Get Your Students Hired
Hi Richard,
As long as you are professional and you know your subject matter age should not make that much of a difference.
Patricia
I feel that if you continue with your points: dressing professionally, being organized, providing the classroom goals, addressing every student like mature individuals - you will earn their respect. It's a "push back" affect - and if you are consistent and knowledgeable - they will eventually drop the age gap issue.
Hi John,,
When I was 23 and started teaching at a career college, I never hid my age. Students generally can guess your age. What I always did was acted professionally, displayed vast knowledge about the subject matter, respected my students, and prepared thoroughly.
Patricia
In my experience during introductions the older adult student makes a point to announce that they are the oldest individual in the class. It's amazing that this student has chosen to return or attend college for the first time however, may have fears in the classroom. Meaning fears of learning the material and learning from someone of a younger generation. Due to the fact that technology and teaching methods has changed since the last time they attended school. Professionalism is the key demonstrate to students knowledgeable experience in the field of study and accomplishments. Therefore, each student will become interest in learning the material and become more engaged in classroom discussions. Furthermore, all student will learn more about the material, their peers, and related experiences as the course progresses.
Don't avoid it. No point in trying to keep secrets -- they can see you're not 45. You just have to do that much better at showing your knowledge of the subject.
Most older students are willing to be taught by someone younger provided that 1) you know you stuff, and show it and 2) you give THEM a certain amount of respect for their age and life experience.
You cannot ignore the issue, it is clearly obvious. Relying on "Subject Matter Expert" in your role is a start.
Perhaps asking the students of similar age what their career goals are or how the current course adds to their repetoire would take the focus off the age issue.
Hi Karl, I'm 57 and teach to adults although they are mostly from 21 to 40, so there is an age gap. I try to put myself in their shoes every night of class by brining value and enthusiasm to each class.
I hear what you are saying. I am 65 and that makes me much older than my students. There is a problem there also. But your solution hold for all professionals. You need to act and dress like a professional. Then you will ususlly be treated as a professional.
Hi Joshua,
I was 23 years old when I first started teaching. You can not avoid the age question. You are young and the students see it, but as you have mentioned you can always act like a mature professional adult in order to help minimize the age question. When I first started teaching, I would hear the students say she looks you, but she does not act like it.
Patricia