Gen Y students usually do not want to proceed with an assignment unless you explain in detail the relevance of the course, and know that they will gain the proper knowledge from the assignment that is being presented to them.
The "why" is most important to students today, and the better we address the "why" the more they seem to learn.
Day 1 of my class, I tell them they will never hear me say "because, I said so" I encourage them the challenge me, I want everybody in the class to ask "why" at least once a day!
I love the "Because I said so" response. "Who are you to question me, you little snot nosed punk!" Honestly, how many times have you thought that in the back of your mind, while you're explaining something for the third time because he/she missed it the other two times while they were texting? Nope, hugs and kisses, everybody gets a medal, no child left behind.
The 'cause I said so so reminds me of my parents. I try to give students a chance to explain the answers to get credit. For instance, if the question is true or false, then if the answer is false, explain why. This way if the student has misread the question, but wrote the answer correctly, I will still give credit.
I also expect them to write in complete sentences. We work through the difference between texting and actually writing. I have had students write directions to an eating establishment from the school. It is amazing for me to see them struggle with their own directions and then get them to understand what should have happened.
They need to to know why they have to do something. I admire that in them they are not followers
Liz,
this generation is very focused on the "why" & understanding the connection to bigger things. I think this provides a great opportunity for further developing critical thinking skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y always love to hear the why we have to take this test,or do this assignment, or to hear an explanation about why they got a specific grade. I agree with your approach that explaining for them matters. It seems like that Gen Y don't want to do anything unless you explain to them that the activity is relevant to acquiring the knowledge.
Although your response I find amusing... My students could care less about what you think... The only care whether or not what you do works...
I suppose because I teach a trade this is as much science as it is physical skill... my students can't understand that a recipe is there for consistency AND to keep you from wasting your money... So, week after week they refuse to follow instructions. And after each failed experiment, I explain to them what they did wrong without even having to ask them.
After a while they ask me how I know, and I tell them that I was a stubborn as they were. And learning on someone else's dime is good, but when you learn on your own money, you quickly realize that if you don't follow the recipe you're only going to have to throw out what you've made.
Then when they begin following the recipes, I teach them how to make variations, when they can add, take away or mix flavors. This allows them to make mistakes without a chef screaming over their shoulder, AND it gives the freedom of developing new recipes in a situation where they can understand the science and art behind their decisions.
David,
yes, Gen Y likes to know the why behind reasons, decisions, thoughts, etc. Key to their learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
