Characteristics of generational learners
What is the value of knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners?
I learned a lot in this section as I under valued the need for regular and real-time feedback on performance. I see that my xgen perspective misled me.
In response, the value of knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners is priceless, finding out the differences can allow the instructor to use peer tutoring and also learning is a two way street, everyone can learn from one another.
Its important to understand the different generations learning characteristics so that your delivery methods can be changed to meet your audience. Sometimes the same information needs to be delivered several different ways so that all understand. Diversify to meet as many needs as possible.
It pays to know the characteristics of generational learners to be able to communicate to them in the way they are used to learning and be able to work with them within their natural biases. With that as a base one can incorporate other less familiar methods to prepare them for people who communicate and learn in ways different from what they are used to. For example the students will learn to appreciate the ability of the veterans to think logically and reach a conclusion and also see the value of developing a hypothesis and testing to see if it works.
Particularly in a career college setting, you may have students that are from all of the generational cohorts. Because of this, you need to be able to adapt your teaching strategies to accommodate this wide variety of learners.
Getting to know their learning styles gives an edge, technology savvy goes without saying. gadgets are a natural extension of their bodies. Unfortunately so are the cell phones.
It is important to know the characteristics of generational learners because it is not unusual to have members from 2-3 or all of the generations in my program or classes. I can plan how to best deliver the information so the students learn. Knowing their characteristics helps me select methods of delivery.
In career education is very important to know the characteristics of different generations of learners. Right now in my class, (I am a Gen Xer), I have a boomer, several Xers and mostly Gen Yers. I have to accommodate all of them. Without understanding how they learn, I would not be able to accomplish this task.
Christine,
yes, this helps all students learn to adapt & appreciate the different ways individuals approach problems.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that you should include a method that they can relate to, but I like to include many different styles to teach them to conform to new methods.
Mark,
you are exactly right & we've tried to bring that out in the course content. These are generalities & as you said, everyone is a unique individual & so we have to be very careful here.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
What do you do to insure that your insistence on their reading their homework actually gets heeded? I need that secret!
I'm older than everyone else, too, though not quite in the Veteran category. I found exploring the various ways of learning has expanded my own skills in learning and broadened my comfort zone with diverse technology. This is fun!
The value is that it gives you a baseline of understanding to start from with your students.
I don't think there is any substitute for actually getting to know your class as individuals. There is a trap here I think of stereotyping a generation based on some of this information. Every book has its own story so to speak. We should not forget this.
Jonathan,
yes, very true statement. We need to be aware of the different personalities & different learning styles in the classes we teach.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think the most important reason is adaptation in the classroom. Most classes I teach have several generations and providing a variety of teaching methods can help keep all students engagede
Knowing the values of multiple generations of learners helps us to better teach each student so they may learn and apply the materials to the best of their ability
Susan,
now just as a quick word of caution on this...they can do multiple things at once & they're not being disrespectful; but more & more research is showing that they aren't learning as well. So yes don't take it as disrespect, but a friendly reminder to pay attention to one thing (the class) might be in order. :)
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics of different generations of learners, an instructor can customize presentations. In my case,I always have both Gen X and Gen Y students in the same class, so by understanding their differences in learning preferences, I can tailor my instruction so there is "something for everyone" in classroom presentations.
