Over the last year, I've started teaching far more youth classes than in the past. As I've gotten a little more comfortable with the format and expectations of younger students, my attitude has relaxed significantly and I find myself far more at ease with the class.
Before this endeavor, I was teaching classes at the University level, almost exclusively to kids in their 20s. A far different experience as you might imagine. Physically, the college students are able to endure more, can be stretched physically and mentally, and provide a great deal of challenges for a teacher who continues to get older while students (seemingly) stay the same age.
A few months ago, at a demo for a Scout group, I brought a few of the University students to assist, and many of them felt as though I had a split personality. This joking, fun instructor who was setting kids at ease and sharing this art was very different from the person who would work them over for 2 hours.
The truth is, I enjoy teaching adults and children for different reasons. Both classes are very enjoyable for me, but they require far different skills, different goals and ambitions.
Kids classes, you spend a great deal of time keeping them from fidgeting, talking out of turn, handling restroom issues, etc.
Adults classes are... well, actually about the same in many ways. :)
2 comments:
I know what you mean about split teaching personality. :)
I started out teaching adults...then I taught young kids for a year. As an instructor, I found the youth classes more challenging. I needed to be prepared, creative and flexible. Currently, I teach adults. I believe my time teaching kids made me a better instructor for all age ranges.
Michele, I think the biggest thing I've learned from teaching children is that they are not afraid to flat out tell you if they are bored, confused or don't get what you are saying, where adults will often just nod politely. :)
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