Gen Y Learners
I believe that engaging Gen Y learners in something that intrest them is paramount in getting them to learn subject material otherwise they will not give their best.
The why has to be part of any instructors opening monologue about any subject. Gen Y wants to know why are we studying this subject, why are we studying it in this manner, what will it do for me.
These same questions have always been asked by students and instructors have always answered these questions as a way to motivate students and interest the student in the subject matter, it’s just that gen Y seems more preoccupied with the why question. Gone are the days the student just followed the master’s direction without question and trusted that the master knews best.
Jarred,
yes, I believe explaining the "why" is key to engaging this generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As an instructor in a mechanical career college I find that The Gen Y students have more problems then others. I teach a anlog subjet to a digital world. The first thing we hear from the student is there an App or web site for this? When told no there lack of critical thinking skils shows. They must consult a service manual or lecture notes to find the answer. As for lecture notes very few know how to take them or what they are. Remember that it is the student that chose this subject it is not public school any more.If they want to be interested in the subject come into my world and learn. Techniolgy is not in pace with all in the world and sometimes we teach the past because the past is where we are now and it has not chainged.
