New generation of students
Is it just me or has the last threee years brought in a new generation of learners? For me in my department the attitude and intensity of the new students has weaned a little the need for knoweledge is not as strong. Many are only here using the GI bill or dads money to get out of the house. They seem more interested in talking and texting or video play on the phone. I had to dismiss 10 student in three weeks for texting and gaming in class. Of the ten many were either turning in incomplete papers or trying to copy others answers. Lab participation has becomne come and help me I can try this. I know these issues run in cycles but this is the lonngest cycle I have expierenced.
You are not alone. Actual studies show that students are so much more self centered and thinking they are above doing work to get a degree.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/27/study_finds_students_narcissistic/
Study finds students narcissistic
Says trend among college youths can harm society
By David Crary, Associated Press | February 27, 2007
NEW YORK -- Today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society.
"We need to stop endlessly repeating, 'You're special,' and having children repeat that back," said Jean Twenge , the study's lead author and a professor at San Diego State University. "Kids are self-centered enough already."
It does appear that there is a bit of narcissistic incoming students I have noticed more so now than ever before. It doesnt seem the motivation is there and respect to their instructors is present and I am not sure why or what can be done about this. Possibly in the admissions department weeding out the serious students from the ones that just want to skate through, probably is a good idea. Changing the entrance exams and level of difficulty might help rid us of the slackers.
Tes this new generation of students are different theyu feel thjey dont need to study or or do strategies they never open a book
I feel that we definitely have a new generation of learners. However, I think that also means that we have to redesign some coursework as well as retooling teaching methodologies. One avenue of approach might be to add technology to courses that have not in the past utilized it.
S. Craig
Sadly enough, the latest generation of students coming through the educational system is proving to the be about the laziest group of individuals that I have ever seen. The days of actually earning a degree or an education have come to a glacial pace, as this generation believes that everything should be handed to them.
Here is a video interview about the study James Sangiorgio referenced. I ask you all the same question asked to Psychologist, Jean Twenge - what's the answer?
Wow this was a serious eye opener! Not only did we address educators, social media, but gaming (I have an 11 yr. old boy who loves it).
We talked about living beyond our means, addressing Aderol for ADD...its all true sadly not sure how to address this except on my end which is more fresh air, trips to the park, hobbies, sports and taking care of our animals we have 3 which my son does, including bathing as he needs a sense of responsibility and to care for someone other than himself which he does have a handle on although i do see a bit of the world revolves around me attitude.
It's a constant challenge to find ways to engage students. I like to play Jeopardy and other games to keep them interested. I also bring students up to help for parts of the demo to make them feel involved and students like to watch their friends do things, will they mess it up? will they make it right? It's kind of fun.
This is a great discussion! I am finding that each year I have an increasing number of students who feel entitled to an A, and are not opposed to sending me nasty emails to let me know they deserve better than the grade they have earned. I am finding less respect from the students in their communications with me. I realize that respect is earned, and I don't deserve it simply by being in the role of their instructor. But using a tone of respect is something I give, and that I expect in return. I just see more of an "all about me" attitude and it is not leading to an engaging and effective learning environment. Not to mention what it is doing to my own morale!
In a recent article (Fall 2012/Vol 38) appearing in the Canadian Journal of Learning & Technology entitled "The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature" (http://cjlt.csj.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/download/649/347), the author revisits the claims by Marc Prensky in his epic 2001 article where he introduced the term "digital natives" and "digital immigrants". The author states "at the heart of this struggle is a growing debate regarding notions of such students as “digital natives, and digital immigrants (older generations of educators, lacking technical savvy), there [still] remains disagreement concerning the validity of such characterizations and the implications of such notions.
That said, in an issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE), in its The Millennial Muddle‖ article (Hoover, 2009, The Millennial Muddle. Chronicle of Higher Education 11 October 2009), Palmer Muntz, director of admissions at Lincoln Christian University is said to have asserted that To accept generational thinking, one must find a way to swallow two large assumptions. That tens of millions of people, born over about 20 years, are fundamentally different from people of other age groups—and that those tens of millions of people are similar to each other in meaningful ways (Holden & Westfall, 2010. An Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning, 2nd, retrieved from http://www.usdla.org/assets/pdf_files/AIMSGDL%202nd%20Ed._styled_010311.pdf).
