It's important to know the characteristics of different generations and how they learn so we can adapt our teaching styles to suit ALL students...not just one group or generation.
It shows the student that you are aware of how he/she learns most efficiently. He/she will respect his/her teacher and their teacher will enjoy greater success if their methods target the students by generational needs.
Brandon,
this is a great approach & glad to see that you are able to incorporate the information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In The lab invironment I instruct I have learners of many back rounds and ages. So I have found this information valuble.
The older students In my age group are easy to relate with. The younger Gen Y's I have learned that this is how they are and I need to adapt.
I'v changed my process and understand they live at a much faster pace. Also that they are instant
in thier approch to problems.
Marian,
yes, this generation will tell you that they can multi-task well. And maybe they can. However, I try to show them that this is distracting to those around them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In a lecture environment, I have noticed that Gen Y learners are able to listen, text, write and talk all at the same time. However, it's disruptive and I have to allow some flexibility in what I can allow in my class. I allow a balance so that lecture isn't so formal. Gen Y learners learn better when lecture is more casual, conversational and relevant to real-life.
As we learned at the beginning of the course, every individual is unique to their learning abilities. Whether it be via tactile, written, visual or auditory. Different educational instruction used throughout the various generations were what was felt "worked best" at a given time. It's what a person becomes accustom to in the classroom. However, I'm sure students in the Veterans, Baby Boomers, Gen X or Gen Yers are no different as far as being accustom to what is provided us throughout our educational years and, yet, still possessing our own unique learning characteristics as to what works and what doesn't in any given area. I feel that no matter what generation we're referring to, it is a necessity to get to know each student on an individual basis to determine what type of learner that student is and to apply the proper educational instruction, be it old-fashioned learning vs. newer technologies, in order to help them achieve their goals and success.
The value of knowing the characteristics of the different generations of learners is extremely important. As an instructor, I have all the knowledge and need to find the best way to deliver what I know to a very diverse classroom of students. Ultimately, I want every student to succeed, and that is dependent on the ways that I decide to deliver my lesson.
Lisa,
yes, once we are "armed" with the right information we have a greater chance of reaching each learner where they are & helping them in the best way possible.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The value in knowing the different generations is that it allows us as instructors to really bring the material to each and every type of student and allow them to grasp an understanding of the material which will not only help them to do well in school but also in their careers. Knowing the different characteristics allows instructors to adapt their lessons to each generations so that they not only feel comfortable in the classroom but that they enjoy the learning process and want to continue to come back to the classroom.
I agree , as someone who has typically both Gen Y and Gen X students in the class , I can see the value in this .
to help interperate the different learning styles and to better communicate between the generations.
Deborah,
this is definitely true no matter the generation or the type of learner.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Knowing the characteristics of the learners in a classroom helps an instructor to manage expectations of students and help more students succeed in content retention. This also applies to knowing the learning styles of various generations. In most of the courses that I have taught for Career Education Corporation, I’ve a multi-generational classroom, and I believe that I’ve even had all four generations in one room at the same time.
I’m part of Generation X. I identified with many of the stereotypes in Module 2. I like to know all expectations and assignments at the outset of a class, so I can budget my time. I also prefer reading and lectures. Thus, many of my classes are reading and lecture based. I have made an effort to incorporate more learning styles, but I have a long way to go before I’ll feel I’ve made the Gen Y shift.
I take an approach, because courses are only 5 to 6 weeks long, where I will improve 1 – 2 days per term, reducing lecture and including other styles of learning.
The value is that the more we know about how our students learn- the better our instruction will be and that is a win- win situation for everyone!
Mary,
yes, the more understanding we can be of the many different generations, the better off we will be.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Tracey,
yes, we want to make sure that each of our students receives the maximum benefit in our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Christina,
it really is helpful to know how to reach all the different learners in our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with you. I also have found an understanding of the students. I am an older instructor and could not quite understand why they were doing so many other things and yet could answer questions, pass quizzes and tests. I originally thought that students were disrespectful but learned through this course and the results of the students that it is a generational difference.
Mary Cornelius
white board, hands on demo to gen Y - noticing more- and not much into believing what they hear - I find hard to overcome - kind of a cross between boomer and gen x in my approach and orginizations. But have notice the more one on one with they the Y and Veterans to be most effective
