A Non-traditional Student

I think you could just try turning to the person next to you and say something to the effect of, "Want to be in a group?" They will not say no, and more then likely, many other people in the class are doing the same thing - forming a group with the people around them because it's the easiest way to form a group.

When you're in a group, you could use the knowledge and experience that you gained throughout your life. The other younger students are no better than you and don't know any more than you - you're all taking the same class together.

Hope that helped at least a little bit =)

I agree with the comment above. When I was a university professor i enjoyed the older students because they brought gifts to the forum such as, experience, reality, wisdom, commonsense.

When i have to go in a group now i often feel similar to you that i'm not wanted and yet i know i have so much to give. often i choose not to participate but have my individual say anyway or if i do contribute to a group find them hanging on my every word.

I value me so i figure that's what counts.

Good luck and remember at the end of it all; you pass or fail on your own merits.