New ways to Deal with Gen. x
Gen-x offer moderen problems to moderen people. To start to conect to the Generation first way must understand them. Thier attention span is shorter than ever, constanly needing there enviroment to change or they will grow board. Gen-x students comunicate on a whole new level, text, e-mail, im, facebook, myspace you name it. Gen-x are also masters of research, our generation beleved the teacher, they will double check. please share ways you have been sucessful dealing with Gen-x an failures too.
My concern with the abundant technology is that they believe everything they see on you tube to be the truth as opposed to what the instructor has had first hand experience with. Anyone else had this problem?
I guess that's a variation of be careful what you ask for.
Do you ever make a general assignment to research a question from various sources to illustrate the differences that may be found?
Why don't you use that abundant resource of technology? When the student asks a question that I don't know, I ask the student, why don't you look online? It is interesting when several students come up with slightly different answers. Then we can discuss it in the class. If the differences are great, it is also a good teaching tool to show that sometimes you need to be thorough in your research.
Of course, sometimes the challenge is getting the students off the i-phones and laptops.
I wish I knew a way to connect with Gen-X.
It doesnt seem to matter how much I know or can 'transfer' to them, if they can't see it on computer or download it, it doesnt exist.
Personally I find, in the majority, Gen-x to be self indulgent and lazy.
They work really hard at not working or avoiding required (manual) tasks
They want it NOW, with minimum effort.
Why bother to work at something or do any research if you can get teacher to do a 'demonstration' which is easily ignored or forgotten.
When time comes to show what they have 'learned' individual demonstrations are required, they can usually retain information long enough to then complete task.
Curiosity usually is a good thing if directed. Do you have access to the technology in the classroom to get them "connected" so they can find the answer to their question and share it with their peers?
[It's a little scary to think that a student may have more technology in their pocket than you do at the teacher's station.]
Your right these students are connected and like to play the game of discrediting the instructor, they will ask you a question and then argue with your answer if its not what they wanted to hear. You cant B.S. these students in any way because they are connected, they can be on their i-phone in 10 min on break and find the answer and you can be sure they will bring it up in front of their peers. I dont know if this is a bad thing or a good thing! It does help to keep integrity in our profession and keep us with the will to stay up to date because you never know what the next in depth question is going to be. These students want to know about everything!
I think that if you can find a common interest with a Gen X-er they are more likely to engage you in conversation and debate. It peaks their interest to know that you might actually be interested in some of the same things that they are interested in doing. Once you have their interest and attention I have found that it's a lot easier to get your information to them in a more receptive manner.
I agree the most important aspect is to understand gen-x. Finding ways to engage them can be challenging, however getting to know each group you can modify the instruction style to fit each group. I always respect every individual, spicing up verbal examples with humours anecdotes.
Challenge:challenge. Do your research,stay on your toes, they will do their own research and challenge everything you are teaching. You have to stay one step ahead or be run over,I have seen this happen to many instructors,do your home work and you will be able to get through to them, try it, it really works
Gen X oh boy how much info can you get into your head.... I have talked to my students about this as I to use the internet to get as much info I can on a given subject but these kids often don't read ALL the info they get as always they read what they want to read and get what they think they want sometimes only making matters worse for themselfs
We have talked about my fears when I was younger getting into different situtions they laugh but most also do admit it does help to talk about it
