melanie,
that's very interesting, thank you for sharing this learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Keeping lectures short and conducting a fast paced class has worked best for me. My Gen Y students always tell me they prefer my teaching style over other instructors who tend to move at a slower rate.
Leigh,
group work can be a powerful learning tool & is also good preparation for the work environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Some strategies that have worked for me is the small group assignments; wether this is an in class assignment, handout or group project. They work better in getting things done and the stronger students help and explain to the slower students in the group, not just doing the work but actually expalining why and how they got the answers. I also break up lecture with discussion and incorporate hands on visuals or technology. In my classroom I am able to bring in and utilize many resources through the internet and some resources they can touch and feel. This keeps the lecture engaging and allows multi-tasking throughout the classroom.
Pamela,
I have found this to be the case too. I've also found that it has forced me to be better prepared as I can't just pull out the old notes & ppt every time.
Dr. Ryan Meers
That's a great idea I will try.
I have found that by using various media outlets in the classroom that I have had a better reaction from my gen y students rather than using the traditional powerpoints and lecture approach. This in turn has proven to be pretty fun for me as an instructor because in preparation for the class, I discover a whole lot more new and applicable information to bring to the classroom.
Jeffrey,
explaining the why & the real world application of concepts is a key component for teaching Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Stephanie ,
great practice. Gen Y learners value community & social interaction so the more we can encourage it the better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to keep the information I present on a topic deliverable in small chunks to keep them focused on the learning goals and relate it to things that they understand i.e. current technology, social networking, etc...
Utilizing interactive programs on the internet to teach lessons.
Since my students are running a restaurant kitchen for the majority of the class time, I am sure to have a wrap up session at the end of service where we can talk about the day, I can give specific feedback, and students can strategize for the next day of service.
For paralegal instruction, the CALI library of computer-based lessons is very useful.
Chunked lectures with break out activities in between rather than long lecture and lab time for remainder of class.
Making sure that they understand the relevance of the topic and how it will relate to there career. I also incoporate a list structure so they can see how much they are getting done in class. We also use teams going to the board and answering problems. IT helps the accompplishment process.
Explaining why we are learning a particular subject, what the benefits are (career oriented), and then applying this knowledge through hands on experience.
I give my students questions in class and ask them to browse the internet to find the answer. Once a few answers have been found we discuss the most logical one for each scenario.
I prefer putting students in small groups and allowing them to problem solve as a group. Sometimes their tasks involve finding answers for a worksheet but generally I have them work together to discuss a topic using each other to test their theories. I try to give them an opportunity as frequently as possible to work together to discuss their ideas and work out a solution to problems we encounter in the learning.
As much hands-on, small group exercises as possible.
At the end of a short lecture I put my students into small groups making sure that at least one advanced student is in the group. The advanced student usually takes the lead which helps reinforce the knowledge they have while helping the other students. I find that the students are more receptive to taking in the subject matter this way. I have also seen study groups grow out of this practice and now frequently see my studying together outside of class.
