Older students
I have seen many times in the classroom that when the older a student is, the more likely it is that they doubt their abilities at first. However, it is also this student (who has usually been out of the academic environment the longest) that becomes the most independant and passion filled learners. It is a pleasure to work with these "non-traditional" students because of their ownership of their education and progress
Hi Kyle,
Adult learners can certainly add great flavor to a course due to their experience and maturity.
Patricia Scales
I find also two positive points with adults in the class, First - they tend to keep the younger students in line, "hey, dont waste my time" second, many times I can discuss a theory, and call on the adult with experience to validate what I've said.
Hi Chris,
I really love teaching the older students. They have a better appreciation for education and for you.
Patricia Scales
I have (at the college level) taught students from 18 to 74, and I've got to agree that the "older" studenst (35 +) do seem to be more serious and focused. They just have a REAL sense of accomplishment when they do well when they thought they would never understand the "new math" that everyone's told them about!! I love to see that great effort (and I definitely let them know that!)
Hi Andy,
Older students are jewels! They add to the class in a very big way!
Patricia Scales
I also find that older students help to stabalize the focus of the class as a whole. There is no pressure like peer pressure when it comes to keeping students focused.
Hi Lynette,
Nicely stated! There is great joy in teaching older students although their learning level can be vastly different from younger students. You have to love older students.
Patricia Scales
I agree, I also enjoy the older student. I find that when they are there by choice and not just because it's expected of them, and when they're actually paying for it themselves rather than somebody else (such as parents), they do have more desire and passion to learn. Also, many of them are more driven and dedicated to doing what needs to be done (as in assignments and homework), having learned that the more effort you put into something, the more benefit you get out of it. I also find in general that they have better study habits and work ethics than a lot of the younger students. I only wish learning came as easy for them as it seems to come to the younger student.
Hi Kevin,
I agree! You get a different type of committment from an older student. They are really like sponges; they want to absorb all of your knowledge.
Patricia Scales
I enjoy teaching older students. Our student population mainly consist of 19 year olds fresh out of high school. The older students have more desire and passion to learn. it's very refreshing to teach students that want to learn rather than playing games and not taking their education serious.
Hi Vaughan,
I share my educational credentials and experience on Day 1 with my students so that they know they are learning from someone who is qualified and well experienced. If this is a problem for you, have a firm private conversation with the student and questioning you professional judgement.
Patricia Scales
I have found that an older student(one that is older than the instructor)sometimes question the instructors ideas or experience. How do you handle that?
Hi Joseph,
I agree! Most older nontraditional students are serious students, and I love their eagerness to learn.
Patricia Scales