To that end, in a September 2008 issue, the CHE published an article entitled ―Generational Myth, its author, Professor Siva Vaidhyanathan, claimed that there is no Digital Generation.‟ Today’s young people—including college students—are just more complicated than any analysis of imaginary generations can ever reveal. The article went on to say those focusing on those ―born digital‖ ignore the vast range of skills, knowledge, and experience of many segments of society, and ignores the needs of the those who are not socially or financially privileged (Vaidhyanathan, 2008. Generational Myth. Chronicle of Higher Education, 19 September 2008).
The above conclusion has also been echoed in a comprehensive literature review conducted by Professor Thomas Reeves of the University of Georgia entitled Do Generational Differences Matter in Instructional Design? In his literature review, Reeves addressed whether generational difference is a variable important enough to be considered during the design of instruction or the use of different educational technologies. Reeves concluded the weight of the evidence is negative. Although generational differences are evident in the workplace, they are not salient enough to warrant the specification of different instructional designs or the use of different learning technologies (Reeves, T. 2006, Do Generational Differences Matter in Instructional Design? Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper104/ReevesITForumJan08.pdf).
Food for thought and future discussion...
I have seen a change in the students in the just the past 5 years...Students are much more narcissistic. They start school with a sense of entitlement. They expect to achieve the highest level of our industry without developing the skillset competently. In other words, "They want the first place trophy even if they lose the game..." If they don't get what they want, they have even been known to send their parents in to attack (rarely, but it happens). Sometimes, I have parents contacting me on behalf of their children so they can be the conduit of information for their child. It's uncomfortable to have to tell a parent that they have no business taking that role and I am legally bound to not share information regarding their child even if they are paying the tuition.
As an instructor in a career college, it amazes me that the current class of students will essentially mortgage their future with enormous student loans, but they won't read the book. They want the degree but strive for mediocrity. On the other hand, my older class of students (typically career changers) want to squeeze every drop of knowledge they get out of you. I look forward to having career changers, because they set an excellent example for the younger students.They have ralistic expectations and are willing to earn their place in the industry.
I think labeling them as narcissistic is a bit extreme. They are collectively known as the "me generation" and they definitely feel a sence of entitlement that some previous generations have not expressed. They are a generation that has had technology as a way of life, so we will need to modify our teaching methods to accomodate them. I have experienced the same problems with resistence to tradtional teaching methods. Having read several posts, it seems we are all in agreement about the issues. This being said, we must find ways to reach them that are diffferent from our usual methods.
I agree instead of labeling them, we need to find solution to help them. I feel sometimes letting them know openly at the beginning of the class that if they did not read their material or did not come prepared in clinical setting, then they will not be able to work competantly and will have to face unpleasant consequence like repeating the class or being dropped from the program. In last two Terms this method seems to have worked, hopefully this term it will work too. I would like to know is there any other methods any one has tried so far to help students comply with reading.
I found this excellent video entitled "The Rise of Narcissism." It is 10 minutes in length and poses extremely interesting questions and presents amazing data. It suggests a correlation between the boom of social networks and the rise of narcissism as a trait of this generation. WATCH VIDEO HERE. (If hyperlink doesn't work, copy and paste the link into your browser to watch www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3613361.htm)
Interesting quote in the beginning of this video:
"It's as though identity now is externally created, not generated from within. It's derived from how many hits you've got. It's how quickly you can report on what you're doing, how many people are impressed by what you're doing..."
How Have You Adapted to the "Vanity" or "Narcissistic" Generation?
Some have left comments stating that they believe Narcissism is a bit extreme for labeling the characteristic observed in the recent generation - this video says that "vanity" perhaps is an accurate term. I think this is a very important generational characteristic to understand but am very interested in hearing how this has made instructors (and all who work with students) change their strategies in classroom management, communication, rapport-building, feedback and coaching, etc. Essentially, such generational characteristics impact all interactions with students - how do you all approach this potential problem in the classroom?
Perhaps my preservative is due to the type of student taught, the health care fields. They may be some what self centered but narcissistic is going to far.
This group of students are truly dedicated to their chosen profession, not for the pay,(for surely MAs, CSTs, and LVNs do not make more than a median income) but have some old fashion notions that they can have a real impact on he;ping people. Most have a true desire to better the health care system, one patient at a time.
Sometimes I feel they wish to be given all the information on a silver platter, but this I believe this is how the public school system has programed them. With a little work on the instructors part, this approach to their studies can and does change.
