Generation entitlement
Are students groomed with a false sense of self esteem and entitlement?
Many times I've seen this happening with grade school kids. The idea that everyone gets a trophy even if you come in last place starts students off with a false sense of self esteem.
Is this being carried over to college?
Have you ever heard a student say "you owe me this degree because I paid enough for it!"
Is this a generation issue?
Welfare may cause a problem with some however; it may be an even bigger issue with students who have been handed whatever they want from their parents. Primary schools seem to exist only to enforce this behavior. The only dividing line I could draw would be between those that have had to work for a living and those just out of high school. Take some one who is ex-military or some one who grew up on a farm and they will most always expect to have to work for what they are given, This does affect retention at our school because there are teachers who will make sure the student passes no matter what. This does two things; it irritates those who did work for what they received and creates unreasonable expectations that every instructor will hand out the same “free ride”.
Each generation is imprinted by the social forces in place during their formative years. Certainly the Depression generation had trouble understanding/accepting the mores of the Boomer generation.
Understanding the differences and strengths/weaknesses of the players is an important starting point. How can you provide the instant gratification sought by this generation while achieving your academic objectives?
we look at the different gens and how they act im a babyboomer we were taught work hard try harder and you'll get the reward. 1st place being won and the loser in last place you want to be first try harder. try harder. gen Y need instant gradification 1st place prize last place winner prize we have to adjust to the new Gens.thats why we need these courses to work out the reason why students do what they do.
Interesting thesis, Wanda. Do you have any data to support it? This type of generalization can be very dangerous in a school environment and lead to negative outcomes.
It will be interesting to get reactions from other participants, but personally I have seen many 'welfare' students overcome extraordinary obstacles and become great success stories and ambassadors for the school.
I think some of what we see with our students expecting things ( entitlement) has to do with the welfare system and the students growing up to expect a check every month to support them.
The student learns the concept of failing through their choices. They either decide to accept their responsibility as explained in the policies such as to study, attend class as scheduled, to actively listen and participate, or they choose to ignore them and fail. No matter how much they are informed or introduced to the concept of failing, in the end it is their choice to do so.
The right to fail is a powerful concept. While I heartily support it, I believe that it should come with a warning label. Many students don't believe that they will actually be allowed to fail. I believe that we have a responsibility to clearly and firmly state the policy, but should also be prepared to refer failing students to support resources when needed.
How do you introduce your students to the concept that they are entitled to fail, Lou?
Students at the school where I'm employed are experiencing this reality now in two fold.
1) Although they may be 'special,' their expectations of "getting the grade without the work" is coming to a quick halt. They are experiencing, possibly for the first time, what it's like to fail. To fail a quiz, a final, the course or all three. Which leads into the second reality piece.
2) They are unable to compete for what few jobs are available. They do not have the academic achievement to meet the job requirements. They are finding out that there is competition for each job position and that landing the job means having the grades.
They are finding out that they are entitled to fail should they choose. They are also finding out the reality of not landing the job due to a tough economy and tougher competitors.
Good question, Anthony. Are you doing anything in your classroom to prepare students for the changing work force dynamic?
The part of the "I'm Special" generation's expectations that worries me is that generation's inability to deal with adverse circumstances. The generation was raised in a world where there were plenty of jobs from which to choose.
In a recession, will that generation be able to cope with having to compete for jobs?
Tony Offret
This may at least in part be a generational issue. Priorities of schooling systems nationwide seems to have shifted from academic achievement to institutional ranking and funding. Students are increasingly asked to spend their high school career completing assessment tests instead of learning for their edification.
I have little issue with unwarranted self esteem. However, the self-entitlement is a barrier to the student developing an appreciation for the rules and guidelines for academic achievement.
I don't know if it's a generational issue, but a false sense of entitlement - a degree because I've paid enough, good grades just because, or even acceptance into the school - can lead to a potentially damaging end. It is important that everyone within the organization realize that acquiesence to these type of demands - whether from the student or his/her partents - endangers the entire school's culture. Everyone must work together to avoid the erosion of academic content to protect the school's reputation in the community.
