Create opportunities to collaborate with peers, engage in frequent back-and-forth discussion (seminar style discussion), provide opportunities to utilize and advance critical thinking with technology in the context of the class, engage in "game" style learning.
joel,
and this really helps develop the critical thinking & analysis skills as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Team case studies using actual companies is one tool I utilize.
This generation while, tech saavy, also enjoys a challenge and case exercises provide practical results
Emily,
and this would also help prepare them for the work world in that many organizations are blurring the work/life lines even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
According to what we learned in the reading material here as well as what I've seen in my classes, there are fewer boundaries between home/work/school for Gen Y. This means that their learning experience shouldn't just be confined to the classroom. They need to be made to see and make connections about the learning material and their personal or workplace lives. It can also be engaging to not only conceptually apply the material to those spaces, but to actively engage them. This could include requiring that they do experiments or research in the workplace or with family members.
Karen,
this is a great way to engage the critical thinking in your area.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I give explanations for why ingredients react to one another and what the result is. I pose questions about adding or removing ingredients, cooking environment, etc. It is to engage them in critical thinking and problem solving.
Kristina,
I really like this idea for multiple reasons, one of the most important that it allows you as the instructor to gauge the understanding level.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Although this group is constantly connected they also value anonymity. We've begun using the Turning Point software in our school and its great. Each student gets their own "clicker" and we can ask questions within PowerPoint presentations. The student answers and it gives the instructor a graph of the answers. We can then move on with the lecture or revisit a topic if it looks like some people didn't grasp it. All of my students love it. It still gives them that technology feel, they are engaged and more importantly they aren't bored!
Kathy,
these type of case studies are a great example of how we can engage them with the material & improve their analytical & critical thinking skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have developed a series of lectures called, " Apparel Industry Bloopers". The students are given a worksheet with the particulars of a real life case and a sample of the product that is featured in the blooper. We go over all of the particulars together and then each student is asked to analyze the case and provide an alternative method of handling the situation that would avoid the mistake or mistakes in this case. They must also express their reasoning behind the solution. They are immediately engaged in crital thinking and problem solving that is real and relevant to their industry. The solutions are creative and realistic.
I like to allow Gen Y students to ask questions about the topic before the presentation. This appears to create an engagement during the actual lesson. In a lab situation, I give them an outline as to what is required, then I let them get into the project for a while without my involvement. Since they work in groups of four, this gives them an opportunity to discuss within the group procedures and outcomes. It seems that they do proceed on good path and gives them some ownership toward the completion of the task.
yes and the more they are able to experiment the more questions they will have
Generation Y learners can be engaged by putting them into small groups to analyze and discuss certain topics that matter to them. It is also important that the topic be relevant to their everyday lives. Of course technology should be incorporated and the learning process should be interactive and enjoyable with lots of feedback.
Letting them experiment while you sit back but are still available for any questions
Jeff,
and the more structured discussions the better as the time will be much more profitable for them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Group study. Have small teams set up so they can do reasearch and discussions among themselves.
Critical thinking exercises. Even with all the technology it seems that most are not proficient in basic methods of inquiry. Ironic that we go back more than 2,000 years and continually revisit Socrates.
We try to work in groups as well as idividually on different research projects. The projects are are sometimes short and sometimes lengthier depending on the subject.
Joseph,
yes, this engages them & also helps them develop in their critical thinking.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
