They want to not only know the information that's coming from a didactic standpoint, this generation likes to know how that information from the lecture or text applies to "real life" and what it's going to mean to them as far as "getting their hands dirty" when they apply it to their career after graduation.
Because most experiential learning is fast, fun and not writing down information but processing information in doing the hands on experience, they will be motivated to do this activity. The problem I run into is that we need to get some procedures in writing Protocols and Procedures need to be step by step before they can learn the steps and do it. Many want to jump in and make the mistakes first and then will see the rationales for why we need to start at the basics.
Sometimes the information gathered in computer will miss the rationale or research to make the information wrong or right. Students may be looking at unreliable sources and may not think past the problem solving perspective.
Experiential learning helps the student see possible outcomes for the application of the material they are studying, the tasks they are learning to perform & the monitoring of the results of their application of knowledge & skills.
There is no substitute to an actual experience. Have a student actually experience something forces the development of a relationship with what is actually being presented. Students today are very hands-on learners which comes from the amount of technology that is readily available for them. As I have mentioned in previous discussion threads, generation Y require brain stimulation to maintain focus. Video games, internet, TV are continuously flashing changes in pace and topics which has “branded†an expectation of learning from those that are exposed. To place an analogy to his “paceâ€â€¦.if we are driving down the interstate at 75 mph for five hours, as soon as we exit and have to slow down to 35 mph, it seems as if we are just crawling along. This pace change is really only perception but it is the perception of this generation. Students today need the actual experience to keep up with the pace of their learning style.
I think that with many, many computer games players and Internet users, they have become ingrained to participate in (and expect from) almost instantaneous learning experiences on their own many times. Therefore, many do not need the old-fashioned school marm, but possibly the facilitator from time to time.
Also their actual learning may be more of "what" THEY want "when" THEY want it, which may not be in synchronization with OUR lesson plan for them. In other words, we can assume that each student gets the "same things" out our lessons; but in reality each may get "something different" out of a lesson.
Because they love to hear about the results of what knowledge in a specific field can achieve. They are result oriented and want to hear the success stories. WOW, you mean if I learn this subject matter well than I can do that??? SIGN ME UP!!!
Gen Yers want to have relevance in their learning. As they get the opportunity to take ownership in a relevant subject matter, they will have fun learning.
James,
yes, this is very true of this generation & so provides a great way for us to engage them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Freddie,
this is so true and while a generation ago, we were left to find the relevance for ourselves, it is the instructor who now needs to help them see the relevance.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Almost everybody likes to learn through doing. In kindergarten, we don't talk about finger painting, we finger paint.
In junior high, we don't talk about singing in a choir, we sing.
In high school, we don't talk about being in a band, we play in the school band. We don't talk about teamwork, we play on the football team.
In college speech class, we don't talk about public speaking, we give speeches and critique them afterwards.
"Do first, discuss later," is the motto of experiential learning. If we want to learn to swim, we don't read a book on swimming, we jump into the pool and do it. If we want to learn about Facebook, we don't read about Facebook, we join Facebook and play around with it.
Mark,
and the key is to make sure that we debrief these learning experiences so the successful behaviors can be repeated & the ineffective behaviors can be avoided.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The Gen Y student is the "Do it yourself individual". They prefer to learn as they go, using trial and error rather than reading a book or manual first. They gain a sense of accomplishment by using this method - "I did it myself!"
Experiential learning is valued by everybody. While others prefer some mode of instruction before doing, eventually the task must be done. There is a limit to how much can be taught. The greatest learning comes from doing. I agree that Gen Y is much more willing to jump in and do before being taught. This gives them an advantage for becoming successful in any field.
they value this because drawing from life experience is a garantee that they will own what is being taught. if we can give them the opportunities to experience in school what they will experience in the field then even if they dont get all of it in the class room they will be able to draw from thier calssroom experience and be successfull in the workplace.
This generation of learners likes to see the relevance of everthing to them. An instructor who draws on their own experience shows a student how knowledge can be applied from their field of study to practical use in "the real world". They are not impressed with lots of knowledge, they can get it from google!!! But, if you show them how they can benefit from the knowledge, they are hooked.
Sometimes too much of one thing is not effective. Using too much powerpoint requires the lights to be off in the classroom and the students get even more distracted. I agree keeping it to a minimum is best.
I believe they value experiential learning because they are used to being active and having interaction the majority of the time. Experiential learning is active style learning and gives them the freedom to dig further into the areas that interest them as they are doing research, finding information, etc.
In my experience, students grumble about work in teams initially but overall they appreciate the experience. The hands-on type of education style fits a lot of the students learning style. I try to incorporate some type of experiential learning tasks in each of my classes.
Rae Lynne,
the experiential learning is a great way for them to learn & grow, as long as we are helping them in connecting the dots & debriefing the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Charles,
and the groups are a great introduction to the team-based work that many of them will be doing in the future.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
