End of the line..
Frequently we see the workplace and educational environments catering to Generation Y. Is there a point where we stop? Where we simply create a pass fail rubric that pushes Generation Y into the requirements to build bridges, perform open heart surgery, and move into the future?
What the consequences of being too flexible with Generation Y?
Robert,
yes, just read a quote the other day: "all of us need a helping hand, but occasionally we need a boot to the pants." I think this applies here.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Well said...I agree there comes a time to stop
hand holding these students. The time has come to
lead them down a road of self achievement.
To many rely on others to provide answers without
any effort to find it on their own.
Tammy, you have definitely expressed my thoughts as to students needing to take and be responsible for their successes and failures. Too often I hear students say that the reason they failed was due to bad instructors, or that the material they are learning was just "way too much" and not explained well---this is especially with the Gen Y group.
I have seen the frustration in Baby boomers and Gen X groups because they tend to rely on getting the job done and don't appreciate the a somewhat "lazy" and not taking responsibility of the younger generation.
How many lectures I have done with students not paying attention to what is being discussed, but focused on their cell phones without apologies! Frustrating indeed.
Linda,
great point & this is why, in the midst of using technology, we also have to help them learn basic interpersonal & professional communication skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a Career Services Adivsor I often run in to the problem with all generations not understanding how to conduct a job search now that there is so much easily available "technology". Often I have to explain to the Gen Y students that just applying online and interacting online is not going to land them a job or an interview. They have to go out in person and talk with the employer. The same issues that crop up whether in teaching within the classroom or coaching them for dealing with the real world. It's hard to believe how many times I have to walk them through the basic connections of calling an employer, what to say when they meet with them, how to ask about the job etc. They also get very flustered when the potential employer calls them instead of using email.
John,
great point! My brother & I often talk about encouraging the younger generation to quit looking at everyone else's status updates & go out & live!
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like what Mary mentioned about "reading Moby Dick" to learn about people and life, in comparison to a fact-search on whales. Maybe what I'm about to post has been mentioned elsewhere, but while I try not to belittle students for using technology, I try to emphasize the benefits of "doing vs you-tubing".
Gen Y is growing up in an amazing age of information, and that can be good thing. But I believe as educators we need to stress that "doing" will always provide better knowledge than simply "watching someone else" do something.
I'll use learning to skateboard/snowboard/ride a bicyle as an example: how many hours of watching people snowboarding would it take to become a Pro?
Deb,
this is an excellent point to bring up. Not only will we work with the various generations but they are our customers as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'm a boomer teaching boomers through Gen Y. Another issue regarding this topic is that the students as graduates or certificate holders of most adult education programs will need to service/deal/help people of each generation, going beyond the comfort zone of personal generation. In using different methodologies to reach students, it is possible to introduce new ways of interaction, both with students and coworkers.
Mark,
a great point made in here, "don't be afraid to give low grades." I know this is something I've had to overcome in my teaching, but have realized that many of the students ultimately appreciate the rigor.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I know what you mean, but I think you can get around this problem by carefully designing your classes. Teach what you know to be important, and demand that they learn it. Test it, and don't be afraid to give low grades. You are in charge of what they learn.
I always try to remind my students, no matter what generation they are from, that they themselves are responsible for their successes and failures. You have to celebrate the successes and the failures with the same enthusiasm to get the benefit out of the learning experience. I do feel that some of my Gen Y students are too focused on all the technology they have available and don't take the time to focus on what should be important to them at that moment; in this case, getting through the schooling by learning as much as they can and applying it whenever and wherever they can to become a productive member of society and feel great knowing they can complete any task thrown their way.
My one pet peeve with Gen Y is their reliance on cell phones. If it's not in their hand, you would think they were going to die from lack of use. I would love, as a teacher, to be able to make them drop them in a bin at the door when they enter the classroom. They are there to focus on learning not on what is being posted on Facebook!
NATHAN,
no doubt we must emphasize to our students that the person most responsible for their success or failure in school is them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'm a member of the X generation, and I believe your concerns are well founded. Too often the focus is on the organization or educator rather than the individual. We must find a way to convey the importance of discipline, responsibility, and consequences to Gen Y. I’m not against innovative teaching styles or techniques, but this over sensitivity will not prepare them for the global reality they face. We are not doing them service by trying to shelter them from it.
MARY,
I agree that this is an increasing concern & problem. I try to work as much "extra" information into my courses as possible to help them learn how to learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This is a big concern of mine. I am a boomer and have been an educator for a long time. I have made great efforts (and have enjoyed it along the way) to keep current with methodolgy, technology and the changing landscape in education. Lately however, I am noticing that the process of learning is taking a back seat to the desired outcome of passing the course and getting the certificate. This is very troubleing to me. I see less and less of the students interest in spending time learning and more and more time technologically socializing, but fully expecting to reap the rewards of an education earned. I believe that there should be a balance. Learn about whales on the internet if you like, but read "Moby Dick" to learn about people and life.
Kristian ,
this is a great point & a very crucial dialogue issue. Obviously this is much bigger than this forum, but I would suggest we not cater to Gen Y at all, rather understand the differences & adapt where we should. Too often we approach every generation or culture or learner from our very ego/ethnocentric view. This is not generally effective. However, as you point out, we need to make sure that we are not sacrificing quality & standards to make people feel good.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
