I believe if you can relate to each of your different generations of learners, your students will feel a connection with you and embrace your teaching. If you can utilize different methods of teaching, it will also keep things fresh and students eagar to learn.
I agree with you that it is important to learn about the different learning styles of the generations. This is important because as educators we need to be aware of how our students learn so that we can use teaching methods to help all of our students.
It helps you tailor your teaching approach and style to the learner. It also allows one to better reach each learner in a different personalized fashion.
shawn,
I would agree with you, especially on the attention to detail. I believe this is where we can help them by emphasizing the need for detailed work & holding them accountable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is important to know the characteristics of different generations of learners so that you can present the material in ways that will help them understand and learn the material. However, out of all the different groups of people I have either had to teach in a classroom or train at a job, I find the Generation Y people to be the most difficult ones for me to connect with. They don't seem to have much of an attention span, so it is difficult to keep them on task for any length of time. Also, they don't seem to have as much "attention to detail" as some of the other generational groups do.
Bruno,
yes this really is the key. No techniques or tricks are a substitute for knowing your own class make-up.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Lisa ,
yes, there are definitely certain activities or games that seem to cut across the generational boundaries.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also employ Jeopardy in the classroom, all age groups seem to like it and find it helpful in reviewing for exams.
Every student learn different. You have to know your students and at the same time your class, to know what will be the best way to send the information across and students get the info.
Justin ,
this is a great statement. Regardless of the generation, we must try to meet our students where they are & help them how we can.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Understanding all learning generational gaps helps increase the teaching effectivess.
Understanding how other generations learn will help me mold my teaching techniques to try to touch base with all types of learners whatever there generation may be.
Curtis ,
this is very true, we should always work to create the best possible learning environment regardless.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I normally have a class with a mixture of all generations mentioned in this course. It is helpful to me to know why I tend to powerpoint based lectures as my preferred method of delivery. It is also helpful to know why this style is not working for all the students. I don't have to assign an explanation of "lazy" to the students who are not getting it. This helps me to consider other ways to present the material, especally with a new technology flair. Knowing my generational tendencies makes me aware of my need to work at using the newer technologies. I don't want to be left behind in the technology revolution. In the end, I see this will help my ability to teach a wider range of students.
Chris,
and as you point out many of our students come to us with these deficiencies. The key is to get them to realize that they do need these skills & then to help them acquire them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It's important because with each class there could be all of the generations represented, or just one or two.You can try and make the best learning enviroment for each clsss.
my students have been in the age group from 19-71..the older students have limited knowledge of electronics and have to have more lecture in the course then the younger "Y" students
For me, knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners is essential. As an instructor working on a post secondary level, I come across so many generations: younger and older, inside or outside my own generational cohort. It is important that I am able to engage my student's learning styles based upon their former education, life experiences and generational categorization. Knowing the charateristics of each group enables me to create lessons that will enhance learning in the classroom for all students. Using different types of activities based on generations creates a classroom that works! To me, it's like Burger King, students should be able to have it THEIR way!
In knowing the characteristics of generational learners and the fears associated with each generation, especially those that have been out of the learning curve for a while, I try to incorporate group learning and projects. I believe this tends to give the newer generation the active learning style necessary and provides the older learners with support needed to give them the confidence to work on topics and subjects with which they are not comfortable. It is almost like setting up study groups to encourage the class to work in as a team. This incorporates several different generational learning styles.
I've also learned to hold attention, you need to provide visual or technological stimulation for the Gen Yers. You need to control the usage of the technology by keeping them directed on the path for which they will be using the equipment, but not hinder them too much if they stay on task.
As each generation has been taught in a different manner, and have a variety of styles of learning, each can learn from the other.
You have to carefully balance each style, so that it does not become one-sided in your presentation approach, or that can cause conflicts in the classroom. I learned that the hard way when I was doing my student teaching. As long as you provide a balanced approach to what each diverse group is familiar with, you can assuredly share knowledge and learn from your students at the same time.
I certainly agree that technology in the classroom has many advantages, but I find that with the students coming through high schools and career colleges today, the lack of basic math and literacy skills is astounding! I have had way too many students who couldn't put 3 sentences together on paper without several errors or are almost "crippled" without a calculator. The learning of the basic skills and the use of technology is out of balance, and we're seeing the not so positive effects in our schools now.
For me, this is the real challenge for teachers today. I think perhaps many students just don't realize (or accept) their limitations and expect to get good grades without demonstrating individually that they have met the criteria.
I use groups...small groups are great, but in the workforce they will have to demonstrate their own ability to calculate, write in an acceptable manner and solve problems. These individual deficits have to be addressed somewhere along the line, or some of our students today will not be able to keep a good job.