They may look different that I did thirty plus years ago, tattoos, hair styles, even lifestyles have changed, Many for the better. I respect my students and their chooses, knowing they will contribute to the world and their professions.
Yes, there has been a change over the years in student's behaviors. We have discussed this in department meetings for the last 5-6 years. However, we do want to be careful of any terminology we apply to this.
I have noticed the retention ability as a whole has decreased. When I told one of my recent classes that in the prior semester one of my students from China had received excellent grades in this class, several students rang out "oh sure, from China, no wonder." I informed the current students that they had the same opportunities and capabilities.
This discussion has been VERY interesting!! I am a relatively new instructor and perhaps have not developed an overall sense of the student types yet, but I have noticed that there are two types of students for sure in my health care classes. One group are the older folks who are changing careers due to the economic stress and they bring a fierce determination to succeed to the class room. Then there are the ones who are used to being given all the information so they can pass or get by with a minimum of effort. Sadly, some of that has occured as the pressures in grade/high school mount to get kids out the door. Also, as kids are raised with families that don't interact with each other or society except by only phone or text, they develop the sense that it is normal behavior. I do get attitude from the "lazy" students that they should be given an A just because they came that day and there is whining about "why do we have to know this?" in my classes and I try to get it accross to them the importance. Overall though, I enjoy having both types in class and trying to see if through class activities, I can get them to work together. Teaching is definitely a change from being an operating room nurse!! Mindy Smith
Most definitely, I too have witnessed a paradigm shift in the classes I teach online to a majority of non-traditional adult students. All of my classes utilize eBooks and I have found less complaints about using them. I am also finding younger students taking my classes where I need to start to go more into detail and provide more stories to students who have little to no work experience.
I started teaching online back in 2002 and things are definitely different than then in respects to students could only see my presentation in 2002, all sections of the course have the same assignments 2003 (35 students per class, there can be anywhere from 1 to over 100 sections depending on the course), recordings of my classes 2003, see my presentation and hear me in 2003, share my screen in 2004, being able to integrate videos in 2005, using polling and whiteboard in 2008, and use more advanced presentation software for visual interest - Prezi in 2010. I find students now are viewing my presentations on tablets and phones more than before with the advance in technology.
Students cannot be lazy at the university I teach for online because they have a discussion board and individual project due each week. If handed in late then points are deducted. The classes are also accelerated (5.5 week classes) so at times it can be difficult to catch up if you get too far behind but this depends on the determination of the student. If they fail the course, they retake it either the next offering or so.
If they don't listen to the class chats twice a week then they cannot fully complete the assignments unless they already have Human Resource experience in analysis of job design and recruiting. I don't mind having students call me directly if they need some one-on-one or IM. I find it much easier to direct students to reputable sources and provide all sorts of stories from my experience and interesting information I have read. I also always try to include current events into the class as well to peek interest and get students to discuss outside of an assignment freely.
I have read articles on this particular subject. They are as not as narcississtic and it appears to instructor. In the article (Adapting Your Teaching to Accommodate the Net Generation of Learners), the authors, Diane Skiba, and Amy Barton, layed out some characteristics of the Net generation. They identified fierce independence, this I believe is where the narcississtic attitude comes from. Free expression and strong views, instructors see this when a student just starts taking over the instructor and wanting a precise answer. Immediacy, they view the world as a 24-7 and demends real time and fast processing. As instructors this relates to them wanting a tests results immediately. They are very comfortable with arguing about what they think is right .We as instructors for the most part were born to the analogue world, this new generation was born into the Digital age. They know computers, iphone, iPads, these are they way of communicating. I feel what we need to do is start bringing ourselfs and others into this Digital World that is the world we now live-in.
I have to admit that I see many students who seem to be feeling entitled. I had one student tell me that this isn't Harvard and so we shouldn't expect as much from them. In other words, 'A' grades should be easier to come by and standards should be lowered to allow them to get through. Of course, I disagree wholeheartedly with this mentality and explained how they shouldn't expect so little of themselves.
Does that mean these students are narcissistic? That, as others have mentioned, is an extreme evaluation of a generation that has indeed been spoiled. However, let's recall that this attitude of each child being "special" began long before this generation. So what is different now? I have no answers.
I expect, no demand, respect in my classes. I work with students who are willing and have discussions with students I know can do better. That is all I know. Respect for my person may not be fair to ask but respect for my position of authority in the classroom is indeed required. As is it towards them.
