Teacher age gap
How do you initally engage students in the learning process when the instructor is younger than the students, or the student and instructor are around the same age group(i.e. late 20's)?
I think there are several approaches you could use for this one. This can be tricky at first if you do not use the right approach because you want your student to respect you as the instructor. Majority of my students are older than me. I set the bar initially. I explain to students that respect plays a critical part of the learning process. As the instructor, I am the the professional with "x" amount of experience and they can trust me to help guide them through their educational experience regardless of their age. I always strive to lead by example.
Most of my students are around the same age or older then me. I agree that respect plays a critical part in the learning process. The first day of class, what I expect of my class is expressing thoroughly. My expertise in my professional field shows in my classroom. I also tell them about some of my experiences in the job field and continuing education I have taken. Respect is a give and take my students find very quickly that I project out most respect for them, which in turn usually gives me the same from my students.
It is important to show them that you have education and experence to share with them. Don't get caught with your guard down and become their friends outside of the classroom. When you connect with students this it sometimes is hard not to.
I have students that range from a few years younger to a few years older and as long as they know my experiece and I show them my knowledge up front. I haven't had any problems with them respecting me and coming to me for help.
Respect is earned eaier than commanded.Tell them some background on your level of achievement but don't be bragging continuosly or it will backfire on you.Show them how to do what what you teach and it's relevance to their intended goals; They will "buy in" to your methods and the respect will follow.
I agree, Jean. The majority of my students are older than I am, and I try to establish and maintain a certain level of professional distance in (and out) of the classroom. I've seen young instructors try to become friends with their students, and those are the teachers who usually end up fighting for respect from both their students and their colleagues.
Hi Annie,
Instructors must realize that they need to act as professionals at all times. They do not need to fall to their students standards.
Patricia
I also have a variety of ages in my class. I find if I treat everyone equal and do not talk down to them they are receptive. In the first class I explain my experience in the job field and my love for the job. That establishes that I am there to help them develop a love for the field also. Age should not have a role in teaching the class.
