The younger students seem to need a lot more to keep their attention these days. They tend to lose interest quickly if the material is not delivered in an exciting way. Some subjects are less appealing, so to liven things up, I really try to use examples that they can relate to. I also show them pictures whenever possible. Most of my students seem to be visual learners so that helps convey the idea really well. They seem to prefer me lecturing more casually rather than delivering long Power Point presentations.
They are so much more technological than I am. When I have computer problems, they can usually help me. Its just a different world; now they grow up with computers and cell phones in elementary school. Although I can't imagine that, I try to put myself in their shoes so that I can truly reach each one of them.
I find that this generation wants to use technology for all of their teaching and education. My students respond well to power point presentations and internet based learning and special topics. I also find they wish to use their technology to find quick answers to their problem solving and educational needs which may not always give them information of substance or complete answers to the critical thinking areas.
Lowell ,
I agree with you & would add that the more we try to meet them where they are in the learning area the more opportunity we have to influence them regarding technology, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We as the older generation look to learn the way they think and recieve information both in the calssroom and by technology. I feel that to connect with this generation you must study the y generation and find the things that atract them to want to be engaged in the leaning prosess.
We meed to help them understand the inportance of a better education because of the technology.I try to keep up with the technology in the classroom and use as much as possible to keep them engaged in the prosess.
I find that the students want everything right away. they don't want to work for it.They just want the short cuts. they get bored very quickly,and want to play on their i phone.
their parents or someone pays good money and we have to force them to learn. Some skills take hard work to learn, with that come great knowledge and accompaniment. If you build them up all the time, what happen when they fail.
Michele,
student interaction is a great way to keep the Gen Y learner engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lisa,
I definitely agree that we are challenged to make sure the presentation is engaging, yet making sure we don't sacrifice content for entertainment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
i don't know if this would work for other subjects, but when my accounting students don't want me to cover some new material (with accounting, it's a little difficult to not lecture), i tell them that in fact, no, we don't need to go over the chapter, as i already know the material. i can give them a test, quiz and homework right now and i can go about my own work.
as for demanding A's, i also tell the students that i don't "give" them grades, they earn them, i just do the math.
Technology has been a source of entertainment that is why it should be brought into the classroome as an educational instrument.
Student interaction could be the answer to short attention spans. I agree that technology has been quite a distraction everywhere else but in the classroom, it can be utilized to teach and engage.
We must implement technology to address their style of learning as they have been brought up in a technological way. We must also bring in student interaction as a way to keep Gen Y engaged. Problem-solving would be a challenging learning experience for Gen Y.
Generation Y learners are multitaskers. It always seems that the generation Y is attached to some technical device. They do like structure. They do like variety in learning and not just lectures.
Mary Cornelius
I also agree that ADD and ADHD, while real syndromes, can be used as excuses for teachers, parents, and other people working with children when the children don't respond positively to projects or lectures. I think it is inevitable that in today's technological, fast-paced environment, attention spans will be shorter, and with the bombardment of stimuli, children will naturally develop more quickly-shifting focus. I find it particularly troubling when I see parents first allow and even encourage children to watch unlimited television and play unlimited hours of video games full of violence and other social ills, and then pathologize those children's limited ability to sit still and pay attention.
I tend to agree with what the others are saying in that they are first to be born with technology in their hands and as great as that is I think that it makes it very challenging in the classroom. These students expected everything thing to be bright lights and entertainment. You need to make everything about fun for these students and if it isn't fun or it does not have anything to do with using technology they become bored very quickly and want to play with their cell phones and surf the net or text each other. Therefore, I think sometimes with students it becomes less about the learning and recall and more about the presentation. Don't get me wrong, I believe in making things different and fun and but right now with this generation, I feel we have to try and out do ourselves each every class or they are not learning because they need technology.
Ann,
I've also found that it's helpful to ask them for help/input on the tech side of things; they seem to enjoy helping in this way.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Aaron,
this is a great demonstration of how we can engage these learners in our classes & also embrace newer technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As a Gen Xer, it's hard for me to incorporate all the technology that my younger Gen Y class expects/is used to- it's no longer enough for me to know the material I need to teach- I have to learn how to structure the online aspect and direct them to websites for their courses! They also like to be entertained, which I like, as it makes me mix up lecture with hands-on, and breaks up too long runs of me talking, giving their brains a break!
Thre impact that is has is that we - as instuctors- must incorporate technology in our classroom activities!
It has been my experience that Gen Y is ready to learn but sometime unwilling to contribute to classroom discussions. Gen Y, being used to social media where their lives are on display, seem to prefer to connect at a distance. They are much happier contributing to class via moodles, blackboards, and sometimes email. When they contribute they like to attach pictures and links, knowledge-within-knowledge.
To engage these students in class, I like to provide technology extras – links to places online where they can peruse more self-study. I also like to make sure that they have my email address and know that they can always respond to class material in between class sessions.
Alan,
I would agree. If we can help them see the appropriate use of technology, maybe we have a stronger platform to discourage the constant communication aspect.
Dr. Ryan Meers
