Teaching to Various Ages
I've noticed that it's very important to ensure you are reaching all ages in your classrooms. Because of the fact that we are teaching in non-traditional classrooms...I find myself having to make sure I find that balance and sometimes I get going and forget until I look out and assess my class and see my younger students ok while my more seasoned students looking confused. Does anyone else come across this issue?
I have experienced this on both sides (student and teacher). When you have students that are many different ages they bring to the table different experiences from different times in life. This can help some students understand different lessons better because the get a different prospective on the lesson through the eyes of other students.
Tom,
Like the way you show respect for all of the experiences your students bring to class, be they older or younger students. This strategy gives everyone respect while blending generations. As you say the older students give the younger students the real world aspects of what you are teaching and the younger students can see the value of having life experiences that will move their careers forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a computer and network technologies instructor, my field touches most other career fields at least at some level. Many of my older students, while not having worked with computers at a technicians level, they have worked with computers and networks at some point. What I try to do is let my older students explain how a concept that I am teaching has effected them in their previous careers. It shows younger students a real-world side of what I'm explaining.
I find teaching to younger students that they have different goals and motivations than older students.
I find younger students in general are looking more for a career that they like, have fun at first then pay and last availability of the jobs. Older students tend to first look at availability of jobs, pay then that they like it. Knowing this I then adjust motivations and effect ability for retention to reach each person’s needs.
I agree with you. This is something that we need to be aware of and work to engage each and every student and sometimes this can be a challenge. I do a lot of software hands on in my courses where small groups composed of all age groups work toward a common goal. I find this type of mixing really helps all ages and generations to develop respect for each other they strive to reach the same goal. ken
Cynthia,
Like your style. You used your life wisdom to make something out of what could have been a challenging situation. I commend you and well as congratulate you. I know you are a role model for your students and that you impact their lives as well as their future through your efforts. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an adult educator I am able to use my own experiences I had when I enrolled in a Massage Therapist course at age 50. I was at least 10-15 years older than the oldest student in my class. I felt out of place, and this was reenforced by students building clicks. I gently eased my way into their clicks by answering a lot of the teachers' questions, and scoring high on tests. The younger students then began to respect my age and knowledge, and all of a sudden everyone wanted to be my study buddy. I also see this happening in the classes I teach, I usually put teams together that I know will compliment each other. I have been doing this for years, and it works.
Beatrice,
This has been my experience as well and this is why I use learning groups where I mix my older and younger students together to do case studies. By working together they start to see how each generation can contribute to the solution of the problem that is presented. This is good training for them as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe adult students are more focused and have better expectations about the course compared to the 18-20 years old students.
Steve,
What are some ways that you relate to your younger students? Instructors are always on the lookout for instructional strategies they can use across generations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Fernando,
This has been my experience as well. I use my older students to facilitate discussions since they often have the life experiences that will help to support what we are studying.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
as a welding instructor of 24 yrs I relate better to the ones my age but have learned how to relate to young ones also
In my classroom i seem to find that my older students prioritize better. This very important ability turns them into almost mentors for the younger students who have not reached that capability. This gives my older students a huge sense of purpose beyond the training for a possible new career.
Francisco,
I have had the same experience in my classes. I find my older students to be valuable resources for my younger students. The like to use their life experiences in the course to help others learn more effectively.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have older students that are helpful in class, by helping younger students in prioritizing their assignments and staying disciplined in their studies.
Ronald,
Thank you for these comments on how to relate to all students in a class. It is a challenge to do so but through your experience you are able to understand how the different aged students perceive the value of the content and how to connect that content to their career goals. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
All,
I find myself experiencing both sides of the fence. When I changed careers I found myself going back to school in a traditional classroom environment. I was "the most mature" person in the class and found the instructor would teach more to the level of the younger students just out of high school. As I progressed in my new career field, I moved into the teaching aspect of it and am now teaching those "aged" students as well as those much younger looking for a new career. I find that if I look back and remember what it felt like to feel lost because the teaching level was above my ability to grasp the information, it keeps me grounded.
Jason,
Can appreciate your comment as I am fast approaching that same age group.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have the opposite issue, where I find it easier to reach the older students, being one myself not too long ago.
