Range of ages re: students in class
I have a range of age from post high school to post retirement. How can I get the students to be more open minded and want to work with others in the class?
There is also a balance of generations in our courses. I have found that if I can position the mature students with the immature/young students a moajority of the time the maturity starts to be learned. I have seen it have the opposite effect too. The mature adult molds right along with the immature adult and their behavior changes.
Hi Donna,
Do not let your students take advantage of you. The next time a student is disruptive, put them out of the class, and you will definitely get the attention of others. The students will realize that you are not playing with them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kimberli, I have a range also and I have learned that my expectations are not recognized by the post high school group. I feel that no matter what the age, we are all adults. I therefore expect adult behavior. I have had the younger set throw paper around the class, use their cell phones with an 'as if' attitude and talk loudly during lectures. I find I have to reprimand these students over and over. It becomes exhausting and disruptive to the rest of the class.
Hi Catherine,
Regardless of age, you must direct ALL students. If you carry yourself professionally and your students respect you, they will follow your directives and advice. I was 23 when I started in this industry, and age was never a factor because I always regard myself as the one in control.
Patricia Scales
I struggle with this sometimes as well, particularly in terms of respect across the age gap.
I do find that assigning students of various ages to pair/group assignments causes them to mix and learn to respect one another better.
As an instructor under the age of thirty, it is naturally awkward for me to guide and correct students old enough to be my parents.
Any tips there?
Hi Nicole,
We certainly have different things to share based on when we were born. Generation Y can certainly help the Baby Boomers with technology, and Baby Boomers can help Generation Y with life issues.
Patricia Scales
I have found that pairing up students by varying ages within groups allows for different insights into class discussions and experiences as well.
Hi Kimberli,
You need to establish groups and try to pair up a younger student with an older student.
Patricia Scales
