Difficult Older Student
I have a student who presents me with a lot of problems. She is an older student (a grandmother, but a VERY young grandmother). First of all, she always gives up on a task the moment after it is presented. She refuses to even try! Second of all, she basically accuses me of not providing her a lecture worth her money. She always whines about everything - especially the cost of the program. And third, she requires a lot of extra help with technology. I am teaching in an extremely technology heavy program, and she can't even figure out where to save a document on the computer and be able to find it. I feel for her, but I can't spend class time explaining basic computer skills or defending my lessons every week. How can I help her build the confidence to try harder or take it upon herself to become familiar with computers outside of class?
Nicole,
There are two things going on with this student. The first is that she is scared to death of failure in the class because it is obvious that she is not ready to be in the class. She lacks the foundation to be successful in the course. I would suggest that she be put in another class or classes that will enable her to get the skills and knowledge to achieve success in your class. This is unfair to you, the other students and her. The second item is that she is being disruptive and complaining as a way to deflect away from her lack of knowledge and skills and put the problem on you. This also is unfair to you.
Talk with your administration. This is a problem that needs fixing right away and you need some outside help in getting everything taken care of and this student in a setting where she can be successful if she is willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have worked with students from age to to age 72. With every group there is a learning curve, some have a larger one that others. Remember to be patient at all times. I taught adult professional development for many years, I always started out with a get to know the PC. It may seem trifling for some, but they get over it. It is a huge benefit for those who may have never had access to a computer before. Before you know it everyone is on the same page and the moves along more smoothly.
David,
Good advice for instructors to remember. Everyone has to start somewhere. We did. So helping all students to have a solid foundation upon which to build is so important and will help them to move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
if the difficult older student is being that way because of an age gap, (between student and teacher)... how would you suggest handling that situation?
Aaron,
Have a private discussion with that student and ask for their help in making the class a positive one for all those involved. Sometimes this will change their behavior. If not then have a another talk that reinforces your career experience and the fact that you are the learning leader in the course. Then proceed to teach the course and don't let the student derail your goals and objectives for the course. They do not have the right to disrupt the learning of others due to their personal issues.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have a student like that and I often recommend tutoring. Our school offers it weekly for free. They should take the time to get tutored anyway they can regardless because they are cheating everyone.
I think your point is very important to remember. We, as instructors can't always make things be the way the student needs, even with the private discussions. I've had a few difficult older students and each one of them while wanting to improve, just couldn't get over their feelings of not being as good as the other students "because" they were older. I heard so many excuses as to way they shouldn't have to change their behavior, that it was the other students who weren't being fair,that they were judgemental, or just didn't like them due to their age (they felt disrespected). The difficult older student can make the classroom uncomfortable for the others who just want to learn and not be bothered with the personal issues/struggles
Mariko,
They can be a real challenge due to the issues that you have raised. We can provide only so much support because in the end they have to assume responsibility for their success and if they don't then their failure will be on them. I am always sad when this happens but I can only do so much to help them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you on what is going on with this student. She is definitely deflecting...taking the attention off herself and putting on the instructor to hide and try to avoid her own fears. I have experienced this behavior moreso with my younger students than with my older students.
Della,
Deflecting seems to be the first course of action such a student takes. Is it possible to talk with her and see if you can get her to become more settled into the course? Also, see if you can have her do some work that will be successful so her confidence level will increase and she won't have to use excuses for not doing the work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
