Debby,
yes the textbooks can use stories to introduce a concept, but our real life experiences or providing case studies, simulations, etc is a great way to help our students really connect with the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Most people do better when we bring education to life. What happens in the textbook is often very different than in real life, as instructors we have much experience to bring to the class.
Sharon,
and I think one of the keys to this is making sure that we debrief with them & walk them through the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y learners have grown up in such an interactive world. We all actually learn better by doing. A couple of centuries ago Ben Franklin said, "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn".
I believe that Gen y learners expect more from their educational experiences, they choose to know more and to understand better. Previous generations accepted, "the sage on the stage" lecture format, but Gen Y learners will not tolerate this because they have grown up in a world of constant entertainment.
They get to be interactive, they also get to apply what they have learned to what they are preparing to do as their career path.
They like to learn by experiencing and a collective sharing of an activity like working in teams. They are very socially driven and it is important to them to establish connects with peer-learning. S. Golightly
Because the learn by doing hands on activities either with an activity or utilizing technology and how this task applies to their future or future work. Can't tell you how many times I have heard from students "show me how to do it, I can do it". Students want the "shortcuts" without doing the reading or understanding all the steps necssary in the task. Giant steps instead of baby step, which is best for the student learner and are these steps important for the student to know for their future? S. Golightly
I agree- It's about the story, because the story is real. This is the life they want to live in the near future.
Daniel,
yes, it's the value of "so what" that is so crucial in reaching this generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
First, Gen Y learners value experiential learning as it allows them to gain credibility in the individual who is teaching them. Furthermore, it allows them to feel that they can immediately apply the information they have obtained. Lastly, Gen Y learners need to feel that what they are learning is directly relevant to what they will be required to do in the future.
Dr. Hassler
Mona,
glad the course was of benefit. And you are right that this fast-paced world is what they grew up in & so while we may bemoan the way things are, we also must meet the learners where they are.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Mona,
glad the course was of benefit. And you are right that this fast-paced world is what they grew up in & so while we may bemoan the way things are, we also must meet the learners where they are.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It helps with attention span issues, which seem to be a growing problem.
I believe that Gen Y has grown up in a active, fast paced world and this is the norm for them. Because they are used to multi tasking and not taking time to research and study they learn thru experience. It is also more entertaining and they expect entertainment.
I have gained some valuable insite into Gen Y thinking from this course and plan to change a few things accordingly.
Kathryn,
excellent statement. I've found that they love the stories about real life experience because that is one thing that they can't Google.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Kathryn,
excellent statement. I've found that they love the stories about real life experience because that is one thing that they can't Google.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Because they can always get the information, but can not always get the experience.As an instructor, the Gen Y students look to us for experience and want to learn from ours.
Interactive - great description of their products, interests and character. It should be no surprise that they learn in the same manner.
Experiential learning best represents how the students experience life. This adjustment in learning styles helps better reflect the way that the Gen Yer operates. The assimilation of learning with life experiences helps produce better results.
Thanks!
Ward
it shows them that what they are studying is actually real and will benefit them in the future.
