I usually point out the real world application of what we are learning. If the student feels he/she can actually use the skill or piece of critical thinking on the job, it seems more important to him/her and the learning happens more readily. Using real world examples and stories from my career experience seems to get through and reach the Gen Y'ers.
I had not connected it to Gen Y but have found the small groups and hands on appeared to work the best. This has also been true for Gen X and Boomers that I have encountered. Hind sight tells me the biggest response was the Gen Y group.
As a career college instructor, integrated technology is essential for our students success. I do however, adhere to a strict "Turn Cell Phones Off" policy during class!
My strategies that work are having alot of parts in the classroom, talking about experiences in the field and want I'm working on at home right now keeps intrest.
Yes, they must be able to associate and see the value or learning is pointless to them...Much has been readily available that too often the method is more than the result...Kind of like a the old addage you can't see the forest for the trees.
Integrating concepts and techniques both old and new and showing the real life relevance is key to success for this generation.
Mary,
these are all great strategies & do much to help ensure that you are reaching the gen y learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my experience they love videos that portray the material being taught, group work (hands-on) and Q&A
I have used more small group projects where talking and teamwork are critical. I encourage the use of technology such as the Internet, software programs for word processing as well as developing presentations, and a combination of paper/pencil and portfolio-types of assessments. I monitor myself regarding how and when feedback is given.
I am a clinical dental hygiene instructor so I have not dealt with having to incorporate these strategies into the classroom. However, since I teach clinical dental hygiene as well as work clinically in a highly technologically advanced setting I can relate these work experiences to my students so that they are prepared when they enter the workforce. We are working with many adult students from this Gen Y cohort so we realize that most are dependent on their laptop computers as well as their smartphones for information and studying. Our instructors are working in small groups and all of our work is obviously hands on and performance feedback is given right away.
Lori
I agree with many of the comments. These students do not feel that they need to remember facts as the date and information they might need can be easily looked up on their phone or computer. I have groups read and discuss and present parts of chapters to the class, creating interaction and discussion as they present the material. All are involved, and they are good at it!
Laura,
trust is clearly a significant issue with any generation, but seems more tenuous with the Gen Y students. Building that credibility & trust are key to success with them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Some strategies that worked for me are to try connecting with this generation on some level and earning their trust. Also, I find leaning ways to relate to them and their experiences are also useful.
I allow more talking than usual. I try to incorporate a lot of small group work on class assignments. I use a more structured approach when assessments are given. I try to break up learning blocks into smaller chunks, allowing for brief breaks to text, check cell phones, etc. I do not allow texting and use of cell phones or iPods during my instructional time. Computers are incorporated into every class.
Jessica,
this is a g reat approach as it taps into a variety of learning techniques & styles & I'm guessing really helps cement the learning for the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Teaching Generation Y students has been challenging but rewarding. I have used everything from online forums to Skype to PowerPoint with my students. The old-fashioned method of direct teaching all day simply is not effective with Generation Y students. These students need real-world problems to be presented to them in an interactive manner. The best strategy of all is to make the learning experiences authentic and relevant to these students.
Chunking information in a class is important. As well, during the 'not-a-lecture' portion, I try to incorporate video snippets or online activities that help reinforce concepts. Then we do a class demonstration, they try it on their own, and then get together with a class 'buddy or buddy group' to work through the answers and discuss differences if any occurred. This gives them that immediate feedback and the ability to interact socially at the same time.
My students do seem interested in what business experiences I have, more than the subject matter I'm trying to teach them. I choose answers relevant to the subject and that starts a conversation.
I ask my students to look up questions on the internet, they like this. You must connect with your students with this gen yers.
Q'iana,
this is an excellent way to get them ready for the day's learning & to help them stay connected with current events & even see how they connect to the class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The best strategy that I have used is to show them how the subject for the day was going to be useful to them. Giving them an example of a situation where they might use the concept and how it might work out.
