All generations in the classroom
Do you believe it's a good idea to have people of all 4 generations in the same classroom or does it add confusion?
Having students from boomers to gen y in my classes Gen y does look up to the older students most of the time.
Marlene,
and it helps them learn to work in diverse groups which is a key part of many jobs today.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree,when I conduct a class activity in which the students form groups,I try to mix up the generations within each group.I feel doing this increases insight and the ability to grasp different perspectives.
John,
I too have observed this & I've found that the Gen Y students really appreciate the perspectives of the older students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree, I have all gens in my class, and they feed of of one another. The older generations, are often times taught newer things from the younger ones.
Ashlee,
this is a great example of how to appeal to & help each generation in their learning process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It's not so much as an idea or pre-planned occurrence. It is pretty much reality right now. I like how the students observe and can see the difference in learning styles amongst themselves and their classmates. Right now we present material in a combination way where we do use ppt's but also use interactive 3D models, technology and internet excerpts and have hands on labs that accompany the courses and this way we can try to hit each generational learning preference.
Charles,
yes, this is a great asset as the generations can learn much from one another & appreciate that diversity.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think it’s good to have all 4 generations in the class room. I need to adjust my teaching to reach all the generations of students.
The gen Y students need to understand the 4 generations of learning and adjust to a learning style that could help the overcome a mental block.
Edward,
and this really can be a great way to help frame the learning & the discussions as the students go throughout the class & go about their learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have seen the results go from both extremes, disaster to great. The disaster was due to students from the extremes who would not initially work with the group. We finished the term but there was no time when tension was not high. Most of the time the results have been great because all brought their experience to the table and shared them. To a degree the best class almost taught themselves by their discussions; I only supplied the topic and framework for the discussions.
I think that it is a good thing to have people from all 4 generations in the same classroom, because it makes the class interesting. It also helps everyone learn to adapt,accept and understand others.
Shonna,
this is a great point & one weakness I do see in Gen Y. There is a need to appreciate past methods as well as the advantages of the new technology & new methods.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Depends on the subject matter. The older generations are very aware of where the world is today and expect to "keep up" where as the GenY most likely would not be able to go back to before technology and learn thru the older methods.
I have to agree with you, Katessa. Not only can older generations surprise us, but younger ones can come up with surprising insights as well. In the best of all worlds, we all will gain not only knowledge, but respect, for each other as well. We can only hope it really works out that way.
Jill ,
it definitely does & I think it also helps our students learn to appreciate the different generations & appreciate a variety of perspectives.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think all generations in the classroom helps each generation learn the learning style of the others which helps everyone become better learners.
sandra,
and I believe that the presence of multiple generations in the classroom can be a great learning experience for all involved.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Katessa,
You provided a very thoughtful answer. I am energized by having to work with multiple generations simultaneously. It gives all of us an appreciation for life experience and at the same time establishes the commonality of learning. I find the years melt away when bonding over a group assignment. Keep up with that great open attitude. Those teachable moments are just waiting to be grabbed.
