Dealing with Challenging Adult Students
Adult students often will not communicate their concerns directly with the instructor. Instead, they may communicate directly with the dean or other administrator first. How do we encourage direct communication with challenging adult students?
One of the best ways to engage with adult students is to get to know them and what their goals are first. Remember: people do not care how much we know until they know how much we care about them.
David Wahl
Hi Mickey,
Students want to and need to know that we are there for them. We have to help our students gain success.
Patricia Scales
I like to do roughly the same thing. I like to express a sincere desire to the members of the class that I want to help them succeed and that I am somewhat of a resource to help them do so. I ask them to ask questions, come talk with me, express concerns, etc.
I reemphasized this today after handing back their first exam and was pleased to have more participation and questions asked.
What I like to do is express to the class that I am available for all comments and concerns that I want to listen to what they have to say. Let them know that you will listen and if you agree, then you will help become their advocate. But if you do not agree, then you are willing to discuss the situation.
Hi John,
The dean/other administrator should direct the student back to the instructor. Students need to know how the chain of command works; following the chain of command in the workplace is crucial.
Patricia Scales
