In career education schools we have a wide range of students and knowing the differences between generations will help us diversify our lesson plans and instruction for success of the whole class.
It is valuable so that you can plan accordingly and use the best teaching method to convey your message.
The students need to get the most out of the class so that they can apply it to their field and eventually the workforce.
I am about the same age as half of my students and younger than the other half, I think knowing the generatiional characteristics will help improve how I make sure the message is getting across to each individual.
Lisa,
so glad the information was useful; it is very exciting to have the different generations represented, we can all learn much from one another.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have students in my class that are from these different generations and this class has been extremely helpful to me because the more I know about how my student's learn- the better my lesson plans will be and that is a win/win situation. Lisa
I feel it is important to know the different characteristics of the generational learners so that you can teach to all in their respective learning sytles and make sure they understand and absorb the information, topic, or concept being taught.
Deanna,
I think this is a great strategy to accomdate where you can.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Dr. Meers -
What is the value of knowing the characteristics of different generations of learners?
First and foremost understanding the generation learning styles without a doubt will engage all of your students to "get it" in class. It's a win-win for the students and the instructors.
Diversity rules, learning every day rules...
Note: How fun would be it be to teach only one generation now with everything that is going on in our world?
As a Baby Boomer myself and going to back to school at 50, I remember I would sign up for tutoring on the weekends. And my instructor (Dr), would ask why are you here, you are a "A" student? I replied this is based on assignments and memorization, I need to understand what I am memorizing. Boy, once I said that....geez a louise...tutoring went from 2 hours to 4, sometimes more...So even though it is kinda of funny now looking back at the day, that tutoring meant a lot to me. I think he had experience a generation learner with me. :)
So knowing the characteristics and different generations of learners should be something that every intructor should strive to learn.
I try to meet the needs of different types of learners and different generations, but sometimes there just isn't enough time to go through each. At the end of units I try to split the class into small groups and mix-up the types of learners and different generations to review. It is effective and sometimes interesting to watch what transpires. I get great ideas on how to approach the material in different ways by watching what the students do.
Bob ,
I completely agree that making an effort to listen & understand to one another is key to success & truly finding that common ground.
Dr. Ryan Meers
To uderstand were they sit on issues and to better understand how to connect with each group.If we all took a little time for this maybe we wouldnt have near the issues we do.
By having some insight on the different environments and lifestyles of the various generations found in todays classroom, we can better address the different learning styles and information acquisition methods used by them in their daily lives. By making an effort to provide these different generations with materials and methods associated with their own lifestyle, learning can be made more natural and comfortable for all of them.
Susie,
this is definitely a key skill for anyy speaker/presenter.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kimberly,
this is so true & will help us be more effective instructors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
One of the courses I teach is Basic Engines so day1we introduce the students to 4 different learning styles. Audible, Visual, Intellectual and Somatic. So now going on 4 years of being an instructor I have definitely found the importance of delivering these learning styles. We work with a very diverse room of students. But I find it beneficial working with several generational cohorts, that alone is an experience in itself. Watching older students learn from younger students and vice versa
it is important to understand the characteristics of the generational learners because we have a little bit of every type in some of our classes. People are finding they are having to work longer in life now and some are going back to school to help them along in new jobs, or to help them better themselves at the jobs they currently have.
It helps us to be able to reach all the students if we better understand the different characteristics.
I try to use an everyday situation as an analogy. Most of of todays "Gen Y" are so in tune with technology that they lack the critical thinking skills needed. "Gen X" and before had to learn based on "doing" which resulted in success or failure, either way a lesson learned based on criticle thinking. I still use an everyday analogy with GEN X as well.
I am a mid 60's baby so I can relate to both generations, with that said I think I do well knowing and dealing with the different generations.
A good speaker always knows his/her audience.
It is helpful to understand generation differences in order to provide differential instruction. Allowing variety of methods and activities aids in the differences and success of each student.
Grace ,
yes the variety in the class is a great way to help all learn more effectively.
Dr. Ryan Meers
