Challenging Students
Many of my students are older than "typical" college students...I am younger than many of them. This can create an interesting situation when behavior necessitates redirecting. I've found that maintaining professionalism at all time is key to earning and keeping the respect of the students. Does anyone else have any suggestions for similar scenarios?
Hi Stacy,
Older students have great stories that will help the younger generation and make the class discussion more interesting.
Patricia
I agree with Janet's approach to engage the older student by asking them to share their experience about a situation. This will show them you respect their wisdom and are willing to learn from them as well.
Having taught adults in a business professional training environment as well as in a career college environment, I have learned to ask the older, experienced students if they would share their related experiences with the rest of the class. I often relate one of my own as well, just to show that it is welcomed and people can learn alot from one another. It also creates an atmosphere of trust and comfort in giving feedback.
Hi Nathaniel,
Absolutely! Your age only becomes an issue if your act unprofessional, naive, and immature, otherwise you will be well respected.
Patricia
I am a lab assistant at a college. And I work with students that are older than me as well. Not only am I young, but I look young. I maintain professionalism, but I still convey respect for them. Besides, the best way to get respect is to give respect.
Hi Katie,
I fully understand! When I started teaching at the career college level I was 23 and almost everyone of my students were older, but this never presented a problem because I always lead by example and was professional at all times. My students fully respected me and in return I fully respected them. I also was very knowledgeable about the various subjects I taught.
Patricia
