I have quite often noticed that older students seems to have a "maturing influence" on some of the younger ones.
Sometimes the young are good mentors for technology. I see old and young engaged in dialog that benefits both.
Dr. B
I agree. The more mature students make the best mentors. In my case age does seem to be a factor because my students range from 20 - 28 years of age. Some 20 year olds are more mature than the 28 year old one. Not only does the mentor help his/her mentee but I've seen where the mentor improves in the subject area as well.
There are times when I have asked a student to mentor another student. Asking a person that understands the topic well and that I think may be inclined to help, I usually get one of two responses. The first is, "Sure, I can do that." or the second is a form of reluctance. Then I explain the idea, "To teach, is to learn it twice.". Someone can understand something. But, do they understand enough to explain it to someone that doesn't? When they can explain it, then they really do understand it. By this time the student is feeling pretty good about the idea and does it. This will also help both students become better students.
The key is to show respect at any level. Sounds like you are.
Dr. B
I completely agree! And the older students also tend to be the better students as well. Some are returning to school for often, a second career (or career change) and bring with them not only good study habits but plenty of practical life experience. As an instructor, I enjoy the older students, and they also tend to give constructive criticism in a helpful manner, rather than complain or blame as some of the younger less experienced students do.
This is very true and I try to put my immature students into the right group of students that are mature this way the immature student will not have the chance to act like a clown. I also found by showing respect to all students and work with all and explain how and why this is important to know for their future, Immature students seem to settle down and respect the mature students and start to work together very well.
I agree with you. The idea is to access maturity level. Specifically non-cognitive factors that may help you to predict student retention.
Dr. B
i dissagree maturity level is not decided by age!! i have seen some mature students act like adolesents,and younger students who make better mentors, some of the students today have been matured by their experiecnes and previous jobs, i have seen young people return from overseas more mature from the experience of being in combat. but basicly it depends on the individule. some of these young kids are sharp as a tack. some of the older students are set in their ways.and dont take change.
I have found that the mentor could be any age to the mentee any age. It really depends on whether the class is viewed in the interest of the mentor student who is trying to take all available information in. The mentee may be someone who was "sold " a program that was not what they wanted and has to shown how the program can benefit them. I also try to lay out these points as part of my introduction.
The key is to lead. Try to combine to optimize the learning experience. Don't just leave it to chance.
Dr. B
I agree. We run three shifts at our school. It seems that the younger students which are usually in the morning class are much more immature. When there is an older adult student within the younger classmates they seem to become the mentor and can really help the students get focused.
This is such a great idea, as many of my students must retake Biology, often more than once. However, because we are also an online university, it is sometimes more difficult to access the people that can help a student and spots are often limited. I would love to see a program where new students could have previous students available to them to act as mentors. Not only would more students pass the first time around, I bet retention rates would also increase.
We also have a large older group of students...some retired and some have the luxury of working weekends only. It does seem these adults tend to stay on campus and are very willing to help other students. I feel they do get into a routine faster and help others strive to do best work.
The maturity level varies among those students when we are ready to go to lab, If I let the class pick their own groups then they can not complian.
Excellent. Sometimes this will make or break student experiences. Student mentors learn, too. More importantly, students form relationships. Relationships with other including faculty will improve retention.
Dr. B
I have asked students to help other students on many occasions. They can be both young and old. Often, you will come across a student that picks things up very quickly and can help give thier own viewpoint on the task at hand. I have also seen a situation where you ask someone to help and they are reluctant to do so citing lack of teaching skills. With encouragement, it then becomes a learning experince for both the student mentor and his / her pier for a win - win situation.
I agree. On the first day of class we encourage our continuing students to jump in and help new students. Informal mentoring tends to help the new students get the "heads up" on the school and instructors and just the overall atmosphere.
Usually the older students are better mentors, but not everytime. I have had some younger students who were much more self motivated and responsible. You realy have to observe your students and see who will best serve your purpose.
We are getting more and more older students that are returning to learn a new career. Using these students as in class mentors has resulted with very positive outcomes in my classes. Wee need to figure out to use them in our orientation programs and get them involved with every prospective student and parents.
