It is always good to know the charecterestics of generational learners because it will help to integrate the apt type of teaching method in each course.
I have always taken the fun with learning approach in my classroom. I have found that having randomly selected groups of students,(i try to mix the generations if possible), tends to bridge the gaps between generations. I assign a project for the students to create their own study games to be played with the class. We have had many great outcomes and the creativity is phenomenal! I usually tell them they can play anything EXCEPT Jeopardy because it has been played out. Most of the groups have been quite creative. We've played Family Fued, Joker's Wild, Wheel of Fortune, and even Cash Cab.
On a basic level it is to understand what works. Personally it makes sense to know why one's teaching is not working. As a typical Boomer I stand and lecture. That doesn't help much with people who grew up playing "Oregon Trail", so I try to bring in more computer links, videos, the occasional interactive game, etc. for my (mostly) 20ish students. But when I get an older student my traditional approach seems to work better; understanding why that is so makes it much easier to reach all of them in diverse ways.
Sarah ,
this is a great way to help the visual learners in the group & find other ways to illustrate the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree, I am definitely a picture kind of person. I like to use pictures either via the internet or picasos of my own to help teach a subject or make point of a subject more clear.
Courtney,
this is a good example of audience analysis & if you know you have a strong number of a couple of generations you can vary your approach even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is important because not every generation has the same values and learning styles. As instructors we need to make sure we have a variety of teaching methods in our classrooms that will reach every student not just our preferred method.
I learned this valuable lesson a while ago when I was going to be teaching at a teacher in-service and presenting to my colleagues; not all of us have the same learning style so how could I teach to everyone? I knew the generations that most were in and was able to adapt my presentation to meet the needs of the majority.
Heidi,
this is so true & definitely a trap that we have to look out for all the time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am also usually older than most of my students. I try to incorporate different styles, like team oriented challenges and using the internet to allow students to get instant feedback on their grades.
To avoid the trap of thinking what worked for you will work of everyone. I sometimes fall into that trap myself. One can also adjust their teaching style so that the students can connect with the teacher better and hopefully learn something
Patrick,
and this is why we need to make sure that we are using a variety of instructional methods to reach all learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is valuable to understand the differences of the generational learners to see what methods could be substituted in a classroom situation if a particular lesson is not being understood by one or two students. It can help you approach the teaching method differently to relay the information to the student.
It helps you cater your lessons to all of the generations in an effort to maximize student engagement and success.
We all have different learning styles even if we are from the same generation.
Daniela,
yes, excellent point. And my experience may be the best way to teach a subject, but I want to make sure I've evaluated that & not just going to what's easy.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is easy to revert to one's own school experiences for best practices in teaching. Often it happens quite naturally. It's important, however, to focus on the life experiences of each generational cohort in relation to learning styles, in order to avoid making assumptions and value judgments about learning styles.
It is important to relate to all generations and styles
The connection needs to be to every cohort. The instructor through an understanding of these characteristics can facilitate that connection
Lisa,
and I think the most success comes when the different generations make a strong effort to understand each other & how we approach life differently.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think this is neat and spot on. I can identify myself as a Gen x. I can see my daughters as Gen Y.
Sometimes it is very bothersome when my children are on their phones, or wanting to play e games and my husband and myself are irritated for the eletronics. I know that this is how it will be, but it is hard to get use to.
