it is important to recognize the different generation within a group and to know how to address them as a whole and as an individual entity. Although, there are geenerations, not all students fall within a specific category; there are students that behave differently each day and/or have multiple traits from different generations.
So you can set yourself up for the expected and future results of the generation.
As with anything else in the World of evolution the different generations of people are adapting/adjusting to the environment around them, so as do the instructors need to follow suit and make changes to their instructional methods allowing for a smooth learning process.
Clarence,
that is definitely a challenge. Is there any way you can even alter teaching approaches just a little?
Dr. Ryan Meers
It helps us learn and understand how different people learn with different teaching styles
It is important to understand that genY youg people are differant than us boomers. Unfortunatly teaching with a prepackaged cirriculum does not give me the ability to alter it.
June,
this is so true & we need to make an effort to understand the various generations & personalities we work with.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The more we understand one another, the more we can adapt to our fullest potential.
Aaron,
I agree that we need to work to understand this generation & help them in the best way possible.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I also believe it is improtant to understand the Gen Y learner. It is hard to not get frusterated when you think they are not paying attention to you but they really are. It sort of seems disrespectful to me but it is just different and that takes some learning on the educators part.
It has become an integral part of the teachers day to day requiremtns that they be aware of what is going on in the classroom environment to understand the characteristics of each tyoe of learner so that we the instructors can adjust our teachng methodologies to encompass all of the diverse learning styles that may be present in the same classroom. Also, it is very important to identify how we the instructors prefer to be taught so that we can be more tolerant and understanding of the students demand or need to be taught in a way that they can relate to rather than how we the instructor relates to what is being taught.
Having begun my teaching career 45 years ago has required me to keep up with technology or lose my position. Because I have been teaching adults, I think I have gradually made that transition better than many teachers in the elementary and middle school fields. Because of the diversity of our students in generational characteristics and learing styles, I have had to work hard to keep my presentation techniques up-to-date. I have to work through the process of getting comfortable with each form of technological innovation in order to help my students make any adjustments necessary in their educational goals. I have to say that some of those adjustments were made kicking and screaming on my part. I now work completely online. Never when I started my career, could I have imagined this ending. Given the chance, younger colleagues and students are happy to share their expertise. The use of technology by students is here. Set your ground rules for acceptable use during class and stick by them.
Our classroom environment is ever changing, driven by technology, economic tendencies etc. Instructors are forced to become flexible in their delivery of course content if they want to reach everyone. This benefits everyone including the teachers. Just as we are a diverse country of different backgrounds, the same applies to the way students were raised in their own families and communities. We educate in a "one size does not fit all" world. I teach to a mixed bag of generations and can actually see the difference in the way information is collected. The "older" boomers and gen “Xâ€ers seem to do a better job of data mining than the "Y"ers do. This may be in part to actual maturity levels as well.
Carlton,
well put! This information is a launching point to better engage students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lisa,
I agree that the key is making sure that we understand the generations, but don't overlook the individual students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The value of this of knowing the generations characteristics is to give us as instructors a starting point so our students will buy in that we are here for thier good. We must relate to our students so they can attain what we are offering. Meet our student where they are and bring them along is the concept.
Because each generation learns differently, It is vital to familiarize with the groups in the classroom- from there- understanding their learning styles is key.. finally, we must be sure to include methods of instruction/learning that will allow these different generations to be successful learners!
Herman,
it is definitely to our & our students' advantage to make an effort to understand all the generations.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Carrie ,
yes, pretty much any career path today will involve group work & so we must prepare our students for this.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In Screamin' Eagle I instruct multiple generations in the same class, at the same time. By understanding that each generation has a way they process information easier I can reach each individual faster, in a more meaningful way.I can also tailor my instruction on a one on one basis per thier generational needs.
