Because as mentioned earlier in this course, they like to be entertained. If you have a lot of experience, it is easy to incorporate stories that illustrate your point (in learning) but that also entertain them.
Chris,
this is a great point. Sometimes we view this as impatience, when part of it is they want to make sure they're doing it right.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students like to get everything quick that includes information and also they like to speak their minds.They like to be heard and discuss on the new topics.
Students today really want to know that they're "on the right track". Watching someone else demonstrate how to solve Math problems looks so easy. It's when they try to do it themselves that they discover there might be steps to a process that they missed . They want to prove they can do what is expected.
I agree Fred . The students definitely like instant gratification. I find that if you can attach a relevant story to subject in question students can grasp the reality of the subject. Not just store it as one would with just information that seemingly has no tie to relevancy..
David,
yes, the Gen Y learner really values that immediate feedback.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
They like it because it happens right now at the speed of life. They can succeed or fail right now. The live for immediate results. They like to get their hands dirty. Do first and read directions later.
Getting them involved and figuring out their own questions gives them a better sense of accomplishment. I keep powerpoint presentations to a bare minimum.
Sure, Gen Yers have been brought up in the technological age. However, because they have so much information available to them, they do not know how to absorb and disseminate this information well, at times. Thus, giving them opportunities by which they create, share, and enlighten others benefits all. It helps in their critical skills, especially being able to communicate concisely, clearly, and accurately. They become more capable of relating these experiences accurately so that others can understand and grasp what is being shared with them.
There seems to me that there is more to experiential learning than just what a person has experienced personally. Those experiences are interpreted differently depending on how similar experiences affected each individual. Sharing those experiences can render it possible, in group settings, for each to come to a reasonable semblance of agreement in terms of what each experience actually means.
One topic that I teach is cardiovascular malformation in the newborn. I have found this pretty dull and uninteresting before. First, I tried to have them, as a team, draw the various defects. This worked well unitl I got bored with it. Now I have the student groups "build" the various defects. I was able to purchase glue guns very cheaply, cardborad, various leftover tubing from the RT, etc. They were so engaged, the actitivity had value and they able to critically think as individuals and groups.
I have found it also helps to tell them stories of problems you faced and mistakes you made so they can relate with you.
makes the material not seem so cut and dry, helps keep their attention, makes learning easier.
Charla,
it can be a great way to learn if we can pull it off. By the way, love the veggies in the casserole analogy.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think this is almost learning without recognizing you are learning. Like hiding your veggies in a casserole. If they do not feel like they are in a class being force fed information and tested on the same, it isn't really "school". But if they can learn this way, I'm all for it!
Who wants to read about a boring experience? I think the Y folks are really trying to be part of the "action" by creating their own personal "action story". They can tweet where they are headed or what they are doing and start a long, interactive online experience with all who read and respond. Being able to channel that fun and energy into positive outcomes it the challenge. As we boomer teachers get more comfortable with the views of the Y's I believe the outcomes will be a win-win for everyone.
Their attention span is focused on may things as once. It is wise to use all forms of teaching tactics so students will be able to learn in a way their Generation has been raised globally
Kerri ,
Gen Y students are looking for the real life/world application & the more we can help them get this through experiential learning, the more they will be engaged in our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I believe that Genereation Y students value experiential learning because they want information to meaningful to them. They think that if there is a reason and meaning behind an assignment, they will be more likely to do it well. They think if it's relenvent, then it must be important.
Jodi,
yes, the more we can break up the monotony of the longer lectures, it seems the more these students pay better attention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jodi,
yes, the more we can break up the monotony of the longer lectures, it seems the more these students pay better attention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
