Tensions between cohorts...
I often have students from three generational cohorts in the same class. The Gen Y's and Boomers often clash in learning styles and even avoid each other in group activities. What are the best ways for an instructor to bridge these tensions?
Dr. Randy ,
I agree completely (assuming we have the different generations present). I would also add that we need to take advantage of the ethnic diversity in our classes whenever possible as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach at a vocational college. There are all types of students in the class and they do need to learn to work together in their different styles because that is how it going to be in the work force. We must prepare them for the real world, not just for the classroom so it is important to mix up the generations and train them to learn from each other.
Marsha,
this is an excellent idea & as you said can help prepare our students for the diverse work environments they will encounter.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Excellent point! Even with limited amounts of time it is beneficial to introduce the basic information on generational leaning styles and outlooks in an early class. This can be built on with assigning teams that include students from several generations and encouraging dialogue regarding their differing approaches to problem solving.
Many students (people) fail to consider how differently their actions and reactions may be interpretted based on the oberserver's generational perspective. The ability to recognize this and have a productive conversation can make the difference between them keeping and losing a job.
Somer,
you are exactly right & I try to help them see where interests & ideas converge, just maybe with different approaches.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This a great thread! Like many of those who have already posted, I teach at multiple campuses with very different atmospheres but one constant I tend to see if the generational differences. The Gen Y'ers tend to roll their eyes and ignore the boomers while the boomers tend to get very involved and critical of the lessons. One thing I really understand from our lesson is this idea that older generations tend to look at younger generations with distrust while younger generations are discounting the older ones. Sometimes it really boils downs to classroom management and keeping sudent on task and engaged so that the diversity being represented can really benefit the subject matter. I know this is easier said than done, but I work hard to keep this in mind with each new class.
Alicia,
I too have found that my Gen Y students greatly appreciate the perspectives of the Boomers & vice versa.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
David,
You make an excellent point. I often try to get the Boomers in my class to speak of their life experiences, while also relying on Gen Y's technological expertise to research topics on the internet. I find that if you can successfully get these two generations to engage with each other, you can have the best of both worlds in your classroom.
One of the best strategies I use to bridge the generational tensions in the classrooms is on the first day of class I conduct a workshop on the learning styles and preferences of the various generational groups in the class. I find that giving students this type of general information about their classmates helps them to view their classmates through what I call a generational learning lense. However, it is also important to engage students in providing feedback as many times their are misunderstandings of intent. For example, in a class I am teaching now, we have a mixed class of Baby Boomers through Gen Y's. One Gen Y'er was complaining to me about a Baby Boomer student that always questioned other students and their perspectives. I viewed it as an honest attempt to learn more about that student's perspective, but the student thought the Baby Boomer was being critical. So, it is important to give each other space to bring our own experience and viewpoints into the classroom, but it is also important to learn about others so we can better understand their intentions.
Well,being a Baby boomers myself it helps if I understand the other generations myself and not just look through my own lens. At the beginning of class I ask them to get in groups and look something up on their phones about the topic of the day. It does bring the two generations together in that the Y students get to use technology and the Boomers get to discuss. It helps them both to look at things in a different light.
Jessica,
I completely agree with this & have told my students this when they protested. They must learn to work with the group they have in the workplace.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Mixing up the students is a good idea because they can not choose their co-workers so students have to learn to adapt in a professional manner.
I think that the best way is to openly discuss both sides and show the valid points that both have. Both generations have good learning styles, we should make them both aware of this.
Today I would take the time to explain the differences between the generations so that we all began to understand each other. Particularly bridging the gap between Veterans/baby boomers and gen X & Y. Often we put other generations down because we can't see through their generational lens, so it becomes increasingly important to understand each others perspective on life, our experiences and how we learn. For example having shared experiences - Veterans and Baby boomers can relate to things like struggle and fighting for rights but when we try to talk to our children Gen X and Gen Y, these are only things they have read about or seen on television. We somehow have to make the connection a reality to them in so many ways.
Both cohorts need to realize that, while there are differences in each of the groups, there are also things to be learned from either group. The Y's fall short with critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The boomers tend to need help making use of todays technology.
When assigning study groups, I try to mix up the generations and make it a point to advise the class that they will not only need to work together for a common goal as well as they could learn from each others diversity.
I remind them of the diversity in the class and that upon entering the field, they will have the same diversity there as well.
I also advise them that their customer swill have generational differences and we must be able to effectively communicate with all groups in order to be successful.
I noticed same thing in my class, but I always remind my students how important is teamwork!!!
and employers are always looking for a team player that gets along with everyone.
We have our students work in group settings ,I pick who is going to be in a group when ever possible I mix generations because when in a working situtation all generations neet to understand the learning abilities out side of their age gruop to be sucessfull
You have to find the right mix. I notice if you put older students with young students and the older stundent lacks the skill to stay calm it not so great.
