Scott,
yes the value of experiential learning is not limited to a particular generational cohort.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Most value experiential learning because it bypasses the "traditional" way of learning, by getting the information in an entertaining easy to remember form. But, I think most generations would like to learn this way as well, who likes to be bored with facts and figures???
Jacquie,
yes the experiential learning really is invaluable. We need to make sure we take the time to help them reflect on what they learned through the process & really absorb the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Experiential learning can satisfy the learners desire to know "Whats in it for me" through concrete examples related to their area of study. In addition, provides real world scenarios rather than theory based examples. Ultimatley, leading to more effective somatic learning in lab enviroments.
This type of learning gives real hands-on experiences and gives a feel of the working environment. Gen Y values this learning because it gives them confidence for experiences such as externships, internships, and clinicals.
Christopher,
this is a great point that helps in understanding this generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
David,
yes the experiential learning is significant for this generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
this generation has have never known the world of no-internet, never known a world where instant information can not be found by a few clicks of a button. Rote memorization and highly structured lecture based classes seem silly in the light of, I can google everything you just said to verify its accuracy. Anyone can google, but what experience can you give me from this information. I believe this is why Gen Yers love experiential learning, that and it involves group work/social work.
From what I see they need to see what there doing good or bad (Hands on) as the call it. For our classes it's mostly that way when I show how some thing and how easy it looks for me, we turn it to discussing groups and let them try. for most you can see there pride in compleating a task
Emma,
this is so true. I think one of the keys to making this successful is helping them reflect on the learning & situation, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think they value experiential learning because they like to discover the learning for themselves rather than just being told the information. By them doing and learning they discover and retain more of the whys and hows than by just reading in a book. I also think that this opens the doors for self discovery in which there is the opportunity to make mistakes and sometimes it is through making those mistakes that comes the best learning of all!
I think Gen Yers value experiental learning because more of their lives, including with technology, is all interactive. They are used to having a part in or at least the option to participate in most of what they do so they expect the same in their education as well.
Gen Y enjoys experiential learning because it is immediate, just like the internet, the media, the gaming, the cell phones, the social networks... Everything is now and needs to be entertaining and have the ability for the Gen Y student to be interactive with the learning.
It allows the learner to be involved in the learning process. Plus it is a non traditional learning method and Gen Y'ers are non traditional types.
I believe that experiential learning brings a since of accomplishment and involvement to the student. They engage the material on multiple levels and use multiple learning styles. This results in a better understanding of the material and the personal involvement increases the level of interest. Overall, GenY students enjoy developing new skills while using tools and working in teams.
The old methods of learning were torturous. Kids used to sleep through class when I was growing up. Why not be actively engaged and interested? Why not learn by doing? I think it is great!!!
I think on some level experiential learning is is valued by all learners, especially in the career college setting. Most of our studnts are here to learn a certin new skill set so they are ready to go get a job. The best way to learn a hands-on skill is to do it.
Generation Y learners value experiential learning because it's directly correlated to their goals, lives, and dreams-come-true!!! They want to be able to use the skills they learn in class everyday and they want those skills to be relevant to their chosen course of study. I teach humanities to design students... THEY always want to know how and if what I am teaching is relevant. I have to remind them what I teach is VERY relevant to their future employment. Companies don't want to hire people who are simply talented (even if they are extremely so). They want well-rounded, knowledgeable, communicative and diversity conscious individuals. After that they immerse themselves even more into the activities of the day... even if they are the "humanities!"
I guess they need to be "entertained", and instructors telling stories is more entertaining than lecturing from actual, useful educational material.
I think they value experientail learning because they have grown up with technology. They have learned through video games, found information about a topic by searching the internet rather than pulling a book off the shelf and using technology as a way of learning new information they need to know. They get engaged through technology because that is what has been relevant to them where as baby boomers or Gen X have learned information from taking out a book or sitting through a long lecture.
