Christina ,
this is a good approach; I've noticed a lot more of questioning of grades so to me, having them "prove" why a question is right or wrong might be a good way to develop these skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree with both this statement and the previous one. In my experience it does seem that Gen Y students have a very entitled approach to learning and teaching, getting an A for showing up. I have experienced a challenging attitude with some students to demonstrate their superior technological skills. One way of affectingly managing this type of attitude, for me, seems to be acknowledging their position and challenging more critical thinking beyond a technological understanding or dependence. Something that seems to be missing is an actual understanding of self reflection where as a technological dependence may weaken such an ability.
anthony,
yes, the better we understand our classes & the learners, the better we are equipped to reach them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Sarah,
yes, we really should try to view the classroom as a dialogue that engages the learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The 'right now' mentality means that learning must be fast paced, applicable to the real world, and interesting. Multi-media and class discussions are a must. How do you all attempt to pacify the needs of Gen Y in a multi-generational classroom without alienating the other generations?
It's important for instructors to understand Gen Y, because they will know which teaching style to use. Te instructors will know that the use of technology will probably be useful in the classroom.
As a Gen Y learner myself, I believe that the work and design has to be collaborative and flexible, responding to the needs of learners in the moment and engaging participants throughout the process.
Kevin,
this is a great point & sometimes we can see that the social media/technology driven world does help our students know what's going on in the world.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that planning for class needs to become a lot "looser" over the past four or five years. For example, today in my Ethics class we were discussing War, Terrorism and Civil Liberties and our class got into an interesting and helpful sidelight on the issue in Crimea. While this was something in the news I had read about this weekend I didn't realize the urgency and interest the Gen Y students in the class had for discussing this current event. Vietnam, 9/11 and Iraq we on the textbook menu but this sidelight proved much more inspiring. Be ready to change it up when the situation calls for it.
The instructional planning process may change into an effective results, connecting between generations is good blending, X approach and Y approach ideas will form into a scientific approach. Like skills plus technology equals hi-tech.
Teresa,
This is so true & as you say this means that we must put even more time into our preparation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Dr. Meers,
Since most of my stubents are Kinesthetic learners, the constant urge to touch the keys of their Iphones is an ongoing scene in my culinary classroom. Thankfully, lesson planning includes physical kife skills, technical skills, plate design and food production in general, so students are constantly moving the hands, fingers, and minds to complete production requirements. Since most of their time in class provides a necessity for "teamwork", I feel they have a sense of being "connected" to achieve a common goal, and share the Baby Boomers learned need to work with others. For a brief moment they plug in their phones to recharge, and work together to hopefully find a career that has "meaning" for them.
As someone who is a generation Y learner I would have to say the impact of the planning process is much more intense than in the past. I feel this way because individuals of my era tend to have many 'things' going on in their day life. For example, TV today is 'faster' than it once was. The changes in scene/screen shots has increased 10 fold. With the constant go go go our world is accustomed to, we must provide a learning environment that is equal to that of the outside world. We need to integrate technology as much as possible for this cohort of learners. We must keep their mind focuses otherwise we have lost them. If they are thinking/doing something else they will likely miss valuable information.
Angela,
and I think using the technology to think the critical thinking skills & self-reliance that are so necessary for career success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I completely agree with you I get a sense from my Gen Y students that they are entitled to an "A" just from showing up and attending class. That if I don't know the answer research is not necessary "let's just google it". Sometimes I get a feeling of an almost whatever come may attitude, because after all if I just show up and compete I get a ribbon or reward anyways. Now I am not putting them down, but somewhere it seems that self responsibility and pride gave way to the onslaught of the internet and we got so wrapped up in technology, we lost our physical selves. So often I will use the internet and technology to keep them engaged while still being able to stay on topic.
Diane,
this is a great point to remember regarding doing a good audience analysis no matter what & making sure that we are using a variety of teaching styles whether our format be in person or online.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Planning on teaching concepts for a specific course does mean that you should understand the "target" audience. That is true for anyone presenting information. The difficulty with teaching online is that the students are so diverse and they might represent at least three generational cohorts. This makes it very challenging. It seems that the Generation Y learners might be more comfortable learning about concepts using technology so that is great. Just be sure to have content presented clearly and addressing various learning styles. The instructor then can guide them as needed. I have read other comments about their expectations for an A based on their "efforts". I have experienced this attitude in my classes. It is not possible for me to determine though whether they are Gen Y'ers or other.
While I agree that ADHD has alot to do with keeping students in focus, I also think that they rely opn the "What are you going to do for me" putting t5here own (sometimes selfish) needs first then what needs to be accomplished second
Richard,
yes, this generation does seem to struggle with paying attention & appreciating learning for the sake of learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hi Wendy,
Your point is very valid. In my opinion, this generation feels entitled to everything. Technology is a wonderful tool to be used to enhance critical thinking; however, not many use it for this purpose. This generation uses technology to do the thinking, rather than use their own experiences and knowledge.