I also disagree that we are all part of the analogue generation. I happen to be on the digital divide. I am comfortable in both worlds but that is because of the generation I was born into. I encourage them to use their digital know-how and find ways to exploit it in the classroom and for their assignments as it helps to interest them more profoundly in the task at hand. However, I have the advantage of being an IT instructor and so it is much easier to integrate this sort of thing into my course plans.
Another strategy for many of my problem-solving related courses is that I begin the session with a riddle or puzzle related to the type of problem-solving we will be discussing. This has had tremendous success as it is seen as a type of gaming, which this generation does love. But unlike the usual games, we can get beyond the trial and error type of problem-solving many of these students are used to from the gaming world.
Yes, ultimately, they are selfish, entitled and difficult. My father, who is in his 40th year of teaching says that it isn't very different from the 70's so I have hope for these kids.
Thank you.
As a Marine corp veteran, I am afraid I must agree with you that lately we have seen much of the "I'm only here
for the beer" mentality. This both saddens and angers me at the same time. I have to listen to how tough their
year in Iraq was and how they have some disorder that allows them to collect a healty sum of cash each month
on behalf of us, the U.S. taxpayer.HOWEVER, this does not prevent some from buying a new Harley or big
dollar off road vehicle [injuries? do not bother you as long as you are on/in an expensive vehicle I guess.}
I spent 2 years,2 months in north Viet Nam in 1st Marine recon and what I went thru would have most of
these guys crying like a 3 year old. Most of the older vets are glad that they have the benefits and put in
a good effort to do the best they can and to me, this is encouraging. Thanks for letting me rant!
This is my first year teaching. I must say that the adult students I have encountered are narcicisstic in their view of the world. I feel a lot of the students do not even try to do their best, or can't be bothered. They seem to feel they should be spoon fed all the information. It certainly is an eye opener. I do think Parents are somewhat to blame, even though parents don't want to take the blame. These students don't hold themselves accountable if mommy and daddy are going to pay for their tuition and ect. I have one student, whom has had 2 cars since I have been here. The student's mommy and daddy just up and buy the vehicle. So, who is to blame here? The student who expects, or the Parents who pay and just give the excuse their child can't live without it
There is a new generation of learners and with so many available learning resources (iPhones, iPad, Tablets, etc.,), it becomes challenging to keep students engaged in the tradition classroom setting, even more challenging during evening class sessions. I have also incorporated learning games such as Jeopardy, Crossword puzzles, and Spelling Bee. These strategies are just a few of many methods explored in an effort to help students retain the wealth of information presented during class sessions.
Narcissism in students has become quite prevalent in recent years. I find that narcissism often appears in class in the form of discussion posts. A question or issue that is raised concerning health care for example, is often viewed by students as an opportunity to focus specifically on what they feel. This is a good thing when the assignment calls for it however, many assignments challenge them to think about how such topics affect the entire nation or specific groups of people. The key for the instructor is to simply redirect them in their feedback and encourage them to think more globally overall. Initial weekly postings by instructors can remind students to stretch their scope of empathy and to think of issues in a larger field of vision.
Since, I am not a licensed mental health professional, I’ll refrain from labeling students that I do not know and who have not been diagnosed (to my knowledge) as narcissistic. What I have found, during my three years as an online instructor, is that the majority of my students are wholly unprepared for college-level work – no matter how diluted it is. And, while they may be technologically savvy, many still seem to have difficulty following assignment instructions, using spell-check, writing in complete sentences, and using a dictionary.
Over the past few years, I’ve learned not to lower my standards, but to temper my expectations. This cognitive shift occurred when one of my students responded to my assignment feedback by writing, “I am doing the best that I can.” I could have interpreted this comment as impertinent; however, the remark made me realize that the level of work that I expected to see in students’ assignments, might not be the level of work that some of my students were capable of producing.
This realization was the impetus for creating a student-centered learning environment in my online classrooms. In addition to required weekly announcements to introduce new material - I include worksheets that clarify assignments with narrated Jing screen capture, embedded videos, and hyperlinks to handouts. I also allow for late assignments through the last day to submit work before the classroom closes. Although late penalties are assessed, students still earn points towards their overall class grade. My goal is to provide students with a learning style that meets them where they are, instead of where I want them to be – even the procrastinators. I am still learning about other digital learning tools.
