Being Approachable Despite Age
Hello Everyone,
Despite the fact that I have three years of professional teaching experience, I find myself running into issues of my (lack of an) age gap threatening my image as a professional.
I am 24, and despite a Master's degree, I find myself in a half-dozen instances each semester of a younger student realizing they are chronologically older than me, and then it becomes a distraction to focus on the activity at hand and precious learning time lost.
I make it a point to dress professionally every day, be organized and provide clear classroom goals, address every student like a mature individual, and avoid Facebook and MySpace like bad cases of H1N1. Other than dyeing my hair gray, any suggestions on how to avoid the "Age Question" without burning bridges to good student rapport?
Hi Joshua,
I think you are looking at the age issue from the wrong perspective. Look at it this way: I'm only 24, & look at what I've accomplished! Your students can use you as a role model, & strive to achieve what you have. Also, having grown up with computers, you are probably comfortable with all the technological advances in the classroom. I'm a dinosaur who can barely type and hasn't even figured out Power Point. So it could be worse. -Jeanne
Hi Moira,
Students want to know that you are on their side. As educators, we should make it known that we are on their side.
Patricia
I agree. Once students don't perceive me as an outsider, but an industry insider and one that can help with their education and consequently their future career, we are a team.
Norman I agree completely with you. I have a large age gap in my class ( I'm in my 50s) but it has never been a problem for me or my students, If you have earned their respect and proved you have something to contribute to the students education, I feel it becomes a non issue.
It's interesting to me that you mention this happens "a half-dozen instances each semester." I wonder if the loss of learning time could be reduced by simply addressing the issue matter-of-factly to the whole class at once, perhaps during the 2nd or 3rd class session. That way, it happens only once, and you manage where/how it happens.
I think that by just consistently demonstrating industry knowledge and applications, one can reinforce the rapport necessary to be taken seriously as well as acting professional.
Hi Rene,
Continue to prepare, be organized, and knowledgeable, and students will not make your age an issue.
Patricia
I'm 35 and I have a both older and young students. My non advantage is that I don't look my age (not bragging) and sometimes is a little challenging. The young students see me as a peer and the older ones see me as not prepared enough. But, with preparation, skill demostrations and knowlegde, I've been able to succeed
Hi Lauren,
It is amazing what I have learned from my students.
Patricia
Hi Nicol,
I couldn't agree more! And it all goes back to what John said about respect - instructors of all ages must show a genuine respect for students, of all ages, and professionalism at all times. Students bring a range of life experiences with them - and by respecting them and treating them professionally,we can help them start to connect to the learning outcomes and become truly engaged in the course. We may even learn a little something from our students too. That's what makes teaching so fun for me.
Hi Norman,
Nicely respnded to! Generally, if you don't make an issue, students want make an issue. I admire you based on what I've learned about you from your response.
Patricia
Hi Gabrielle,
I started teaching when I was 23, and I encountered the same thing. I answered their question honestly, and I always went right back to strictly business. I handled myself as a professional at all times. Students never made a big deal of my age.
Patricia
You need to have more self-confidence. Age is not an issue. If you do the things that you say, they will respect you and try to obtain your knowledge. You are making more of an issue out of this then any of your students.
I have experienced the opposite problem. When I went back to school for a masters degree just prior to teaching, I graduated on my 60th birthday. I was the oldest person in my classes including the instructors. I student taught in high schools at the age of 59. I am sure that this was by far older than any other student teacher that the students had ever had. I had no problems.
Most of my students think that I am older than I am, but I do not hide my age. I am proud of who I am at this point in my life. You should also be proud of what you are doing. If you teach your students and act mature, but not dead, they will respect you and age will not be an issue.
Keep doing what you are doing. Keep caring about students. Make it obvious that your goal is to educate them and make them better people. If you are good, you will build a reputation and age will not be an issue. They won't care if you look like you are 10.
If it does become an issue, you might respond by saying: "Good, then we can learn from each other." I think it would be difficult for the student to respond with a negative comment.
Good luck.
Hi Hope,
When I was young, and I was asked the question, I answered it. I never made a deal out of them asking, and they never made a deal out of it based on my confident response.
Patricia
I started teaching when I was 27. At first students would always ask me about my age. Now, I handle it by making a joke about it the very first class. I follow up by telling them about my educational background and work experience so they know from the start that I am qualified to teach them. Students really seem to like this approach.
Hi Nicol,
You're right, during the introductions the oldest individual does make it a point to point out their age. Why do feel this is the case?
Patricia
I agree. I am younger than a lot of mys students, and I always wear a suit, come prepared and act professional. Once in a while they ask me my age, and I have made it a rule never to discuss the topic. That works for me.
Hi Toni,
You may have a few students concerned about the age gap, but as long as you do all the things you mentioned, instructors will be just fine.
Patricia
Hi Craig,
I am sure your students appreciate your enthusiasm and energy level. I have seen some older instructors to be more or just as energetic as young instructors.
Patricia
