What I am finding is that it is very difficult for many of them to sit down and concentrate on a book. They have to keep getting dynamic video and don't really understand how to focus on one static topic. This also seems to mean that many of them put off reading/writing assignments till the last minute and don't do very good jobs on them. There are plenty of exceptions, especially when they see a class as important for career goals, but traditional slow, careful learning from print is not a high priority with them. Not making a value judgment--I'm sure when books came in people complained that scrolls would vanish, and when writing came in oral learning took a big hit. But it does make education different.
Catherine,
I would say in this situation you are very well in the right in not having any activities involving cell phones in your classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Catherine,
I would say in this situation you are very well in the right in not having any activities involving cell phones in your classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'm a boomer who's been using computers since the late Eighties. Members of Gen Y are definitely not tolerant of non-technical Boomers fumbling with computers or having difficulty sending Power Points to overhead projectors even though they themselves may be completely incapable of solving those problems themselves. They expect and respect a certain level of technical mastery from their instructors and we need to be aware of that when we stand before them.
I struggle with the use of cell phones as a learning tool in the classroom. On the one hand, I want to utilize this technology we are all so hooked on. On the other hand, I am preparing them for a career where it will be completely unacceptable to be checking their phone any time besides on breaks.
Am I effectively preparing them for 8+ hours a day with no iPhone access if I do not cultivate an environment where they can practice disconnecting for a few minutes at a time?
To clarify on that long ramble above - my grandmother would consider that list of activities all at once insane, but it is so natural to me.
I agree, as a healthcare-focused instructor that grew up between Gen X and Gen Y I have seen the ADD/ADHD diagnosis drama play out amongst friends, patients and now students. As a society we have gone from just writing students off as "that boy ain't right in the head" to working with them individually to determine their needs.
Another aspect of the ADD/ADHD issue may be generational as we are learning about here in the course. The dramatic increases in connectivity and technology has changed the environment students inhabit at school and home from one of quiet isolation where rote memorization and reading were the norm to dramatic multitasking.
I'm guilty of it myself - on a typical evening iTunes is playing, I'm keeping an eye on dinner cooking, talking on the speakerphone and answering emails at the same time. The lines between all these activities blur as the immediacy of technology demands my attention now, yet technology has made these tasks simpler than they once were so none of them really require my undivided attention.
Gen Y students can be engaged in learning by many avenues. The traditional classroom lecture can be enhanced by PowerPoint, email discussion and group seminar communication. The classroom meeting can be used to much greater efficiency by allowing for academically supported discussion and argument concerning the contents of learning objectives.
Shawn,
I really like the idea of sharing the life experiences & incorporating the technology into this.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Daniel,
I agree & strongly encourage instructors who are working with Gen Y students to try to incorporate tech whenever possible as long as it's connected to the material & information.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Loaded question!! We, as educators, have to be so much more involved in the learning process as it relates to Gen Y. They are so connected, that's its exceptionally hard for them to "disconnect" in order to listen. So I've tried to find ways for them to connect in class, like text quizzes, or researching a topic right in there in class.
Gen Yers love their tech! It seems like an addiction almost. They are always checking their phone for updates on something or other. I find that makes it hard to keep their attention on the class material. So I have to find other ways to keep them engaged, such as games or pop quizes. Something that keeps them involved in the class.
Instructional planning must be accompanied with a variety of Instructional Technology resources. Sharing life experiences pertaining to your teaching agenda with the use of technology also shows the Generation your age as an Instructor, and thus, can develop a much better teaching/learning relationship with students.
For these leaners you must incorporate some type of technology or you loose the learner. These types of students rely on new technolgy to learn new concepts.
Dr. Lindsay,
yes, excellent point made regarding constructing lessons that insist upon critical thinking skills & stretch the students in this area. This is a skill in high demand by today's employers & we must help our students develop them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Dr. Lindsay,
yes, excellent point made regarding constructing lessons that insist upon critical thinking skills & stretch the students in this area. This is a skill in high demand by today's employers & we must help our students develop them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
James,
this is a great story & while we do want to help the students who are struggling as much as possible, sometimes the best thing we can do is help them realize that they can work hard & be successful in spite of a setback or struggle.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Kathleen,
yes, the consistent & regular reflection on our teaching methods & effectiveness is key to making sure that we are helping our students as much as possible.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The characteristics of Generation Y learners impact instructional planning because it isn't about "traditional" formal class setup, its more about hands on and the use of technology, therefore in the planning process, while lecture is important, it is almost more important to have hands on activites and real life tools as part of the learning process to connect the readings and lectures together.
In some cases it can be very hard to keep the attention of the Generation Y learners. They do not like to put in effort to actually read and investigate for themselves. They find it esaier to just utilize technology to figure it out for them, which unfortunately leads to lack of critical thinking skills. As instructor you must create lesson plans that help to promote critical thinking skills and also help to keep the students attentive and engaged in the classroom setting. According to the time frames I would be considered a Generation Y baby since I was born in 82.
