Jill,
I agree that this is a good strategy to keep the Gen Y learner engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
i first had the opportunity to incorporate myaccountinglab into my introductory accounting class. the students are generally gen y, and they are loving this tool and it being incorporated into their learning. the program provides multiple tries for homework questions and scores them accordingly and instantly. i find that i need to explain a concept and then let them use the program to reinforce the information.
For me, I have found that they require instant feedback. They do not want to find out their scores next week, etc. They want them posted on-line as soon as possible. Can you blame them? No, that is their speed in life!
Another great technique I incorporate is researching on the internet relevant class information and having students introduce the topics in classroom discussion.
I also incorporate guest speakers who can give relevant life experiences to share with students.
I have incorporated games which make learning fun! I have implemented a class plan that requires student interaction which includes working in small groups, discussions and activities.
What has worked for me is incorporating social media into my classroom. We talk about the online footprint and examine examples of positive and negative online profiles.
The key seems to be variety. Incorporate small blocks of lecture with small group work, video segments and discussions. Within limits, an opportunity for them to use personal technology to confirm what has been presented in clss; in fact, I often present new information that I have located on the internet. Use every opportunity to show the relevance of the learning in their career field. There is also the opportunity to include fun- a sense of humor, I think, works for all generations.
Lecturing for about 20 minutes then incorporating hands on learning/practice for a short period as well seems to help keep Gen Y'ers engaged more. Also, if it's a class where there isn't any hands on application, breaking up the lecture with sharing a real life application story also seems to help keep them engaged.
Jo Ann,
yes, Gen Y learners seem to really thrive on the group work & solving problems together.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Working together seems to be natural for these students. They like solving problems in groups and being able to socialize during learning.
I have also found that they enjoy helping others; pairing them with someone who is not as technically savvy can benefit everyone in the class.
Ann,
I agree with all that you've written, especially the aspect of making sure we quickly return grades & assignments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We can use the 'student portal' so students can see their grades for all assignments. Also, giving them back their graded assignments ASAP after they do them is important- if you don't want to be hounded for grades!
I like to make them look stuff up online if I can't answer it or don't want to (sometimes I like to have them search). This must be precluded with a discussion on valid websites, authored sites, etc, though! They tend not to question info they find on the net- it's very difficult to get them to ensure that the info is valid!
Also, we have a cybrary (online library) that the students prefer to use vs. textbooks. They love learning about websites that will 'do the work for them'- such as the 'online emergency drug calcualtor' and such. I check them out first for authenticity/accuracy, then give them to the students, and voila! you ask a student to calcuate a drug dose and they whip out their cell phone and get you that dose!
They DO prefer to work in groups! I just read that and really agree! I'll let them do it more often now!
I feel like a good way to get the students to participate is to have them help each other. I know I learn something new every time I teach so why not let them share in that experience. As long as it can be organized, the students like to know they are learning and can pass that knowledge on even to their peers. It makes them feel like they have accomplished something and are smart.
Wayne,
yes, these games & active learning are a great way to reach this generation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Krista,
I love using the "clicker". I wish I had them at the school I am at now. They are very engaging.
Wayne
Interaction – Games using PowerPoint in Jeopardy form. This engages the learners, uses technology, and also uses the team approach. This is a great way to review for an exam or a chapter in the textbook. Active learning is one of the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (Chickering and Gamson, 1987).
I agree. Constant reinforcement truly keeps them motivated to try harder. They then see better (higher) grades which motivates them even more.
making use of technology that requires the student to use his or her knowledge outside of the internet
Millennial learners enjoy projects that involve group or team particapation, interaction with other students, and multiple tasks assignments.
