New generation of students
Is it just me or has the last threee years brought in a new generation of learners? For me in my department the attitude and intensity of the new students has weaned a little the need for knoweledge is not as strong. Many are only here using the GI bill or dads money to get out of the house. They seem more interested in talking and texting or video play on the phone. I had to dismiss 10 student in three weeks for texting and gaming in class. Of the ten many were either turning in incomplete papers or trying to copy others answers. Lab participation has becomne come and help me I can try this. I know these issues run in cycles but this is the lonngest cycle I have expierenced.
In a recent article (Fall 2012/Vol 38) appearing in the Canadian Journal of Learning & Technology entitled "The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature" (http://cjlt.csj.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/download/649/347), the author revisits the claims by Marc Prensky in his epic 2001 article where he introduced the term "digital natives" and "digital immigrants". The author states "at the heart of this struggle is a growing debate regarding notions of such students as “digital natives, and digital immigrants (older generations of educators, lacking technical savvy), there [still] remains disagreement concerning the validity of such characterizations and the implications of such notions.
That said, in an issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE), in its The Millennial Muddle‖ article (Hoover, 2009, The Millennial Muddle. Chronicle of Higher Education 11 October 2009), Palmer Muntz, director of admissions at Lincoln Christian University is said to have asserted that To accept generational thinking, one must find a way to swallow two large assumptions. That tens of millions of people, born over about 20 years, are fundamentally different from people of other age groups—and that those tens of millions of people are similar to each other in meaningful ways (Holden & Westfall, 2010. An Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning, 2nd, retrieved from http://www.usdla.org/assets/pdf_files/AIMSGDL%202nd%20Ed._styled_010311.pdf).
To that end, in a September 2008 issue, the CHE published an article entitled ―Generational Myth, its author, Professor Siva Vaidhyanathan, claimed that there is no Digital Generation.‟ Today’s young people—including college students—are just more complicated than any analysis of imaginary generations can ever reveal. The article went on to say those focusing on those ―born digital‖ ignore the vast range of skills, knowledge, and experience of many segments of society, and ignores the needs of the those who are not socially or financially privileged (Vaidhyanathan, 2008. Generational Myth. Chronicle of Higher Education, 19 September 2008).
The above conclusion has also been echoed in a comprehensive literature review conducted by Professor Thomas Reeves of the University of Georgia entitled Do Generational Differences Matter in Instructional Design? In his literature review, Reeves addressed whether generational difference is a variable important enough to be considered during the design of instruction or the use of different educational technologies. Reeves concluded the weight of the evidence is negative. Although generational differences are evident in the workplace, they are not salient enough to warrant the specification of different instructional designs or the use of different learning technologies (Reeves, T. 2006, Do Generational Differences Matter in Instructional Design? Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper104/ReevesITForumJan08.pdf).
Food for thought and future discussion...
This is a great discussion! I am finding that each year I have an increasing number of students who feel entitled to an A, and are not opposed to sending me nasty emails to let me know they deserve better than the grade they have earned. I am finding less respect from the students in their communications with me. I realize that respect is earned, and I don't deserve it simply by being in the role of their instructor. But using a tone of respect is something I give, and that I expect in return. I just see more of an "all about me" attitude and it is not leading to an engaging and effective learning environment. Not to mention what it is doing to my own morale!
It's a constant challenge to find ways to engage students. I like to play Jeopardy and other games to keep them interested. I also bring students up to help for parts of the demo to make them feel involved and students like to watch their friends do things, will they mess it up? will they make it right? It's kind of fun.
Wow this was a serious eye opener! Not only did we address educators, social media, but gaming (I have an 11 yr. old boy who loves it).
We talked about living beyond our means, addressing Aderol for ADD...its all true sadly not sure how to address this except on my end which is more fresh air, trips to the park, hobbies, sports and taking care of our animals we have 3 which my son does, including bathing as he needs a sense of responsibility and to care for someone other than himself which he does have a handle on although i do see a bit of the world revolves around me attitude.
Here is a video interview about the study James Sangiorgio referenced. I ask you all the same question asked to Psychologist, Jean Twenge - what's the answer?
Sadly enough, the latest generation of students coming through the educational system is proving to the be about the laziest group of individuals that I have ever seen. The days of actually earning a degree or an education have come to a glacial pace, as this generation believes that everything should be handed to them.
I feel that we definitely have a new generation of learners. However, I think that also means that we have to redesign some coursework as well as retooling teaching methodologies. One avenue of approach might be to add technology to courses that have not in the past utilized it.
S. Craig
Tes this new generation of students are different theyu feel thjey dont need to study or or do strategies they never open a book
It does appear that there is a bit of narcissistic incoming students I have noticed more so now than ever before. It doesnt seem the motivation is there and respect to their instructors is present and I am not sure why or what can be done about this. Possibly in the admissions department weeding out the serious students from the ones that just want to skate through, probably is a good idea. Changing the entrance exams and level of difficulty might help rid us of the slackers.
You are not alone. Actual studies show that students are so much more self centered and thinking they are above doing work to get a degree.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/27/study_finds_students_narcissistic/
Study finds students narcissistic
Says trend among college youths can harm society
By David Crary, Associated Press | February 27, 2007
NEW YORK -- Today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society.
"We need to stop endlessly repeating, 'You're special,' and having children repeat that back," said Jean Twenge , the study's lead author and a professor at San Diego State University. "Kids are self-centered enough already."
