born in 1950 so when I was in second grade I had a problem with reading and sounding out words. My teacher thought I was just stupid and could not learn but later I went to a doctor and I thought that also but it took some time for me to realize that it is a real problem. I am 63 years old then I found out I am dyslexic .I had to learn how to live with it. It did take a lot of work but I did overcome my problem. I do not use it as a cruch
The ability to teach to all learners in a visual, kinesthetic, and auditory form combined with technology is the perfect blend for a well balanced education. We constantly evaluate our forms of instruction to find what works and infuse the most current technologies in the classroom to keep students engaged.
I just learned that I am an X'er for I have never really bothered to research any of these titles. With that being said, ADHD was understood and diagnosed in me by my dad many moons ago as a case of I Am Not Interested In This Topic Or Task I Am Supposed To Do, Therefore I Am Going To Think About Something I Am Interested In Or Do Something That I Want To Do Syndrome. Also known as IANIITTOTIASTDTIAGTTASIAIIODSTIWTDS. His scientific very effective treatment used a combination of, if I didn't do what was required then I went without and another that my butt cheeks still remember distinctively to this day. LOL I thank my dad and appreciate his efforts in teaching me how to deal with my what is known today as ADHD. :)
What I notice in the younger students is that they depend on the technology to give them answers that they can simply figure out for themselves with a little knowledge and effort. With any answer just a Google search away, why should they take the time to learn and do such things is the attitude and mindset I get from them. One of my goals in class is to put them in a situation of the "Zombie Apocalypse" and Google/Internet/Smart Phone is gone. Figure out what is wrong and fix the problem now using the computer that is resting on your shoulders. Some light bulbs do go on, but others just say "The Zombie Apocalypse will never happen, duh, your stupid" and they go back to there Facebook page. LOL I love teaching these kids. They are entertaining. Good luck to all!
nancy,
I agree that we should plan the technology into the course, not just add it ad hoc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The instructional planning process needs to include enough technology to capture the attention of the audience.
Christopher,
this is so true & we need to make sure that we are tapping into the variety that will best reach our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think the characteristics of Generation Y learners impacts the instructional planning process in a significant way. The needs to be a wide range of teaching methods available in the classroom now such as group projects, tests, quizzes, visuals, hands-on materials, as well as old fashioned lecture. The material also has to be attention grabbing to pull kids minds away from technology that they are so heavily involved in, even during the school day.
This is SO true! I find myself wrapping up certain thoughts or topics quicker than I might have wanted to, because I see that the students begin to disengage rather quickly if there is not a constant change of visuals, some kind of activity requiring them to get up and interact with eachother, or me telling a "real life" story of how the lecture topic played out for me in the "real world." Otherwise like you said, texting under the table or checking facebook begins.
Barbara,
this is a good point & the reality is that it takes longer & more effort for us, but ultimately is more rewarding & beneficial for our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my own experience, Gen Y learners are extremely social in their learning style, as opposed to highly structured and rigid. They value lifestyle and social causes, place a lot of emphasis on interactive and "game" learning, and are highly savy in and capable of learning new technological interfaces quickly. They also value a flat organization much more than a hierarchical one, which translates in the classroom to an interactive, participatory environment in which the student's class contributions are equally valued as the teacher's. Classroom seminar discussions and student presentations, where everyone can remain engaged, are more effective as teaching tools than strictly lecture format classes.
An instructor needs to plan to teach in many different ways. They must involve their students into the teaching more, plus, they need to be able seamlessly move from use technology to lecturing.
Gertrude,
and the connection to "real world" or "why I need to know this" the more they will be engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Jennifer ,
yes, while we may get frustrated at times with their "randomness" the advantage is that they can filter through many distractions that previous generations could not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Ryan this is true. But...they can not be or feel bored. If they are thats spells trouble. Sometime the lesson has to be turned into a game to get them involved. To get them to better understand.
True indeed. I usually tell my students that the "labeling theory" is not going to work...so we start from scratch. Then I find that they work differently, work smart because they can not use this...ADHD as an excuse!
Hi Ryan and you are so right. They must be kept busy. They must feel like they are involved & it is relevant... if not...oh yes technology/almighty cell phones certainly come out. They always want to be intouch, always in the "know."
HI its Trudy Phillips again.I think a big issue is the fact that they are good @ multitaking, they are hands on students.Assignments must be planned so that they can think outside the box/critical thinking. Digital tasks must be incorporated. They also are involved in many social issues whether it is related to some famous star, current event, music, etc... Planning with this in mind assists to keep them on track & interested.
This is serious because the instructional planning has to be diverse. Therefore the instructional plnning must include technology, must be fast paced, relevant to them. I often have to approach them @ their levels first & then bring it up a step or two so that it is more well rounded. so then can see both sides of the coin.
For one the instructor has to be on top of the students in class. Prof has to focus & be aware of each student in class. They have to be busy & feel that the assignments/course work relate to them. It has to be reality based & that certainly includes technology @ all levels...they understand better when the assignments are email, etc...
As I read through each of these generation differences, I agree with the characteristics that labeled each group. I feel that generation Y learners constantly need to be entertained and need technology to help in their learning process. They also respond well if you give them assignments in which they can multitask.
