Julie,
I think this is a great idea as it teaches them to prepare & work, without the foreknowledge of "what's in it for me."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y individuals tend to want everything handed to them. So you have try and get them into a thought process of their own, so they may have a better chance of survival in the real world.
I allow some discussion regarding the topics we are discussing and if need be I allow them the opportunity to google the information. I do not do open book tests but have given them a study packet the day before exam and suprised them that they could use it on the exam. The ones who put effort into it got great grades and the ones who didn't bother doing it failed.
I agree Dr. Meers. While I will give an open book quiz once in a while I make sure the questions are of a higher level such as compare and contrast...
Modern technology is a great tool but you have to be aware of the crafty ones. I had a student ask to use his calculator on his phone during an exam. Turns out he was taking pictures of the test and then selling them to others.
Kelly,
this is a great idea as it engages them with technology, your lecture, & can provide a just in time idea for you of whether they are with you or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to lecture and I think lecturing is important. One way I try to incorporate the use of technology and reach the Gen. Y students is to insert questions in the PowerPoint and have the students use their phones to respond. There are programs that create PowerPoint slides that will update in real-time as the students respond.
every day is different, lots of drama to deal with, kind of adjusting course as I go
David,
so true & they will be that much more eager to truly hear what we have to say.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
allowing them to have some control over their lessons seems to give them a better attitude toward learning
I have found that allowing them to interact with their technology, although it seems counterproductive to me, helps them to focus.
Patrick,
yes, this is a great idea as it helps them see that they can contribute to the class in a positive way.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
With Generation Y, it has been important for my student to feel that their age and experience can bring relevancy to the class... So I motivate them to give some feedback that can benefit the class and make them valuable.
Talking about experiences in the field really helps keep the interest. Additionally, we set up mock scenarios for the students to learn.
Javaid,
I like this idea of going over the test & letting them get a general feel for how they did right after it's done.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Scott,
this is a great strategy. One thing I like to do if they are starting to drift is to have them stand up & pair up with someone they don't really know & give them a real brief discussion question.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Years ago when I started teaching, I had to learn how to deal with the right now approach about grading the tests. I still am trying to adjust that whenever I finish the test, the students want grades rightaway. I have the habbit of analysing the missed sections individually as exams are basically meant for testing the comprehension and are not just ABCD responses. So what I do is to go over the test right after I finish and let them "gestimate" their grade and then give them the test back abter my analysis.
Its true that now the learning needs to interactive as according to the learning pyramid theory, student retention is better when tehe teaching is participative.
Field experiences crate a link to remember the body of knowledge ane work well.
Start of the course need to start with clear expectations and timelines for the Gen. Y
Regards Javaid
The strategies that have worked for me with Gen Y learners is the use of technology. I would offer my courses in a blended format(i.e., online and face-to-face). Gen Y students love the idea that they do not have to come to class for lecture. They can just go online and attend class when ever they want.
I try to only lecture for 15-20 min’s at a time. I reach a point, stop, pass around some parts, discuss and ask questions then restart the lecture. If I see some of the students start to drift off I stop and sometimes almost completely change the subject.
Trinidad ,
the personal experiences help them relate the info to the career & also show your experience & credibility.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
