I agree, it seems as though the number of ADD and ADHD cases is on the rise. I know I am aware of the fact that Gen Y is the first to be born with "technology in hand." But when I read it in print in really sinks in. Is there a possibility their upbringing in continued connectivity could lead to their guick boredom or distraction in the classroom?
In the time I have been an instructor, I have found it to be more of a chalange to teach these students because of there learning or lack of learning ability by way of disscusion form.
Gen Y learners like to have things moving and be stimulated by technology. They are constantly looking at their cell phones (can't be without them even for 5 minutes.) As an instructor, this can be difficult to deal with. When planning instructional activities, there needs to be a wide variety of group, technology and activity assignments added to the classroom. Gen Y learners always want to know what they need to do next in the class.
How true. I have found out that I have to change quick too. The older students listen better and don't seem to mind which style I use. The younger students get bored quickly so I switch from life stories back to the subject every few minutes.
Felix,
yes and really, to a certain extent, the best way to reach Gen Y is to make every effort to be an overall effective instructor.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree they are definitely addicted to there phones and need to be monitored.They are hear to learn and should know when it is ok to use it as a learning device.
It has a great impact on how you prepare and conduct a class, especially with different generations. There is a need to utilize a hybrid method which provides what is eesential for every student to understand the concept thought and how to apply it to the real world.
Our job includes entertaing as well as teaching or we will lose their attention.
Madelyn,
this is a great strategy. I would also say that sometimes the Yers appreciate a little "old school" methodology too.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Clifton,
it really is amazing & good to consider the different preferences.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I tottaly agre with you. When I was in college there were mixed generations, and we semmed to coexist. It is important to integrate new technology into the classroom and try to keep moving. I usually try and try different methouds of delivery every 20 minutes or so. I like to quiz my students, lecture, group discussions and other various means of delivering information to them so they don't get bored.
Myself being a boomer, I had never before took such a look into our diffences in prefered learning styles. Their comfort and dependance on technology compared to mine has been eye opening.
Shawn,
it is very frustrating as these students are addicted to their technology. We have to stay engaged with them & help them learn how to disconnect.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They do not want to learn by traditional means. They become disconnected very quickly from a Lecture. It's a nightmare trying to keep the cell phones out of their hands. It's like they can't live without constantly texting someone. Personally, I think it is their way of keeping themselves entertained, which is easier than learning. Cell Phone texting gives them an excuse to not have to learn, so they just turn around and say "mom" was texting me the whole time I was in class that why I failed the test. It's just one "Big" excuse.
lloyd,
yes, I sometimes think our approach needs to be to totally exhaust these learners so they stay engaged the whole time.
Dr. Ryan Meers
drew,
you are right that often there seems to be a great desire to discuss, but not necessarily to discover. Makes me wonder about their listening skills...
Dr. Ryan Meers
With the amount of ADHD of this generation you have to keep the class moving or they lose their focus and I can not spend as much time as I like because the phones will come out and the texting will begin under the table thsy can not enjoy learning
I find that when planning for instruction in the classroom, I have to do so with an important observation that I have made with Gen Y. The appreciation and thirst for knowledge seems to be lacking with this Gen. The world is at their fingertips, so why is retention of material important when they can google it as needed. My opinion is that this trend erodes the qaulity of speacialization within trades.
Daniel,
you are right that we have to keep things switched up & moving to best reach the Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have found that I must change the type of teaching every 15 minutes in order to keep the Gen Y students engaged. Lecture, life examples,
quick verbal quiz using teams, passing around training aids, back to lecture. Repeat.
At times it seems to much for my Baby Boomers, but lets face it, Gen Y is the majority in the classroom now.
