understanding the typical characteristics of generational learners helps to influence approaches and guidelines for successfull lab activities. the best application when applying these charactoristics in lab learning usually cater to more than one cohort group. as mr. woods has stated, we commonly have representatives of gen y and gen x students in attendance and the influences to lab instruction and learning should
cover both. for example both groups like their learning to be fun so a fun approach and demeanor should resonate from instructor instructions preceding any lab activity. both gen y and gen x cohort groups embrace technology in their learning and we have many technologies in our field to relate and include for each.
This topic for some reason seemed to be very interesting for me but at the same time difficult for me to grasp. I do understand why it is important to learn one's learning style while at the same time knowing the generation which they have come from.This information will determine the success of your students and how well you as the instructor relay information.
jacob ,
this is a great idea & helps them see the diversity that they will meet in the workplace.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is good to hear that this area is being researched because I think the potential applications for it as a learning tool are vast. Maybe this will be a future CEE area of content for all of us to benefit from in further exploration!
When you have a diverse classroom, as I often do, it helps to reach and connect with all students in the class to meet the course objectives and outcomes.
Bryce,
that is true; I think there is a difference between "judging" & understanding where they are coming from. I would call what you are doing the latter, not judging.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Theresa,
I think this is a great strategy to accomodate the different generations as well as the different types of learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Its hard cause I try not to judge learners but you kinda have to in order to better fufill the instructional needs in which the seek.
Teaching at a technical institute, my classes have a range of generations of learners. I make sure to include power points and note taking in all my lectures as well as using all my teacher resources that accompany my textbook. Breaking into small groups for discussion, giving internet projects and also hands-on projects usually hits every learning generational style.
Paula ,
I do believe there are some who are working in this area. I don't have names at the ready but I do know this is being explored.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Excellent point... and it would be great if the video gaming technologies could be developed as an educational tool to deliver content via interactive
"gaming" -- for educational purposes instead of just for entertainment purposes. Do you know if this is being explored?
Paula ,
this is definitely a challenge. I do think there are some parallels we can point out to them as many of them have vast experience with video gaming. They have to work up their skills & abilities in those areas as well similar to what you are speaking about here.
Dr. Ryan Meers
What I find particularly challenging about working with Generation Y students involves the their generational difference in expectations for how long it takes to achieve the set goals.
What I am teaching demands a tremendous amount of repetitive practice, both mentally and physically, to master the particular skill to a level that will ensure that the student is able to pass the State credentialing exams for certification. The type of practice involved is akin to what a concert musician must absorb and be able to execute -- primarily through repetitive practice and refinement, first slowly, and eventually at a high relative speed of execution.
My students are stymied in their attempts to achieve the set goals of the skills I teach because they were raised to seek and expect instant gratification in a world moving faster and faster, technologically.
I constantly have to remind them not to be discouraged when they don't achieve goals as fast as they feel they should be able to, and I constantly have to encourage them to practice many more hours than they are inherently wired to want to do, since technology has made many tasks so much easier for them, overall.
Once I explain the process the brain has to go through to learn the complex skills the students need to master -- approaching the elements of practice at slower speeds first, and incrementally building to faster speeds as the brain automatizes the skills first at those slower speeds, the students are less hard on themselves. Still, however, they are not used to repetitive practice regimes, typically, and it is a challenge to keep them focused and driven from within to regularly practice.
I do my best to emphasize their successes and encourage them, when discouraged at progress, to look BACK and thus to see how far they have progressed. I remind them that this is an indication of their ability to progress further forward with practice schedules adhered to faithfully.
I am glad that others feel this way as well. I tend to take things like this personally and this module has helped me to see things in a different light. I still give them a hard time when those phones come out, but try not to take it as personally now. I just try harder to keep things more interesting and break it up a bit more.
The value of knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners is because today's classrooms are filled with diverse students from different generational cohorts. This will enable the instructors to engage and retain students by implementing different teaching styles and techniques.
Amanda ,
yes & allowing them to learn from one another (while sometimes difficult) can eventually be very rewarding for both groups.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Knowing the characteristics of generational learners keeps my skills fresh. I currently have a student who is twice the age of others in a classroom. I don't want to forget that she has ways she will learn more effectively if I provide her with the opportunity.
I find much value in knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners. Currently, I am teaching in a classroom with students ranging from 18 years to 55 years old. Therefore, I am learning from first hand experience the different characteristics. It helps me when I am wording things and using examples. If I post something online, I will include directions for the boomers, but skip discussing it in class for the Y generation. I try to appease everyone, and having a class with such a range is really a great learning experience.
Vets preferred uniformity, consistency and conformed to what was expected. Seen not heard. Didn't question authority. Due to the war ending their spending habits were very conservative. Lived frugal.
The Boomers were born self-centered, optimistic -- I am one of them -- Team players. And are skilled and knowledgable generation.
Gen X, overlooked (absent parents) and became self-reliant -- probably a good thing. Workaholics. Technologically bound. Prefer non-traditional structures and non-traditional times.
The Y-ers, technology is their middle name. They love gadgets which are extension of their body, but very much a way of life. More involved with family life and raising children. They can travel all around the world on the Internet, (seamless life)and are totally connected and savvy when it comes to technology.
John,
I agree. When we demonstrate our understanding & flexibility it helps the students to see that we are here for their success.
Dr. Ryan Meers
