Working with different age group
This module mentioned many ways to help student feel supprted and engaged. This information can be very useful in lesson planning when working with different age group, it is a good idea to be flexible.
The ablility to engage different age groups into one class assignment helps the student realize the importance of enter action of all age groups; which is a real life experience.
I like this section of the lession because it alllows the instructor to take into consideration the age differences among the students. This will give the instructor understanding as to why a younger student will have a carefree attitute toward learning compare to an older student who comes into the class with a positive attitude and ready to learn. The younger students do not have responsibilities like the older students and they have a lot of time on their side as they are just testing the waters from childhood to adulthood.
Janet,
I really like having different age groups in my classes because when I put them in learning groups each generation learns from the other. In addition the different groups develop respect for what each person contributes to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Naimah,
In the work world we all work with different age groups so the more experience we have in working with others the more effective we will be in transitioning to employment. For those of us already in the work place we have learned that so we need to take this experience and translate that into activities for our students so they can develop skills in this area as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nazi,
Teaching requires flexibility. Each day is different in teaching so by having activities and lectures that allow us to make changes as needed we can stay on target and keep our students moving forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I felt that the insight offered into the motivations of recent high school grads as opposed to adults who haven't been in school for awhile to be very helpful.
I have found older student to be more active and involved in their learning proccess. I found that relating to their previous experiences can help with teaching.
Kimberly,
There is a difference and knowing how to approach the different groups will result in higher levels of engagement and greater student satisfaction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Amy,
This has been my experience as well. They for the most part have a much higher level of investment in the education they are paying to receive and so they want to get all they can out of the classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I fully agree with Kimberly. I have seen the fear on the part of the older adult learners thinking they have been out of school too long, or may be too old to succeed. Where the younger students aren't as nervous and have less fear of failure. But one thing that I have been impressed to see is that the older adult learners do just as well and usually better than the young students. Giving lots of praise and positive reinforcement is key for all learners of all ages.
Amy, I agree with you completely! See how hard the older students work to learn the topics at hand and their desire to make good grades. I have loved working with older students.
I like it when I have older more mature students in class. It contributes to the overall learning experience, and it helps with class control,too!
Harry,
I do as well. They bring a diversity of experiences that help to enrich the class discussions. In addition by them sharing their experiences they are validating that they can contribute to the class and be successful as returning students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found this to be true and very effective, however you must pay close attention to these groups. Every now and then a group can develop too much friction and then the learning process stops for them and sometimes others.
Curious of others experience with blended age group classes. I run from 18 year olds to 70 year olds. While no stereotypes fit; generally the older students are mindful of the cost and effort, while the younger ones are more carefree and less serious. What methods do you use to engage both groups and maintain control?
Elliot,
I use a lot of blended group work. This way the different age groups get to learn and work with each other to solve a common problem. I use case studies so the different experiences of the students contribute to completing the case studies and getting the forward focused in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to leverage the work experience of an older student to illustrate a particular point I'm trying to illustrate from the lecture by sharing real life experiences and outcomes.
Nestor,
I think this is so important because they need to see that their life experiences do have a role to play in their career development. Knowing they can fall back on some of their life experiences to be successful in the course helps them to feel confident and ready to progress toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
