Michele,
I would agree & we still need to make sure that we are debriefing these activities & connecting the learning to the overall content.
Dr. Ryan Meers
i think it's for the same reason they value our experiences--experience is more "real" than a degree or title. knowing how an engine works because you read a book is different than knowing how an engine works because you took it apart and put it back together. reminds me of the great yogi berra quote: "in theory there's no difference between theory and practice. in practice, there is."
I agree that trust is a huge element when dealing with this generation. Once trust is broken (and it can be as simple as not returning a paper when you say you are going to) it is hard to connect with a student.
I agree...the old standard of memorization and lecturing does not appeal to a generation who has been brought up on advancing, ever-changing technology.
Gen Y values instructors with real ife experience who make learning relevant to them. Gen Y wants to know the why...
They value this style of learning because they are used to being entertained. It is not as structured or rigid. It makes learning fun.
I think that Generation Y values experiences for much of the same reasons as the other participants. First, is the fact that there is a story attached to almost every concept. This allows that question of "why" to be answered. They know why based on the experiences of instruction and what they are being told is something that they need to be aware of because it very well may happen to them. I also think that it helps keep them interested in the material because again it shows that there is a reason why they need to know this and will want to know this and it makes the book come alive.
Warren,
yes, they really do like the stories & the real life examples.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gen Y often will pay more attention to a story as technical data is viewed as only a click away, and perhaps unnecessary until such time as needed. Stories contain facts and situations that may one may not ordinarily be privy to or where the info could be hard to obtain.
Gen Y students prefer hands-on learning because they grew up with entertainment based education. They like to play and learn. Learning is play. Thus, when they enter a classroom they are not expecting to listen and absorb, but to play and be entertained.
Tonight’s literature class is a good example: Haiku.
The outcome that I’m looking for in the first days of poetry is for students to look for and question poetical form. Haiku is a great place to start. We begin by reading all of Haiku in the textbook aloud. Then, in small groups they need to come up with generalizations on how the Haiku were written. (note: most will just look at the description and end their discussion – instant access to knowledge, but without analysis.) Next, I ask the students to find at least two Haiku that break rules, describe how the rules are broken, and present ideas about why the author chose to break the rules.
Finally, we play a game. I hand out three pieces of paper to each student. I then have them write on paper 1) a five syllable line 2) a seven syllable line on paper 2 and 3) a five syllable line on paper 3. We then mix all 1’s with 1’s, 2’s with 2’s, and 3’s with 3’s. We then read them aloud to see if random lines can be put together to create formal Haiku.
It’s entertainment. It’s learning. It’s critical thinking.
John,
I would agree & one way we can help them is trying to slow them down & teaching them how to learn.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is a good way of "tasting" new information.
Many students are very adept with new technical information.
Because they like figuring things out on there own, thru trial and error.
I think earlier generations viewed education a pathway to their chosen careers, and took more time along the journey. They took in the philosophy aspect of things, and didn't so much mind taking their time. Gen Y'ers seem resigned to the fact that they NEED an education to do almost anything, so they want to get in, get what they need, and get out. They seem to be in much more of a hurry to "get it over with". The speed of technology and information sharing seems to have fostered a need for immediate gratificaiton.
Experiential learning is "real" which Gen Y students value. They appreciate current information and information that can help them reach their goals as quickly as possible. Books for many of them are too static. Interestingly, when given the choice of an E-Book or a textbook, many of my students prefer a textbook. I wonder if this preference will change in the future with the use of Nook and Ipads.
Kerry,
yes, experiential learning seems to be especially powerful for this generation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Because they prefer interaction when learning and not just learning from a book.
They want to participate in the different aspects of learning. With experiential learning, they are able to do this.
Dr. Meers
Why do Generation Y Learner value experiential learning?
In evaluating my current Gen Y students, it's exciting to them and challeninging. They have a voice in a different format.
Great learning experience for the instructors as well.
I wonder if this has anything to do with how Gen Yers grew up being rewarded for participating and not just for achieving. Perhaps they believe that the "prize" is to just "do" or take part in something and not necessarily to accomplish anything in particular. They just have to try. If they don't succeed, there is no consequence. That's why they don't need to read the manual first... they just try. If it doesn't work, there is nothing wrong with that... they just try again.
