They don't read the manual but they are very good in figuring out how to work gadgets
They are able to create a mental picture and place themselves in your shoes and relate to the information being discussed alot more easily, which will lead to a more desirable learning experiance.
This is how they have been raised, they need a variety of mehods to keep them interested in learning.
Gen Y'ers value ecperieintial learning because it gives them the ability to contribute some of the previous life skills as well as previous experiences into the learning process. Experiential learning allows the student to use previously acquired talents and knowledge in the class. Gen Y'ers are a generation of doers rather than listeners and experiential learning allows the instructor the ability to incorporate the gen Y'ers abilities, and allows them to "do" rather than "listen" in a way that makes them feel more a part of the learning process than in traditional learning models.
I believe Gen Y learners value experiential learning because it challenge them to discover the answer (rather than the answer being provided by the instructor). In doing so, the learners are engaged though active learning and realize they can become innovative with their responses. This offers immediate feedback and allows the students to experience self-worth.
The reason for generation Y experiential learning is their early age expossure to mutiple media and educative programs that actually show them and explain them how things work. They are acustome to easy technology access, therefore experience is highly regarded as something not attainable through the multi media environment.
"Entertain ME!" they've been entertained throughout their entire measly lives, it's all about the immediate gratification.
Steven,
yes they do like to hear how this information has been applied.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree they like to know that you have made mistakes in your life too
If you are referring to the experience of the teacher they value it. They want to know how to apply this information and they consider it a great success when they learn how.
Steven,
yes the real world experiences & stories help them see the practicality of what they're learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Scott,
I agree that experiential learning is a great learning tool regardless of the generation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with John. Nothing replaces an instructor that has real word experiences to share with students. Most student want to be given a "heads up" on what life is about to hand them when they enter the work field. I like to share my good and not so good experiences. Most of all, I share my mistakes so they know that it's OK not to be perfect, but to learn from it.
I have representives of multiple generations in my classes and I have found that all the generations like experiental learning not just the gen-y's. It sometimes take different approches to get everyone engaged but if you mix the groups it works well. Knowledge is knowledge and learning is learning.
Aaron,
yes, that value & real life application has to be there for them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
And have value. If they preceve that there is value in the subject they will have much better focus.
Miriam,
you are right that experiential learning seems to be a premium method for Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Benson,
I agree that we have to demonstrate our competence & trustworthiness to the Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gaining their trust is important. without trust there is no trusting and without trusting they dont tend to trust you and if they dont trust you they tend not to trust what you say and then the learning stops all because of trust
Charles, earning trust seems to be the key with this generation. I like to spend te first couple of hours with new class just getting to know my students.
