Grouping different generations together is the best learning experience for all involved. However when students pick there own lab groups, I notice they tend to pick piers of a similar generation and learning style. This can be great if they all gel together and great things are accomplished or terrible if you have 3 or 4 individuals with challenged learning styles that cannot think for themselves.
I have found the best way to handle this is by making groups with the different generations mixed up.
I also often have 2 or 3 generational cohorts on class at the same time. I feel although the classmates are even sometimes older than myself. We have to bridge the gap here and try to make them understand that no matter what we are still a team if they are put together in a group. So maybe one generations experience could absolutely help anothers thought process. And accomplish quite a bit together
Valentina,
yes if we can rally our students around that common goal they might work better together. Have you found success with this?
Dr. Ryan Meers
A common goal might be the key
I tend to group my diverse classes together, each group containing different generations to assist each other in teacheing through their diffuse experiences
Summer,
yes the generations can work together & we need to provide an atmosphere to help them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Uniting the students based on their interests often works well. I also frequently have students across the three generations in class. By the time I have students in class they have usually been together in class for awhile so they have formed cliques (for lack of a better word). But usually, the groups are not exclusive to age; they are based on student learning style and seriousness. I frequently find students of varying ages together based on how often they study, passion for their field and the grades they receive.
Carrie ,
this is a great strategy that seems to help the various generations appreciate each other more.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In class I have assigned groups randomly often to collaborate about a test. Students all want to get a good grade and all seemed to engage well. Sometimes each generation brought their own tools--for example someones good study or book skills complimented someone using their computer to find the correct answer.
Mark,
this is definitely a challenge. If we can find ways to group them & allow them to see the value in the different generations' perspective, I've found that often they start working together more effectively.
Dr. Ryan Meers
