Melissa,
this is so true. The more they can see & hear about how these ideas can be applied in the "real world" the more they will take the learning to heart.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y learners want to know more and more about the "real world" experience. My students like to hear about my experiences of working in the salon. My students love to be able to have discussions and be able to see how things relate back to their learning.
Michelle,
this is a great way to engage the students & to provide that opportunity for sharing of lived experiences.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
During lectures I ask if anyone wants elaborate on a topic from their own experiences. Also, I offer extra credit work on a topic we did not cover in class and I have the student report on their findings. I've been told by students they learn the most by doing their own research.
Learning needs to be fun.
Consider the media influence and television shows this generation is exposed to that is very different than baby boomer instructors;
Survivor - there is only one winner and he/she
may not be the most popular
American Idol - ordinary people have become
musical sensations
Jeopardy - is fun content learning
As an instructor for Gen Y students,
1. create a Jeopardy Board for content review.
2. Apply three important concepts we discussed
today in order to survive and not be voted
off the island.
3. Think about one concept discussed today and
how you will function differently tomorrow
based on your new kknowledge or perspective
gained in class today.
Brad,
and these also help them learn how to explain their ideas/opinions & respectfully listen to those of others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Asking questions is essential. Students need to voice there opinion and be heard. Group work assignments are also beneficial because it allows students to focus on a problem that needs to be fix. But, it proves to show their teamwork skills.
I tell every class I teach that sometimes it's the person sitting next to them or across from them who can better explain how to to do a skill because it's a one on one situation. Some do not like to ask questions or admit they don't know how to do something in class because they might feel embarrassed, but they'll ask their classmates around them. All benefit because it helps the person with a question and reinforces the person explaining. A person knows they understand when they can show someone else....and in general, these students are very quick to help their classmates.
I teach Culinary Arts and many times I find students dwell on definitive answers to questions or issues that have several correct answers. I find it interesting the course material includes the techniques to teach Gen Y students critical thinking rather that on fact alone. I see this first hand when I am discussing a topic or demonstrating a technique that has multiple outcomes, all of which are applicable in different situations. The teaching involves which technique will be used to get the right outcome for which purpose. It is always met with some degree of enlightenment.
Charlene,
this is definitely true. I think the trick is to give them enough experiential in order to keep them interested in the theory.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Chris,
and the shift is that they don't need to retain as much information in their heads as so much is at their fingers. But they do need to know how to process the information, sift through the junk & apply it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i feel that my "Y" students are more hands on learners and want to jump right in to the practical portion rather than the theory behind it.
I teach Psychology to "Techies". A the start of the class I explain to them how the course will assist them in their chosen career. Through out the course I will take a concept and apply it to being a game designer or graphic artist etc. They need to see that there is a relevance to there course work, more than just a grade.
I also ask them to use critical thinking in a paper that is required. I show the movie "Stand By Me" in conjunction with the section on development. They have to answer 5 questions that look beyond the obvious. We discuss the movie and the underlying aspects of it. There is really no research to be done. It is dependent on their looking beyond the superficial. They like it:-)
kisha,
this is true & I am finding an increasing amount of Gen Y students who are happy to put away the technology for a little while.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I've noticed a few people mention the instant feedback expected by our young adults now. That's sooo true because that apparently is what they've become accustomed to. They really want to succeed, and it gives the teachers an opportunity to help them improve if you tell them they ought to look again at a certain problem(s).They often stay after class still figuring where they went wrong, and are so grateful and so relieved that they are given the chance to find their own errors.
Classrooms today are so very different from when I was growing up (Boomertime!!!) We wrote 'til our fingers fell off, sat quietly, didn't speak until we were asked a question (and we had better know the doggone answer!!). We did learn a lot, but in a very structured,less social atmosphere.
Today's students love to ask questions and sometimes be the first or loudest to answer them!
They are always on board for pairing or grouping up do do a few problem solving exercises. They are able to teach each other. Group grades are usually higher because of the extra explaining going on....so everybody's a happy camper!!!
just when they can become so consumed by technology they love to have the moments in a classroom setting where they are able to discuss an topic. they seem to be able to express views in detail and love to hear others epress their views as well.so lets keep them interested in a variety of topics and keep asking openended questions.
I think that is a great strategy for involving all students in the review process. It gives everyone a chance to participate and ownership of the process.
Keith,
this is a great method & the Gen Y learners tend to respond very well to the discussion, q/a.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use a lot of questioning technique as well. I find myself doing improv questions just to see what they are retaining. I try not to be too vague but try and lead them in the direction I want.
