Student retention
I have found that when student's are older and have not been in school for many years they are more likely to drop out. What has helped is to acknowleged their small successes which will give them the confidence to continue and complete their course/program.
Susan,
This is a challenge I think many of us face no matter what field we are teaching so it is good you highlighted it for us. Trying to establish a connection with the younger students so they will come to class and let us help them work through their class success as well as listen to some of the life challenges they are facing. We do know if they are absent or quite they are going to fail and we no longer have the ability to influence them toward success. So hopefully we can keep a connection with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Another thing about the age difference I have noticed as an extern instructor is that the more mature students are far better at communicating. Especially when there are difficult circumstances. When a young student fails in the externship faze, I have found that they were unable to communicate effectively when problems arose in their personal life, and would "no-show" rather than share the problem and manage things up-front. I have been trying to recognize this early, and speak to them about communication. Especially the young males.
Kristy,
These generational differences can be challenging for instructors in one way, but exciting in another. I create learning groups composed of the different generational learners and I find that they work well together and start to respect how each other is different as well as alike.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do agree that older students are more committed in continuing their education verses a younger student. Younger students really only see coming to school as a place to meet new people, while an older student wants to better themselves by continuing their education
Joseph,
Very true. Outside influences and pressures often draw students away from being students and as a result they leave us. We need to provide as much support as we can but in some cases external issues will take them out of school. I always let them know that when things turn around we will welcome them back and help them gain the knowledge they need to be successful. Many come back when their lives have settled down as a result of knowing we are there for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Building the students confidence level from an early start is important for student retention
I have found my older students have a problem with change and tend to question why? Once their given an answer the want to develope their own process. While my younger students have an issue with staying focus. As a result this creats tension within the class. What I have done was explained to the class I will lecture at the start of class and answer questions afterwards.
My experience with student retention isn't so much their age but their external deterrents and the lack of adequate coping skills.
Yolanda,
Good way to personalize to the needs of your students. You are helping them have success in a way that uses their life experiences and this really helps to build their self confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Frantz,
Good observations about how the different groups of students present themselves in class. The fun part of teaching is reaching each person and group in a way that keeps them engaged and focused on the course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I have older students who struggle, I try to encourage them in that their life experience counts towards their learning also. I also try to give more problem solving scenarios in which the older student is at an advantage.
When I have older students who struggle, I try to encourage them in that their life experience counts towards their learning also. I also try to give more problem solving scenarios in which the older student is at an advantage.
It's my observation that there are 2 kinds of older students. One is very much older the than the younger students and has a lot of successful job experiences which can translate into good study discipline.This group usually has older kids and less drama at home. The other group is the adult student who is not much older than the younger students. They have younger kids, less job success and generally more hectic lives. These 2 groups have different challenges. Both can be equally motivated but require different kinds of encouragement.
Teresa,
Give her some success. Have her do a special project or lead a demonstration of a technique, skill, etc.. Something that enables her to use her life experiences that result in success will help her to see that she can be successful in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I currently have a older student who is always doubting her abilities even with all the encourgement from myself and other instructors. How do I get her to see in herself what we see in her
Edward,
This is the human factor in teaching. Thank you for sharing this example with us. You were able to help a student to be successful in spite of challenging circumstances. He was able to get an A and meet the standards of the class while still working the lack shift. I like to hear stories like this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I consider an adult student's work schedule to be one of the most important factors to take into account when determining ways to keep the student's motivation high and, ultimately, retain that person until graduation. For example, I recently had one student who worked from 11 pm until 6 am, then attended my class at 11 am after sleeping briefly in his car. Once I knew this information, I understood that the student wasn't lethargic in class because of a lack of interest. So, rather than berating him for inattentiveness, I thanked him for his dedication to his education and was patient when his tiredness. He ended up getting an A in the class.
Edward,
Good point about older students. They are in many cases not confident in their ability to compete in the class with younger students. They have life experiences but they aren't sure how these experiences will help them. This is where we come in in terms of providing them support and encouragement.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The key is that they feel less smart then the younger students. We have to find ways to put everyone on equal grounds with praise and support so that they feel comfortable even if they are alot older then their counterparts.
