Jon-Paul,
I agree that too often we label a short attention span or reaction to a boring lecture as ADD or ADHD.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Richard,
yes, trying to juggle all of this info can be a challenge. Not to oversimplify but just taking it a step at a time can be helpful.
Dr. Ryan Meers
william,
Gen Y definitely brings some unique challenges & our role is to help them move as far as we can.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Michael,
I agree that we need to keep things moving & incorporate some variety into our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As instructor, we need to plan our lectures using technology. Student's work will be posted online and the grading will be done by computer.
I think the ADHD and ADD epidemics are largely misdiagnosted. I can't get student engagement for a student who is out of sinc with the instructional design. I often encourage the students to do mini research projects in small groups (they love peer colaboration) using their smart phones (they love their technology). The result is instant buy-in, then I can get them on board with the more traditional aspects of the learning design.
I also agree that you need to keep a faster pase they are so used to instant answers with the intrnet.
I find the same issues with cell phones and technology. Students are always on their smart phones. I have strict rules in my classroom about the use of cell phones during class, but I still catch students trying to use their phones during class time.
Sometimes I teach in a computer lab and sometimes I cannot keep the Gen Y students from trying to sneak onto their Facebook pages.
I am amazed at how much info I have learned in this session. This is way beyond the simple 4 learning styles of a few short years ago.
Having said that, I now know I not only need to understand the 4 styles, I also in "some way"! need to accomodate the generational differences in our class room. all this combined can be a challenge, depending on the actual class dynamics.
This generation has the attention span of a fly, if you pause too long they start yapping. If we could find a way to sent the info to their phones we would have it made. They may have technical savvy but lack the patience to utilize it. Asking them to locate specs or procedures is an act in futility.
Somewhere during the educational process these young people have been let down. They lack focus and drive, most are unable to formulate a sentence and their spelling is deplorable. In the post secondary sector we are now held to the task of holding them accountable for their work. They all demand 100% scores but are unwilling to work for it. Definitely a challenging group to deal with and get a "handle" on.
I have found the same thing. If you do not switch things up often then you lose everyones attention.
april,
yes activity with moving as well as lively discussions is a great strategy.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Patricia,
I agree that if we can incorporate fun into the class they have a better chance of staying engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This is really true. I remind students constantly not to use cell phones during clinical laboratory. It seems like their cell phones are their security blanket.
You have to ready for anything. With the world at their finger tips, you never know what question is going to come up in class.
These students cannot handle long lecuture times, and become bored very easily, it is good to keep them as active as possible when it comes to teaching.
Instructional planning must create a fun environment that encourages learners to think critically. If it's fun for the students, instructors have fun too!
Rick,
I think this is definitely the case. They are accustomed to being "entertained" & expect the same in the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jeannine,
you are right & I have found that they really like things explained very clearly & explicitly.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Robert,
it does seem that older students are a little more flexible.
Dr. Ryan Meers
