I am writing this from the perspective of an educator, and also as a mature student. I believe after 25, one should be considered a mature student. I have had the privilege to tutor some mature students and I must say, it was a daunting and scary task at first. But with ample preparations, research on ‘how to deal with mature students’, rehearsals and so on.
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But I have been a mature student longer than I have been an educator. The list compiled in this post is my personal opinion, research, and a few hints I picked up while I went about my tutoring job. I also learned a lot in the few moments that I sat and just watched my thesis supervisor lecture, postgraduate students. I read their body language, their reactions, and their tones in response to a variety of comments or activities.
Self-confidence is an essential tool for navigating the hurdles of productive lecturing or teaching sessions with older or mature students. A lot of mature students could read your body language, and assess in a few minutes how they feel about certain educators.
So, if you go in looking already frightened, I bet you they see through it all. If you are interested in how to build your self-esteem, kindly click on the tab below to read how to build your self-esteem
Here are 22 points to note as a lecturer or educator with a mature audience.
Recognize and Value Experience: Mature students often bring a wealth of life and work experience to the classroom. Acknowledge and respect their backgrounds, and encourage them to share relevant insights and perspectives. This can enrich discussions and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Foster a Supportive Community
Building a strong sense of community within the classroom can significantly enhance the learning experience for mature students. Facilitate opportunities for peer interaction and collaboration, and create a space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. This sense of belonging can boost their confidence and engagement.
Offer Guidance and Mentorship
Mature students may benefit from additional guidance and mentorship as they navigate their academic journeys. Providing access to academic advisors, career counselors, and peer mentors can help them set realistic goals, develop effective study strategies, and explore career opportunities aligned with their interests and experiences.
Acknowledge Different Learning Styles
Recognize that mature students may have diverse learning styles and preferences. Employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, hands-on activities, group work, and multimedia resources, to cater to different learning needs. This approach can make the material more accessible and engaging for all students.
Encourage Lifelong Learning
Emphasize the value of lifelong learning and continuous personal and professional development. Encourage mature students to view their education as an ongoing journey rather than a finite goal. Highlight resources such as workshops, seminars, and professional development courses that can help them stay current in their fields and pursue new interests.
Be Flexible and Understanding:
Mature students may have different responsibilities, such as family or work commitments. Show understanding and flexibility regarding deadlines and attendance, and provide options for catching up on missed work. They wish you could read their minds and their challenges.
Promote Peer Learning:
Encourage collaboration and peer learning opportunities. Group projects and discussions can help build mutual respect among students of different ages and backgrounds. Examples of group projects could include getting students into groups to research and publish articles as collaborative work.
Incorporate Diverse Perspectives:
Ensure that the curriculum and classroom discussions include a variety of viewpoints and cultural backgrounds. This fosters a more inclusive environment where all students feel represented and valued. If the institution has not done anything to this effect, you should try incorporating those unique perspectives on cultural backgrounds.
Provide Supportive Resources:
Offer resources that cater to the diverse needs of students, such as access to counseling, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities. These resources can help students navigate challenges and feel more connected to the school community.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of all students, regardless of their backgrounds. This can be done through awards, assemblies, or special mentions in school newsletters. Celebrating diversity in success reinforces the idea that everyone has unique contributions to offer.
Cultivate Empathy and Understanding: Implement activities and lessons that encourage students to put themselves in others' shoes. Role-playing, storytelling, and service-learning projects can be effective ways to build empathy and understanding among students and their educators.
Use Inclusive Language: Avoid language that could be patronizing or dismissive. Treat all students as equals and refrain from making assumptions based on age.
Provide Varied Learning Resources: Recognize that mature students may have different learning styles and preferences. Offer a variety of resources, such as readings, videos, and interactive activities, to cater to diverse needs.
Encourage Professional Development: Highlight opportunities for mature students to apply their learning to their careers. Connect course content to real-world applications and professional growth.
Create a Respectful Environment: Set clear expectations for respectful behavior in the classroom. Address any instances of intimidation or disrespect promptly and fairly.
Encourage Open Communication
Foster an atmosphere where students feel safe to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment. This can be achieved through regular class discussions, feedback sessions, and one-on-one meetings. This openness can lead to greater mutual respect and a stronger sense of community.
Promote Inclusivity
Ensure that all students feel valued and included, regardless of their background, culture, or abilities. Implement activities that celebrate diversity and encourage collaboration among students with different perspectives.
Model Respectful Behavior
Lead by example. Demonstrate respect in your interactions with students, colleagues, and parents. Your behavior sets the tone for the classroom and reinforces the importance of respect in all relationships.
Provide Pastoral Support and Resources
Offer resources and support to students who may be struggling with interpersonal issues. This could include counseling services, peer support groups, or educational materials on conflict resolution and communication skills.
Celebrate Positive Behavior
Recognize and reward respectful behavior in the classroom. This can be done through praise, awards, or privileges that reinforce the value of respect and encourage students to continue demonstrating it.
Reflect and Improve
Regularly assess the classroom environment and seek feedback from students on how it can be improved. Be open to making changes and continually strive to create a more respectful and supportive learning space for everyone. Also, remember to reflect on your own, on what could be improved on, or reflect on the suggestions that the students have brought forward.
Offer Support and Guidance:
Just as in number 19 above, provide additional support for those who may be returning to education after a long break. This could include study skills workshops, technology training, or one-on-one tutoring sessions.
By implementing these strategies, lecturers and tutors can create a positive and supportive learning environment that respects the diverse experiences and needs of mature students.
Here are some other resources that might be of interest to you.
