returned to school. I know this experience has helped you to understand and be supportive of those students that are just like you were.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers