Classroom Management with Students Older than Instructor
I've been instructing for 3 years now. I truly found my passion and what provides me with fulfillment. Due to the economy students between the ages of 40 - 55 are returning back to school, along with new graduates from high school. I admire these students for their courage and decision to return. I also view them as a positive example to the younger students. Displaying that you can return to school knowing that age is not a factor and having the attitude of not being to "OLD" to still receive an education is AWESOME! But sometimes I'm viewed as being a child who doesn't know anything and how am I going to teach them anything. I hold several academic credentials and 12 years of experience in a variety of courses including healthcare, administrative office and clinical procedures, medical insurance, and education. Often times I find it difficult to manage a class with students who are considered my elder. Age is used as a factor when I provide corrective critism, explain the classroom rules or give an assignment. I questioned my ability as an instructor. After completeing Managing the Adult Classroom, I've learned what management style I have. Also how to professionally present and demonstrate myself as a GUIDE. These methods will be used in both my professional and personal life.
I truly enjoy the students that are close to my age or older. They are usually wise, serious, and have a respect for the instructor. I often ask the eldest students time related questions and allow them to support & supplement the points I make in the classroom. I find the elder students are usually extremely annoyed with the young disruptive students. The eldest student usually have the best attendance, take the best notes, & have the highest grades. The model student for the younger generation. I do find myself in a slightly more buddy role...more out of mutual understanding than my need for approval. Rarely if ever have any problems with the elders of my classroom. I am always excited to have elders present they bring a sense of calmness to the classroom.
I have to agree that at first, I was intimidated by teaching students older than myself. I am currently teaching a night course for adults who work full time but want to come back to school- and I am the youngest person in the room, and the only one who doesn't have kids! I found very early on that explaining my qualifications helped, and presented the issue as one that, "I know more about this topic, because this is where I have experience; however, I am certain that you know more about (topic X- like raising children!) than I do." This helped establish me as a professional while still acknowledging my student's areas of expertise.
I have to say, I too also find older students to be a wonderful role model for those fresh out of high school; however, I have had trouble on the occasion with the younger students writing it off as "a class for old people" and either not taking the course seriously or not paying attention when others speak. Has anyone else experienced this immaturity?
Alexander, I too am a fairly new instructor but with lots of experience in my field. I have the same problem with the students that are closer to my age. They have a problem respecting me as their teacher, and often view me as a peer. I find that as long as I am keeping my relationships professional,being consitant, upholding the schools rules and being a good example, I can usually gain their respect as an instructor. I also find it helpful to make sure that your school director is backing you up on disciplinary actions so that your students know that your director respects you, and expects them to do the same.
Brilliant. Age becomes meaningless in the face of maturity and competence. One simply has to turn on the television and see how awed we are of youth! You are absolutely correct, students of all ages recognize competence. I might add that the professor decades older than his or her students might feel somewhat awkward, but again competence makes those wrinkles fade and the missing hair--not quite so obvious. I suppose the lesson is obvious, don't worry about age, focus on being the best you can be.
Alexis, have you tried to meet them half-way on the smart phone issue? Could some of your lesson plan incorporate such technology within the classroom? Not something that requires 100% participation for those without them but could be highly effective for those that embrace such tools. Just some food for thought. There was also a time where instructors did not allow books in the classroom, times just change we as instructors need to continually innovate to keep our students engaged.
James Jackson
I often find myself in this situation. I know that I walk a fine line between buddy and guide. I actually find it easier to connect with and instruct the students older than myself. Rarely do I have a need to redirect the older students, they seem to be more focused. It is the younger students that force me into more of a dictator role as they try to take advantage of my classroom stucture. The largest issue I have with the twenty something generation is the smart phone. I am addicted to my smart phone, but I never have it in class. I also make clear that they are not to have their phones out either. Within 20 mins someone has it out; truely frustrating.
Alexander, great job with your self- assessment a and this is very typical of those new to the teaching arts. Just keep in mind the your age is not a good reflection of your maturity and skill level. I have been exposed to incredibly mature and knowledgeable 25 year old instructors with less than two years experience and I have been exposed to others in their 50's with over 25 years teaching experience that I was shocked they were actually teaching or attempting to teach. Effective teaching is more about your preparation and dedication to your students than anything else so if you are someone who prepares well and is focused on the learning of your students more than your own publications then you will most likely be revered by your students and your institution.
James Jackson
Jennifer, knowledge does not care about your age. Just remember you are the most knowledgable person in your classroom about your subject matter. That is why you are their instructor, not because of your age. I use to tell my students that in knowledge years I was 100 years old because that was the amount of time the average person would take to learn what I knew if they were passive learners. They were in class to gain from my knowledge not my age.
James Jackson
As a new instructor and a yound instructor this has been hard at times. I always have students who are much older than I am. But I don't have problems with them after I explain what my experience is. I have more problems with younger students who think that I will be a buddy to them and I'm not. This seems to be more of an issue for me.
I often find myself to be either the same age as many of my students or just barely older than them, and due to my young appearance many of my students think I am 10 years younger than my age. Often times as the instructor I am not the oldest person in the classroom. It, too, becomes very difficult to not be "the buddy" and often find myself walking a fine line between "the buddy" and "the guide". I find that it is difficult to keep that line drawn as more and more of my students are my peers. Yet, when I lay down the law I am respected and I feel great for doing so.
After years of teaching high school students, I too found myself in a classroom where the majority of my students were my elder. I can absolutely relate to your experiences; however, I found that by immediately "proving myself" to be an expert in my field, I found that the age barrier dissolved. It was tempting, at first, to want to be "The Buddy," as it was intimidating to teach students twenty years my senior. After a few weeks attempting to play this role, I found that I was only going to be successful if I established myself not only professionally, but also somewhat socially, as the authority.
Two years later, I am happy to consider my teaching style a model of "The Guide," and I have had great success as an instructor at the career college where I teach.
Jamilya, always share your skills with your students. Students respect you more when you explain your competences and why you are qualified to be their teacher. Be careful not to be seen as erogant but it is good to show your confidence and your passion for your subject matter.
Regards,
James Jackson
