Bob ,
yes the more enthusiastic we are about our subject matter, the greater the chance they will be engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
To be load and clear and show great intrested in what you teach.
The use of technology from the computer, tv, internet, and other technology.
The use of current forms of technology seem to stimulate my students during instruction.
I have that same issue in my class rooms. The older students will pay attention, aske questions and take notes during demos. The younger students can usually be found in the back of the room, not paying attention. They seem to think they can just "wing-it" when the time comes. And if they do find some type of "how-to" that resembles what I'm trying to teach (on You Tube, for instance) it's not always from someone who really knows what they're doing. I let them know that I'm demonstrating important stuff, they just don't always seem to appreciate what I'm trying to convey.
I agree. They have no critical thinking skills, perhaps because, as others have suggested, "every" answer is available on the internet. They watch me demonstrate how to do something, but don't bother to write down any notes. I suppose they think they can Google the procedure later. What actually happens is that they go into lab and don't have a clue. I am concerned that this behavior will carry over into their jobs and they won't be successful because they WILL be expected to know how to do these things. For new tasks, they will be expected to watch and follow directions. They will be expected to ask questions if they don't understand, not simply show up empty handed. They don't seem to understand any of this and I'm not successfully conveying the message. Any suggestions?
Bob,
I like all of what you say here. I agree that a key is to allow them to have a voice & input.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gen Yers like to be very busy in a productive manner and feel a personal satisfaction of their learning experience. I teach the material in small increments and have them get in small groups out to lab. I give them instructions and activites on the material. We go back into class and I teach a little more and go back to lab. This has kept my students engaged with the material.
True they would rather do hands on but in many cases the lecture prepares them for the lab.If they are poor at gathering information from a lecture then they may need extra help in lab also. Simple tasks need to be given to them step by step and you cannot expect them to " figure" it out themselves.
First of all, hearing what the student has to say getss an investment and ownership from that student. To listen to what he or she prefers works above my presenting how I want it. Secondly, allow as much discussion and variety in the presentation as possible. I cannot lecture throughout without losing their interest. I continuously seek variety and ways to liven up the process. Thirdly I use groups as a means to allow their interaction in a meaningful way. I always ask for sharing and questions, however it will "take off" better when group investment rather than individual expression is expected. I sum up by saying however the student feels that he or she learns is the key to their learning; so I always get their feedback and dialogue to let them know I care as to how they learn and how they view the lesson.
Allison,
I too have found that they love that immediate feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Allison,
I too have found that they love that immediate feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Michael,
I agree that this generation seems to really thrive on the positive.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gilbert,
yes, sometimes what we think is technologically cutting edge is not for our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Having grades instantly go up online is very important to this student.
It seems to me that constant positive reinforcement keeps them motivated.
One thing that works well with Gen Yers is having them critique each other. They must have at least 3 positive things and 1 negative. That allows them to feel respected and accepted by their peers and gives them the instant gratification they need.
Well said just because they are looking at a screen does not mean they are engaged. The current challenge for me is to constanly change lesson pesentation in ways that keeps them awake and focused.The lab days are easy but for classroom days I will need to break down class planning in fifteen minute increments.
Nedialka,
I agree, as this groups seems to really respond well to these type of activities.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Rick,
these are great strategies & sound like they are very successful.
Dr. Ryan Meers
