I teach a concept link it to an application then reference it with a factural case that it relates with. Example when the Miranda warning does not have to be given. When the person is not asked any questions about the crime. Then a story how and when this can take place. My students tell me they remember the story then the concept.
I have a tendency to allow open discussion in class and try to get them to observe a situation and then personalize it to their own specific needs. I also try to get everyones input into the solution so they can seeother perspectives to the same issue.
For me, the most important thing I have noticed about Gen Y learners is that they need to understand what's in it for them. While earlier generations (I'm a Gen X on the cusp of Gen Y) were more apt to take an instructor's word that something was important, Gen Y'ers need to immediately know what this is important, and how they'll use it. I think this lends itself to career colleges, as the instructors are generally doers, and can give real life examples of the concepts in the book in action.
Engage, engage, engage! I am probably fortunate that I teach computer-based classes to Information Technology and Game Design students. But even as an “IT†person, these Gen-Y students push me to learn new technologies and incorporate them into my classroom “immediately.†They love it when I discover a new learning-based technology and test it out on them in our classroom. Recently I starting using a software/hardware add-on to Power Point called “Turning Point.†I can create any type of question (Multiple choice, T/F, Short Answer etc.) on my Power Point slides and the students connect to the slides through a “clicker†(like the ones you see on game shows). The students click in their answers, then we see the % responses for each answer and finally the correct answer(s). It is anonymous for the students, but I can assign clickers per student and report the results at the end of the lesson. The students are fully engaged and often want to know “who choose answer A??†We not only discuss the correct answers but give reasoning and understanding to why some students may have selected an in-correct answer.
In the classroom, I've incorporated lots of small group discussions, online quizzes which provide immediate feedback, and hands-on activities. The students worked really well in these situations because they target a variety of learning styles and focuse on the individual student.
Christian,
these are great strategies to really engage this generation of learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I maintain a high level of interactivity! Whenever possible, I phrase my questions to connect with life situations students have experienced, probably will experience or otherwise easily can identify with. I also use frequent formal and informal assessments, in order to provide swift and frequent feedback on student progress. In addition, I make a diligent effort integrating good quality Internet text and video clips into my instruction.
Sarah ,
yes, the Gen Y student seems to really respond well to real life examples & scenarios.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Listening, asking them what they think. Finding out what they plan on getting out of the class and how I can help them. We share a lot of experiences, I find that some student tend to be a mature than others when we start sharing life experiences or goals.
Hi Robert,
Do you worry about the students cheating with their smart phones during exams?
Some of the strategies that have worked for me in the classroom is chunking the information and allowing opportunities for students to discuss topics and then sharing their comments with the rest of the class. I also incorporate questions via a discussion board that work for those students who may be too shy to speak out in class.
Telling stories from real-life experiences of my own always grabs the students attention.
Gen Y is in for some workplace shocks where they will be expexted to stand and deliver in a fashion that they are unfamiliar with.To help with this process, I use many visual aids and try to lead them to the answer by questioning them in a step by step fashion to promote the deductive reasoning process that leads to the truth rather then trying to lecture on everything.
Gen Y people as the reading noted are used to frequent instantaneous communication so being fast with feedback and grading tends to be greatly appreciated by this group and something they tend to focus on in teacher evaluations and evaluations of the school as a whole as well.
Deborah,
yes Gen Yers really love the immediate & specific feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have noticed that my Gen Y students seemed to need so much constant feedback. Until now, I did not understand why. But because they seemed to ask for it so often, I was giving them a lot of feedback. This does seem to be something that they crave, and I find that it not only encourages them, but it helps me to stay on top of their development and catch those that need help sooner.
Ted,
great strategies that are effective no matter the group, but especially with Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My main strategy for working with Gen Y students is to first engage them in a conversation, not simply a lecture. They need to feel a part of the discussion. The second thing I like to do is throw relevant tangents into our conversation so that they do not become bored. They are quite used to multitasking and following multiple plots in a story so the use of tangents works well to keep them engaged.
Joel,
yes the "why" is very powerful for the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have used the "why" concept on many occasions after giving a short pause then sneak in the why is that just after the student gives the usual quick answer.
