adult sudents
How do you discpline students that might be older than you?
This is and can be very tricky to say the least. However you have to establish early on that you are the instructor and they are the student. You establish the rules of the class, and treat everyone the same and enforce all rules of the class the same. Most of the time your students that are older will truly appreciate the fact that you take that role. Additionally use the fact they are older and put or place them in a position which allows them to use their seniority if you will, to set an example for the younger students and give them that sense of importance and again they will appreciate your ability to recognize that fact. Your professionalism will be respected by them when you show the same in return, and place yourself in that key role.
Shawntel , please keep us posted and let us know of any results you are able to achieve as you apply what you have learned within this class.
James Jackson
Always with respect. Never cross that professional line and i usually come out ok.
I havent really spoken to them about anything. We have "classroom chat" every monday but they are usually listening but have no imput. I will add this into a discussion and see how things go.
Thanks for that input.
Shawntel, what conversations have you had with your students on this topic? Are they aware you have concerns about what they are giving you back in return? Such a conversation could provide you with some insight as to how to get more out of them and more out of the class all together. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
James Jackson
I as a instructor find it difficult because i expect more than what i'm getting. I am struggling NOT treat them as kids, but not getting any positive response from most.-SEW
Carla, you speak of a very common issue and this is a national problem so you are not alone. I highly recommend you get involved with the MaxKnowledge Lounge, www.careercollegelounge.com/ where you can compare notes with instructors around the world about how they are handling such issues. Engagement seems to be one of the hot topics when dealing with students that have distractions such as a very busy home life. Find exercises that get students to move around and interact with each other. There is nothing worse than getting off work and going to a class where you site and listen to someone lecture. Get your students active and The Lounge can give you several ideas of what other instructors are doing.
James Jackson
Roy, do not think of it as discipline. You are enforcing the rules and implementing the plan you should have established the first day of class. This is why setting the stage on day one is so critical. Have a written syllabus with your course policies and consequences of violating your course policies. Later then you need to implement your action plan for failure to follow policy you are not using discipline, you are enforcing your pre-established policies. Following the rules is not bound by age, everyone needs to follow them. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
James Jackson
I work with mostly young adults that work and then come to school at night. They are usually tired and have a million things on their mind. They always want to leave early and it can be a challenge to keep them engaged for the full amount of time they need to be there. I am pretty fortunate in that they are still in awe of their subject matter.
Being respectful is #1. Explaining that being consistant with all students is fair and important just as in the work place
