Working with different generations
I personally am a "Boomer", but find that I can relate and work well with other generations. Perhaps I am just young at heart! But all of us have had experiences whether it is with students or staff where generations clash! This course has provided me with concrete reasons and explanations why this occurs and the information has been very helpful in understanding other generations. I intend to continue to be the "fun" grandmother to my six-year old grandson! By the way, who names the generations? I wonder what other designations they have in store for us!
I am a Boomer as well and my profession has 4 generations working together and it makes for some interesting challenges. Understanding the differences in the focus of the generations will help. The teaching workforce includes 4 generations but the adult classroom also includes 3 generations as Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y students look for new careers. Teaching to the varied technology levels in the classroom is a challenge too. I have tried to pair up tech savvy Gen Y students with not so tech savvy Boomer students and that has worked for the most part. Both groups learn valuable skills from each other and every class has a new mix of generational cohorts so what worked for one class may not work for the next class. The only constant in teaching is "change".
I am on the cusp of boomer and Gen Y.I too feel adept at working with other generations.I work with the elderly and truly value their conservation, as well I teach Gen Y, they are so advanced technically, I lear so much from them.
Blanche,
and this is generally good educational practice to reach all of our learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
So true. I have noticed that when we are aware of these generations and their learning styles, we as Instructors can modify our teaching styles accordingly so that they can be more productive in the classroom/learning environment
Maren ,
if possible a mini-presentation on the topic could be a good idea & directly connect it to your course content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that "willingness to work with other generations is very important in a work situation." I have already learned from this online training class about methods for working with different generational learning styles. I can see how recognizing that a difference exists can be critical in effectively working with each type of learner. How can I educate students about the different types of generations so each student may work more effectively in team activities?
Troy,
and this provides an exciting & dynamic environment as all of you try to balance that diversity.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I work in a school where every class is a challenge since the school attracts groups on all the generations. So each class is different for every instructor. It is not uncommon to have
a couple student from the boomer or vet while still have several from X and Y. There are clear differences with each generations. So instructors really have to work hard to meet
all their needs. At the same time deal with their own issues depending on what generation they are from. We have instructors from every generation and are now seeing some of the
Y gen folks reach the teaching ranks.
Hi. I am from Generation X and as I get older, I really appreciate the values my traditional father and baby boomer mother instilled in me. As I teach and interact with Generation Y, I often challenge them to expand their moral compass and not accept, rather adopt the societal norms, instead practice listening more to their "internal voice" that tells them when something is not right. I believe this is one well to help them develop critical thinking and foster independence.
Teaching many generations in one classroom is challenging. In order for each generation to learn, the subject matter may have to be presented in different forms, have matter that needs to be written on pen and paper, have matter that need to be looked up on the internet, or have something where there needs to be a face to face interview.....etc.
I am "BABY BOOMER" find that learning in a traditional method, structured and methodical is best for many of my students as I have many whom are "boomers" as well.
Although I am new to my position of being a full time college instructor, I have worked with all different generation as a Physical Therapist for 15 years. It is very relevant to teaching movement as well, to keep in mind that each generation will learn differently and will be more comfortable utilizing technology or not. Many of the depression age patients I have had learn best by my discussing with them and "lecturing" the discussion with them. Try that with the teenage sports medecine patient and they tune out really quick. I need to have my youtube access handy as I use the multimedia approach and also encourage them to reach out to their network to find others who had similar conditions.
Willingness to work with other generations is very important in a work situation. I am a boomer with three yound college children and understand their more advance computer skills than I. I also see their frustrations when I am not as skilled picking up a new phone or computer skill. Understanding this encourages me to want to take the time to learn these new programs and take classes if need be.
I was born in 1960 so that puts me on the cusp of Baby Boomers and generation X. I find that I can relate well to Vetrans as well and have a high regard for this generation. There is much to learn from every generation although my Generation Y child and his entire generation keep me challenged and I'm glad I'm taking this course I find it helpful.
I was born into the Generation X era, however my heart is with the Boomers (their ideals, music, etc.) and revere the Veterans. I enjoy teaching the Y Generation with their youthful enthusiasm and technological savvy. Embracing their differences makes for a more enjoyable learning environment.
Yes it is important to attend to the needs of genration member of the class to be able to maintain their motivation ,attention and help them learn the subject better
When we understand the characteristics of the various generational cohorts, we can plan our lessons to suit the needs of these students.
David,
and also helping the Gen Y learners be open to the different generations they encounter & understand them is key as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have been a life-long learner. I went back to college in 2002 and had to adapt to new leraning styles. Knowing more about generation Y helps me in the classroom; I must adapt to their learning styles in order to be more effective.
