You an also teach from different angles so to be understood by such a diverse class.
The value is that you can create lesson plans that incorporate different teaching styles to reach your audience.
TC,
yes the more we can know about the various generations the stronger we will be as instructors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree. I teach nursing. On the floor either in a nursing home or in an ICU, nurses are required to work with each other to ensure adequate/appropriate patient care. Starting groupwork in the classroom helps students get accustomed to learning from eachother and being willing to try alternative styles.
Our classes have students from 18 to 65 and hit all of the generational groups so knowing the motivation behind their generations learning styles is a huge advantage when it comes to planning the learning presentation.
I agree, all roads lead into town, they are just different ways to get to the same place. There is no one way to learn, as long as they get to the same "place".
Donna,
yes it really is a good idea to mix the generational groups up if possible. This is a reflection of the current work environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Interesting that you put them together, I tend to try to put teams with diverse members together so that they "learn" from one another. Good basis for them being able to go out into the work world and be successful.
This was very illuminating, I can see where I use to teach like I was taught, but that now we have a Generation Y that is a combination of all that went before. Understanding why they want instant feedback is very helpful. The value is that you as an instructor can take a step back and not take some of what happens personally, but adapt your methodology to the needs of the student.
I think that it valuable to learn as much as we can about different generational learners because they are the current status quo. The next generation will be even more knowledgeable about "new" technology. Who knows what the next Gen will be like?
I think it will make it easier to understand the thought process that went into a decision that the lead to the outcome of what ever we are trying to accomplish
I'm often in a classroom setting where there are mostly Gen Y students, but mixed with Gen X and Boomers too. Three different generations sometimes creates friction between students, and I try to pair up smiliar gen students whenever possible to keep learning styles together. There are benefits of pairing different styles though, sometimes the older student will take to the younger students methods and find they are worth using, beneficial in a light they'd not thought about before. I try to make sure that students understand that being from different generations can be a benefit, and not to push away a different though process or idea just because it came from a young kid, or an older person.
Sandi,
I agree with you. I've been a participant in these type of classroom discussions & have found them very rich & rewarding.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sandi,
this is a great strategy to make sure that you are reaching the variety of learners you have in your classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
yes they are. And soon I expect that every student will have an ipad- I know one teacher that is part of a program in which elementary school students are being given ipads for classroom use!They will have wi fi and use them dring class in lessons designed to integrate the internet and research.
I also strive to have cross-generational discussions in classes. I find it adds to the layers of understanding and the ways of knowing.
I always try to include the different generational cohorts in my lesson plan and instructional delivery. It is important to include their learning styles and needs to ensure classroom success. It is also important to help them adapt and maximize the strengths of their learning styles for the changing career world.
ellen,
I could not agree more. I also agree that the use in class needs to be monitored so it is not distracting, but we must recognize that these devices are as integral to their learning as paper & pens were to previous generations.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Navinthran,
great observation & thank you for sharing. I think this cross-generational discussion helps all of us learn to appreciate & value the opinions/ideas of others so much better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sara,
it is definitely interesting how many "retro" things are becoming increasingly cool for younger students. And you are right about some of the older students being more comfortable with technology then they realize.
Dr. Ryan Meers
