I also found that you have to build their trust and also some how tie the lesson to real lfe events.
Because that type of learning is fun and usually have some type of story to go with it and not be so blak and white and tradtionally as other methods.
Experiential learning is valuable because Gen Y learners want relevance. Not only do they want to know the method, they want an application of it, and then know that they can apply it and be successful too.
Gen-y's are not wired to trust authority. Simpley saying "trust me, I know about this", is not enough. They need proof...your example of how you learned and applied a paticular skill.
Because Gen Y learners are techie, hands on learners. They need to be entertained.
Because Gen Y learners are techie, hands on learners. They prefer to have someone teach them that has "been there, done that" and can tell them real life stories of what works and does not work.
They like to tie everything they learn to hands on experience to show them why they have/need to learn the material. If you don't show them how they are going to use the knowledge they may not feel it is important to learn and tune you out.
I would have to sgree. I have seen students use the technology and they are well informed on how to proceed when it comes to the use of technology.
This is a very tacile group and the hands on use of the current technology appeals to them.They want to get involved "right now" and don't have the patience for more traditional methods such as, lecture (audio),or written word (reading).
Most of their world is hand- ons and this tends to keep gen yers engaged. Its a seamless transition from personal life to the classroom.
Experiential learning is engaging for the student and caters to the person's needs and wants by being involved in direct experience. Geny requires or wants lots of interaction with peers and teachers and feels comfortable in structured group work and collaborative efforts. They prefer to learn by doing rather than reading textbooks or directions.
Oroviding simulated experiences or opportunities to work on projects in a group suits the gen y better than traditional lectures and extensive reading.
There are some that believe that Gen Yers are the way they are because of Sesame Street - they learned with fun, and blips. I can see this in the students that I have now, they want the "experience" of learning, to be engaged - and frankly so do I when I learn and I am a Baby Boomer. Lots that describe the Gen Yers seems to be a result of that challenge of authority that went on with the Baby Boomers. The only difference is that I do depth, depth and more depth in investigation and research. But I can see what is happening, I don't "read" the newspaper anymore, I get my news in sound blips and predigested. Too much effort to read.
Phillip,
yes this generation seems to be prone more toward the fast-paced learning environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree completely, I've had situations where the class needed to accelerate because of missed days, and the course content needed to be covered more quickly than usual. My students surprised me by not only getting the work done on time, but did a better job at it than usual. Test scores were higher and the demeanor in the classroom was better. They actually wanted the push to do more and show what they could do. This won't happen every time with every student I see, but the majority of them will actually fit this thought.
Jessie,
I've seen this too & have had to redirect them to the uses.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have a seen alot of students need to show you what they are capiable of with technology instead of me showing them what technology is capiable of.
They seem to be "impatient" and dont have time to think about doing something right the first time or reading the instructions. They are used to trial and error..if they dont get something right the first time, they can just do it again until eventually they get it right.
The problem is, this is not how it works in the real world. In a career, employees are expected to get it right the FIRST time!
Experiential learning appeals to their need for participation through opinion and first person testimony. Gen Yers want to know, for themselves, and hands on learning offers that to them.
As duly noted, Gen Yers have ready access to endless information; Unfortunately, between the information overload and weak discerning ability these students can easily find themselves overwhelmed.
Even through peer discussion they may speculate with mixed results, but, hearing from someone with practical experience immediately offers relevancy and enables them to focus and decipher information more effectively.
As valuable as the 'get started quick' manual that comes with other products.
