adult vs kids
so much differance with adults as most of them are changing jobs and know how important it is to get the information as it is power. they also may have a family already and have to provide for them as well.i feel teaching adults is more empowering for them and they tend to appricate it alot more then the young ones.they thurst for the knowledge that is going to help them make thier lives easier and that makes my job that much easier.
audie toney
Hi John,
Students can certainly help each other. The younger students can help the older students with technology, and the older students can help the younger students with life in general/wisdom.
Patricia Scales
Where I teach is exactly like where Bob teaches. I often praise my older students and thank them for being a calming influence and a role model. Sometimes they will give me a funny look as they think wow I guess maybe I am. They often learn more as they begin to help some of the younger students.
Hi Ronnie,
A nice combination is the way to go so that both groups are pleased. Mix learning with fun. This type of learning seems to be a win-win situation with everyone.
Patricia Scales
I teach a wide range of age groups at my school and sometimes find it hard to keep all students in an attentive mode .so I shake it up a little bit the kids like this. the adults on the other hand want to get down to the facts, so a little of both realy helps.
Hi Markia,
You have to control adults just like kids. You can't let them cause damage. They are to add positivity only based on their life experiences.
Patricia Scales
I agree that adults do appreciate the learning expertise more that kids, but kids are not so judgmental then the adults. Adults come with more scars and damage to the classroom then kids
Hi James,
Great practice to have in place. I like to include technology when I have a young group of students. This young generation love technology. When there is a mixture of various ages, I like to group my baby boomers with Generation Y so that the younger student can help the older student with the computer.
Patricia Scales
Hi Anthony,
I have experienced that most adult learners are very serious, and they have little to no room for nonsense. They have a greater appreciation for education now that they are older.
Patricia Scales
I feel that a lot of our students are military and some are fresh out of high school. so you have such a wide variety of age differences and maturity levels . you need to try to blend tour teaching technichs.to cover all of the above I try to get the more mature student to work in a group of less mature ones with the hope of bringing harmony to everyones learning..
I agree with Mr. Toney that adult leaners do appreciate it more because of what they have to give up to get that knowledge.
Hi Joe,
Yes, adult learners certainly have a better appreciation for education. Adult learners have learned what a higher education can do for them in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
Completely agree. Adult learners have been in the workforce longer and have seen first hand that education is required for meaningful advancement in the workplace. So when the class or assignment at hand may not interest them personally they do find the maturity to complete the assignment for the long term greater goal of graduating.
Hi Tracy,
I can agree with that statement. I have certainly see this to be true over the 25+ years that I have served in education, and I have also seen where it really depends on the student.
Patricia Scales
I do agree with that, but I truly think it depends on the age of the adult learner. We have some that are young adults and we have some that are "experienced" adults. It seems more to depend on who is paying for their education when it comes to taking things seriously. In some cases we have students who don't seem to be as concerned with learning because their education is being paid for by their parents. And others, who are paying out of their own pocket, sometimes take it a bit more seriously.
Obviously that is a very blanket statement, but it is an observation noted in differentiating adult learners.
Hi Bob,
All students need role models. Our students really need someone to look up to.
Patricia Scales
At our instuitution we have awide variety of ages. Some adults are kids and some kids are adults. Some are from military background. Some adults act like kids and some kids act like adults. The idea is to try to get the kids to act like adults and the adults to act like kids without going to extremes. Some adults don't like being with kids but they also need to remember they were once them and seem to forget. Also maybe the kids are just acting out and just need a role model
Hello:
Most of my students are looking for a better life they are intercity individuals looking for a way out. They see us a teachers and driving into the city every day to teach. They know that there is better out there and they want a piece of this life. They need to believe in themselves and work hard stay focused and things will happen.
We are a (2) year program and if they make past the first few terms they do see a light at the end of the tunnel and they can overcome many challenges in their lives at this time. However, if they let things affect them early it is hard to retain them and get them back if they leave.
Hi Terry,
I concur! We have to be our students biggest cheerleaders! It is natural to have some lumps and bumps along the way, but we have to continue to rahhhh rahhh rahhh. We must help our students keep their eyes on the prize.
Patricia Scales
I find that adults (or older students making a career change) have a goal in mind (or at least the beginning of a goal that can be nurished.) They understand the importance of the money being spent and, if properly inspired, will be diligent to see their dream come true.
On the other hand, adult learners sometimes get weighed down with the "realities of life": providing financial support, having to work 1-2 jobs, relational issues. These students need extra motivation and inspiration to keep going.
