They learn by doing. They value experience: they would rather hear about what I've actually done and learned from my own experience than just what I can give them from the text. I often compare all learning to how we learn to play a game. Before you start playing, you want the basics, not all the rules. The more you play, the more questions you'll have. You learn the rules bit by bit as they become applicable. Gen Yers understand that just sitting on the sidelines watching and listening to lectures or reading the rule book will not teach them how to play the game. But if you just play it without any coaching, you won't make as much progress as when you play with a good coach to critique you. You will also need to learn the rules, but learn them as you go, not all at once.
Because they can participate in small-group discussions and presentations done on the computer and team projects rather than long lectures about what to do.
Brandon,
I agree. This is definitely the heart & value of experiential learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Experiential learning is not all about reading and watching. Hands on doing and interacting is a higher value. It allows the learner to do and learn.
It's fun because there is usually not as much to read.
Cristian,
yes, they definitely like to know the why.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with this completly. At the end of every term when the students do their evaluations of the instructor and the course the majority of them always comment on how they enjoyed the class discussions based on the stories I share with them about my own professional experiences. It makes them connect and relate to what they are learning.
I am one to "try " new things in the classroom, I find it fun and also if it does not go "just right" the student have no issue getting involved to find out how we can make it better, as we do this as a class team we all learn.
"Success is developed through failure"
This latest generation of learners has come to repsect someone who is at ease with the subject matter and displays the ability to do it.
And often they think something can't be done until you show then. Once they see it done they accept the challenge and give it a try.
You are so right. After all, this generation has been entertained and expects to be entertained, but if you empower them, much like the performance objective and investigative reporter projects, it seems to be very effective.
Generation Y kids have a preference for conversation and dialogue. Going hand in hand with this preference for being actively and verbally engaged is the desire to have explanations.
Marian,
this is so true & it also helps build our credibility because we demonstrate an understanding outside of the four walls of the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Experiential learning allows Gen Y learners to see the relevance of the material being taught. If I lectured straight from the book, I would lose the student's attention after 2 minutes. Telling real life stories and experiences as examples to what I'm lecturing, make it relatable and real.
They didn't read directions, they didn't listen to talks,, they didn't watch instructional videos, they just did it!!
This is a big change from they way I learned things.
Moreoever, the more hands on I do in the class and the more feedback I give, the better my classes go.
One thing I find difficult is there general inpatience when the computers are slow or don't work. I say to them.....computers are not toasters!! You can't just throw them out when they are not working the way you think that they should.
Susan,
experiential learning really is a great way to reach these students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As so much of their training has been related to pushing a button and receiving an immediate response, they have lost touch with being able to either retain information or in obtaining the skill of critical thinking. However, in physically or mentally taking a part in what they are learning, this enables them to retain information gained through their experience which, again, is so very important to and for them.
Gen Y learners value experiential learning because they like to actively participate in their learning. Experiential learning provides them with that opportunity.
I agree they want info now they don't like to study for it
They are very tactile with their learning. They want to control and have involvement in learning the answer.
Matt,
yes, building & maintaining that trust is vital.
Dr. Ryan Meers
