I like to use a lot of case studies in the discussion boards. It allows them to share ideas and learn from each other. They also get instant feedback from their instructor and peers.
I use a mix of discussion, conversation, video, and current events. I ask students to provide their own examples to make the material relevant. Best of all, I ask the class who would like to be the "fact-checker." Sometimes I have more than one taker. The premise is to check any facts via the internet right then and there that are relevant to the topic.
I find that the Socratic method of questioning students works well. The questions must be to the level of the class. Start with a question to which the student should know the answer. If they are unable to answer the question, follow up with probing questions to assess their level of understanding on the given topic. Then follow these with leading (guiding) questions that bridge the gap to the level of understanding that you want them to achieve. The students enjoy the fact that they “get to the answer†on their own.
I agree. Open book testing isn't the method of evaluation that would truly test their knowledge of the subject. It only proves that student can, or cannot, find an answer. It isn't a knowledge based response therefore by no means could they be evaluated correctly. Gen Y has issues with learning how to learn.
Bob,
yes, we must help them learn to utilize those thinking skills as well as being able to access information at the touch of a button.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gordon,
had this conversation the other day about take home tests & open book. There is definitely a misperception that these tests are easier whereas usually they are actually harder.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y are a product of their environment and view the world very different than past generations. They are media driven but have many good qualities. They view school as work, so we must treat them as workers. They like to multi-task and it must have meaning and importance. Team building is important, as well as challenging them to use their technological skills.
I think that the main strategy that has worked for me is taking it down a notch. Simplifying the course material, engaging the students in a conversational way, asking them gently to exert the effort outside of class -- or even during if that is the only time they can find away from other activities.
I agree with this completely. The benefit of the value of balance between critical thinking and research to support or formulate that thinking is an essential part of future success of a Gen y'er.
I have used open book testing, but test scores were nothing to write home about. The students thought this was going to be easy, so they didn't even look at the book to find different sections to look for specific topics and therefore the answers.
We use study guides and I am finding that the different generations of students use those guides in different ways. The Gen Y students tend to listen to lecture and use the study guides in the place of reading the text. Prior to our program handing out study guides, the Gen Y students grades were average, now I can say that they have greatly improved.
I agree. My students tend to do very poorly because they will not study for an open book test. If I time it and give them clear expectations is works better. I only give them 10 more minutes for the open book test. This requires them to still study, but gives them the opportunity to look up the questions they do not remember the content on.
That is specifically the reason why I do not allow my students to use their phone during an exam. They must have a calculator and cannot touch their smartphones.
I have to agree with you. I just gave a test today, and the comments were similar to every test I give. They all asked if they could use their notes, if they could use formula sheets, etc... They don't see the value in learning to understand, but simply want to be ensured a good grade. I do not allow them to use any materials.
Some strategies that have work for me in the classroom with Gen Y students is to allow them to look up information on the Internet in class. Occassionally I will allow them to use their cell phones in class that may have some latest Apps on them that can be related to a discussion topic. Also, all the test and exams that I give in class now are on-line and self-graded, so the students know immediately what thero grades are.
My school has adopted a weekly evaluation of each student to give them a more time sensitive feedback, helping their instant desire.
Group work is something that often works well with Gen Y students because they are able to interact socially while getting work done. Also, being able to use technology in the classroom to assist the exploration and research process while breaking lecture up into smaller chunks to allow them to engage in that exploration and not get bored with long lectures.
Hands on---
Example if you want to teach them math teach them to use a 3D program.
Teach them to measure a room with a ruler- in their hand.
Throw a jar of bolts on their desk and tell them to sort the metric vs SAE bolts into piles of like bolts.
Do the weirdest things you can and try to stay away from gadgets. They have gadgets in their hand 24/7 you don't have to use gadgets to "Fit in". They see the phoniness of it right away. They lack social skills- talk to them. You posting something to a forum to discuss a topic does nothing to improve their social skills. They type 10000000 word per sec on a 10 button phone all day. You wont win.
I agree. I have alot of information to give but hands on training is also critical. They have to train manually not just with thumbs (texting). Since they are graded on many different skills and information they cannot cheat on all parts.
Discussing field experience get them excited about learning.
