older generation students
what are some better techniques to apply in class for older generation students to make them feel more at ease during lecutures, since they have been out of school for so long?
Reassurance works for me, actively involve them in the lectures and finding some common ground to relate the subject matter to some life experience that they may have had.
I feel approaching older students individually is helpful for motivating these students and encouraging their investment and motivation in the program. If older generation students attend our program, most of them are doing so in an attempt to jump start a second/new career so making myself available to make their transition as smooth as possible is extremely important.
Hi James,
Older students have to get it immediately as to how the course is going to help them. They come in with the attitude that I do not have time to waste.
Patricia
I think an effective way to engage older students is to demonstrate the real-life relevancy of what they will learn in the class. The more they can apply the course content to their every-day lives and careers, the more they will feel an investment in what goes on within the class itself.
I have found that students who have been away from the classroom and formal learning environments for a prolonged period of time often feel very uncomfortable with their once-again role as student and that they are often very much afraid that they are not going to be able to do it. Fear of failure tends to lurk heavily in the back of many of their minds.
In working with the "older" student, I try to get to know them (and their situations) individually as the insight that I gain usually helps me to empathize with them and with what they are experiencing. The empathy of another often seems to open up the door to communication and trust between people.
I also let them know that: (1) I know that what they are doing is not easy, (2) I believe that they can/will succeed and I want them to believe it also, (3) others have done exactly what they are doing and their efforts have brought them success (4) I will work with them in any way that I can to help them succeed.
I try to always remain cognizant of how these particular students are doing and provide them with positive feedback whenever I can or encourage them if encouragement seems appropriate.
Initially, I also try to provide them with opportunities to succeed - even if it is only by asking them to answer a question that I know they will be able to answer correctly. Sometimes, for the person who was perhaps not the best student years ago, this can help to lessen/dispel memories of past negative experiences that have impacted their own perceptions and self confidence in some way, shape or form.
Success breeds success. Small successes lead to larger ones and with success comes confidence. Older students also have to understand that their maturity and "worldly" experience can often be beneficial and sometimes it will even provide them with an advantage... many older students have gained an awful lot of knowledge in that "School of Hard Knocks".
Hi Joseph,
Pair the older student up with a younger mentor, and the instructor should spend as much outside time with the older student as possible to reemphasize study skills, time management, priortizing, etc. so that the student gets on the road to success.
Patricia
