Damien,
When you tell them the importance of retaining the information, what tools do they use to do so?
Jae Gruber
Trina,
These are all great ideas thta appeal to different generations and learning styles!
Jae Gruber
I use a combination of power point, ice-breakers and class activities and case studies.
I always let the students know how important it is to retain the information so that theyh can get and keep a job . I think than transends age groups.
I try to research current trends and technology to stich into daily activites so students can relate.
I use the generational gap to the advantage of each of the students by getting them to share thier experience. The life experiences of the older students helps the younger students grasp the topics while the enthusiam and the energy of the youth helps for motivational purposes.
I always invite the more experienced students to share their experiences with the group and invite them to make suggestions (all students). For the less experienced students, I invite them to share their aspirations for the future. I try to engage them according to their strenghts and challenge them (with coaching) on their weaknesses. Some older students might have computer-skill challenges and I try to offer them outside class assistance; some younger students are still developing their maturity and professionalism, and I try to help with that. It is a day-to-day activity too, because as we progress into our 6 weeks module, I always see the improvement, and how they slowly become more confident in their abilities, and I adjust accordingly.
Alex
Trina,
What a great interactive activity, especially as an ice breaker at the start of each class! I would imagine that it is not only enlightening and helpful as students interact with others outside of school, but a great way for the class to get to know each other a bit better as a cohort.
Jae Gruber
Every time I teach my GenEd classes I try to answer the following question:
What can my students DO today?
I try to always include learning techniques that appeal to each generation:
* Powerpoint Presentation
* Game of some kind
* Object lesson
* Something students can do with their hands while we're talking, like draw a picture of a food item that relates to the topic we're discussing
I've used that game in my Gen Ed classes as well and it's always a hit!
I like to actually point out to the students that there ARE generational differences in how they approach problems and even life. For a fun activity, I'll hang a sign on the wall for each age group and have the students in each category sit in that specific area of the classroom. I'll ask a question and then have each group discuss how they would approach the problem. Then, everyone shares with the class from their age groups.
It's fun to see the "light bulb" go on as they realize that each generation's thought process is truly different. It helps them learn how to interact with others in the kitchen who might be in a different age bracket than themselves.
Rassiel,
It is very true that the nature of a subject has much to do with the way it is taught. In most subjects, there are ways to reach different types of learning styles and generations.
Jae Gruber
I have considered educational trends and computer skills, I think it’s important to note that the nature of a subject has a lot to do with the way it is taught.
I like to incorporate as many teaching methods as possible while teaching a group of students with different ages;giving examples snd making the class content revelant to the industry if that class happens to be a GEnEd Class is essential. I also like to include short videos, lecture, power point and demos in every class. This allows for every different style of learning to grasp the concepts taught.
Dear Ms. Gruber,
I daily use a Powerpoint presentation with both visual and audio contentm as well as, a demonstration od the techniques needed to accomplish a complete pkate presentation. the students can see, smell, taste the finished dish and then replicate the dame presentation. After this we do a Masterclean of the entire classroom where "teamwork" is essentail. A qick rewview of there finifshed work with positive complements on their cuts and techniques is essential for comtinued learning. I also relay experiences I have had through my 46 years in this business, and I believe the students learn and listen with great interest about Julia Child, Mario Batalli and Giarda DeLaurnentis, and all the good times and bad that Cooking brings. Love is the keep to keeping you in this field of hospitality.
Robert Falite
I have been trying to include few techniques in the demonstrations and learning process. I tried to involved the older students on the technical aspect while doing powerpoint lecture for the youngest generation. The practical part help usually the older generation to relate to the different techniques.
Jorge,
This is an excellent idea. Often students will want to work with the same students on a regular basis, rather than switching groups. Chosing the groups for the students rather than vice versa, really gives the student the opportunity to develop the soft skill of working with different personality types and, if applicable, taking a leadership role.
Jae Gruber
I assign team projects the require the students, which always vary in age and learning styles, to work as a team, create contracts with each other and learn to use their strengths while minimizing the effect of their weaknesses
Robbi,
I agree that mixing generations of students is both helpul and interesting to the student.
Jae Gruber
Generally when creating groups, I like to mix up the generations of students. We have many activities that are centered around discussion within the teams. This allows all sides to hear other perspectives. It also allows me to step in as the instructor and find the common ground so that they can work better together and in the end learn more.
Marcus,
Great point! Pizza can truly be a "common ground" discussion. It is certainly a food that can speak to many backgrounds, age groups, regional differences and even international differences.
Jae Gruber
