Age
I see all my student equally. Because I see no age difference or treat anyone differently because of age, I have never had in 10 years, had an issue regarding age. Students follow how the instructor reacts or responds. :)
Steven,
Right you are about life experiences helping students to stay engaged in a course. Education is a process of classes, experiences and exploration so the more opportunities they have to do any of the three the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have a wide age range in an automotive class and I like to use the older students as mentors to the younger ones. Life experience in its self is a great tool.
Thomas,
This is a common challenge for post secondary instructors. One strategy I use is to put my students into small groups for problem solving, case studies and role playing. This way my younger students can learn from older students and my older students learn more about the thought process of the younger students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a relatively new instructor, I too treat all students the same. However, I find my biggest challenge is having a class of students with a huge age gap. The younger students, to me, lack “soft†skills and maturity. At times, I feel it slows the flow of learning due to the constant addressing concerns and getting the class back on track.
As we evolve technically in our life, older students are not always as adept in the mechanical solutions that are now commonplace. Yet they are good illustrators of someone who can do the "math" on paper through to solution. Those who are dependent on the technology have problems proving their answers.
Bruce,
You make a very good point about the age factor. It cannot be an excuse for not meeting the standards of the course. By providing supports for all students you are helping them be successful if they are willing to invest the time and effort required.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While this may be true, and I try to be blind to a student's age as well, I have noticed that older students tend to use their age as an excuse.
I often hear "It's been a looooong time since I've been in school." I hear it from students that are in their 50s but also in their 20s! I feel the important thing is to empathize with them and encourage them that once they get into the swing of things, they can develop some good habits that will get them to succeed.
Olga,
This is a good point because it takes some effort to be able to plan instructionally for inter-generational learning. The more you can use the older students' life experiences the better. This way they will see that they can in fact be successful in the course. Also the younger students can see that there is something to be learned from other students in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I see all my students equally but also see the difficulty of some of them who are older (50) which have studied many years ago, for newly graduates is much easier because they have all the latest information.
MaryAnn,
Teaching multi-generational students requires some thought and planning just as you mention. This relates to examples that are shared and assumptions that are made about the knowledge base of the students. I enjoy teaching all ages but I do have to plan carefully to make sure all are engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too see my students as equal, but I think though that we have to be sensitive to when a person was last in school. I know when I went back to college for my undergrad, I had a chemistry teacher say "I know all of you just had the periodic table in high school" and I kept thinking, no I didn't it was 10 years ago!! I think you really have to be sensitive to these facts of varying ages
Arisa,
How do you use age differences and life experiences as learning enhancers for your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Age is a value for some students
All students should be encouraged reguardless of their age. It is all about encouragment.
Billie,
This is a key point. You are the learning leader and have established yourself as such with your students. From that point forward their respect for you is based upon how you deliver your content and interact with them. The results are what you have experienced. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
