Instructor Age and the Older Learner

Abstract

Ability to learn remains good long beyond youth. Educational opportunities are increasing for older learners, but research in effective instruction is sparse. In one study, old instructors facilitated performance in old learners. In this study old and young instructors taught old and young students in controlled circumstances. No like-age facilitation was found: older learners profited from either age instructors, as did the young; the latter, however, preferred old instructors while older students liked both.