In teaching my clinical skills classes I prefer to give the students a situation with the skills to be assessed included in the situation. That allows some creativity in their presentation and allows for multi-tasking while I observe and assess their ability to perform the necessary skill. I have found that they respond better and are able to maintain a higher level of enthusiasm for the class and the materials to be mastered by having some more control and energy in the class.
Jodi,
that is a great way to challenge them & to adapt to their comfort with shorter time frames.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I give my students repeated assignments with minor changes in the topics.
I have given the students challenges each week, rather than over the 10-week class. It gives them a short-term goal and they're rewarded for their efforts and try again the next week. It seems that if it will benefit them or they get something for their effort, they are more apt to put forth a little effort.
Linda,
this is a great strategy as it helps them to incorporate the technology as well as their learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A strategie that has worked for me in the program I teach is that the students are assigned online courses during the term in addition to their traditional lecture, lab, and textbook learning. I select online courses offered through their profession and this way the are not only learning, but they are starting to earn CE credits in their feild as well.
I created an advertising project. The objective was to create an email promoting a product or service that they think they will use in their future career fields. Some really enjoyed applying this persuasive writing tool than the usual method of an essay or speech. They enjoyed the immediate feedback from the instructor and enjoyed applying some technology in the English classroom.
Todd,
this is a great point to meet these learners where they are & use that in our presentations.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kelli,
this is impressive on the quick turn around & I'm sure the Gen Y students greatly appreciate this immediate feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I work pretty close with my Gen "Y"s so I can give them instant feedback and try to give them lots of priase for their good work and I usually let them work in groups.
I flat out ask them. "What is the best way for you to learn this material?" Every cohort has it's own unique personality and give a different answer but the majority component is HANDS-ON!
We need to look at were they are at in this futureistic world and use that to are advantage.
Exams and tests are graded and reviewed on the same day. Students are instructed to look-up the wrong answers in their textbook and highlight the area for future reference. The instant feedback of their grade and correct answers provides each student with that need to know NOW learning.
David,
while we may get frustrated with all of the technology, sometimes meeting them halfway or where they are can be a good bridge.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I also agree and I try to relate subjects to things they know like video games
Absolutely, no phones during exams or quizzes. They must be put away. I do allow students to view phones during class as our population has many adult learners. Sometimes they need to know if a child is sick, or if there is an emergency. Of course, I look for those students who are cruising facebook or texting all class long. In those cases, I speak to the student to get to the root of the issue.
Susan,
this technique is very effective with this generation of learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The strategy I use for Gen Yers is to have an interactive discussion about a topic then to turn the students loose and allow them to work through practice problems either individually or in pairs or groups. After all are done with the practice problems we review the results which feeds their need for instant feedback.
Strategies I employ for my Gen Y learners are punctuated lecture periods and technology utilization. I try to keep pure lecture times to no more than 10-15 minutes, interrupted by projects or small group exercises/discussions. Newer technology, such as Poll Anywhere, allows students to answers questions poised in class via their cell phones. Responses are immediately compiled and displayed for the class to see.
Gretchen,
I think depending upon the class & the subject being taught this can be a valuable instructional tool.
Dr. Ryan Meers
