Get Your Students Hired
I think that there are several misconceptions about Gen Y. That they lack respect, are needy, have a ME mentality and want things done their way. In my experience I believe that because their access to technology allows them to verify information quickly, they need to be challenged on how to vet and access appropriate information. Take Wikipedia for example, as great a resource as it is, it isn't necessarily fool proof and yet so many assignments will have referenced data from the site. We have to be informative and innovative in our approach to material. They need to be engaged with visuals and have exercises that allow them to use their technology. Texting, Twitter and other social media need to be integrated into the learning paradigm.
Yolanda,
I too have found that they like a certain amount of spoon feeding to occur.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Trevor,
yes, the key idea isn't so much specifically which generation is which, but rather understanding that there are differences & we need to broaden our view.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I do the same thing, and even go as far as printing a grade sheet with all assignments, point totals (class is out of 1000 total pts, each assignment is pre-weighed), and the formula to calculate overall % at any given time. However, even though its simple math (add and divide) I still have students complain that it's too difficult.
A lot of Gen y learners do not want to put in that extra step, think outside the box, or read. They prefer you tell them everything
Gen Y students often become very bored in a traditional lectured based class. They are all but intolerant of a single teaching strategy, and one that involes lecture, followed by homework, and then examination on the material. They are used to an interactive approach aspect to the learning process, with tactile learning incorporated into the cirriculum.
I think falling into the "self-esteem" movement has made many in Gen Y feel entitled. We certainly see a reflection of this in classroom behavior. While self-esteem is a good thing, they do not see realize that self-esteem has to be earned. It is not a birthright.
Very interesting topic and to be honest I have not really given it much thought until after reading about the differences in the generations which definitely helps me to better understand and respect each generation. Now I will take note and keep in mind there are differences based on how the generations think, act, learn. However, I have always been one who pays attention to learning styles and meet individual needs based on that if possible.
When I am planning for a class with the Gen Ys, I try to keep in mind how comfortable they are with technology and being connected to each other. I have bent some classroom rules to incorporate that technology. For example, I had a class where a majority of the students were from this generational cohort. I allowed one of the group to take notes of my lectures on her laptop and she shared her notes with her class through an online site. Other students could edit and add to the notes. It was like an updated version of a group study and it worked for that group.
Louis,
yes, these kinds of methods can be very beneficial to this generation of students & we should make sure that they are appropriate for the class & the topic.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Instructional planning needs to consider variety of instructional methods that considers role of technology and collaboration amongst students that are used to being connected.
More breaks are required. Information is provided in brief spurts with opportunities for questions or feedback. Comprehension of literature is often quite weak, requiring sometimes a step-by-step process of teaching students how to analyze readings and how to draw conclusions from what they have read. (This is not part of the course but necessary.) These students are generally well motivated to learn and persist even when the material is difficult. There are always exceptions, though. Technology is used as an enhancement to lecture material and sometimes can be used in the classroom if one is able to control it. All of which leads to less content, which is fine. Better to learn something than nothing.
Teaching to a level that they are understand is great, but if yoo introduce them to a different learning style they tend to adapt.
Brian,
yes, this is very true. Taking the time to explain the "why" & the value/benefits as you said it well worth it to help with engagement.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y learners are used to instant gratification thanks to technology. They have become very visual and used to constant interaction. It is important that educators understand this and plan instruction that is visual and shows them instantly how they are doing with the topic. This means incorporating visual and kinesthetic means into lessons and learning. The standard lecture will not work for them - they will be bored and tune out. Educators need to step out of their comfort zone and learn how to reach these learners.
I have found that sometimes it’s a real challenge to get the “buy in†from Gen Y. You have to take the time to explain the benefits of the lesson before they will put the effort into learning.
Paul,
this is a good observation. They do need to learn how to silence the distractions & force themselves to fully focus & concentrate on the task at hand & also how to learn for themselves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Because they expect technological bells and whistles, I'm learning to make good use of them. But I also try to hand them some real-life elements to touch (like rock specimens in my English class). They expect quick, easy answers, since the internet supplies that so readily, but we work on patience and persistence when the first search doesn't satisfy our need. They like being 24/7 in touch with their friends, but they resist team projects with people they don't know because that will involve more effort than just texting and they don't trust that others will or can handle anything more substantial. There's also an odd sense of entitlement, an expectation that the teacher must do all the work and that they deserve an A because they registered for the course. To balance that unfortunate attitude, once they discover they can delve more deeply into ideas, they mobilize their resources and produce marvelous displays of learning. It's an adventure!
Nice metaphor, Peter! Not only do I notice a reluctance to read but also an inability to read anything even slightly complex. If it requires layers of thinking, they're lost. To continue with your metaphor, if it isn't served to them as baby food, they'll starve because they haven't learned how to chew.