I agree. They have no critical thinking skills, perhaps because, as others have suggested, "every" answer is available on the internet. They watch me demonstrate how to do something, but don't bother to write down any notes. I suppose they think they can Google the procedure later. What actually happens is that they go into lab and don't have a clue. I am concerned that this behavior will carry over into their jobs and they won't be successful because they WILL be expected to know how to do these things. For new tasks, they will be expected to watch and follow directions. They will be expected to ask questions if they don't understand, not simply show up empty handed. They don't seem to understand any of this and I'm not successfully conveying the message. Any suggestions?
I have that same issue in my class rooms. The older students will pay attention, aske questions and take notes during demos. The younger students can usually be found in the back of the room, not paying attention. They seem to think they can just "wing-it" when the time comes. And if they do find some type of "how-to" that resembles what I'm trying to teach (on You Tube, for instance) it's not always from someone who really knows what they're doing. I let them know that I'm demonstrating important stuff, they just don't always seem to appreciate what I'm trying to convey.
The use of current forms of technology seem to stimulate my students during instruction.
The use of technology from the computer, tv, internet, and other technology.
To be load and clear and show great intrested in what you teach.
Bob ,
yes the more enthusiastic we are about our subject matter, the greater the chance they will be engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have used the "why" concept on many occasions after giving a short pause then sneak in the why is that just after the student gives the usual quick answer.
Joel,
yes the "why" is very powerful for the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My main strategy for working with Gen Y students is to first engage them in a conversation, not simply a lecture. They need to feel a part of the discussion. The second thing I like to do is throw relevant tangents into our conversation so that they do not become bored. They are quite used to multitasking and following multiple plots in a story so the use of tangents works well to keep them engaged.
Ted,
great strategies that are effective no matter the group, but especially with Gen Y learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have noticed that my Gen Y students seemed to need so much constant feedback. Until now, I did not understand why. But because they seemed to ask for it so often, I was giving them a lot of feedback. This does seem to be something that they crave, and I find that it not only encourages them, but it helps me to stay on top of their development and catch those that need help sooner.
Deborah,
yes Gen Yers really love the immediate & specific feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gen Y people as the reading noted are used to frequent instantaneous communication so being fast with feedback and grading tends to be greatly appreciated by this group and something they tend to focus on in teacher evaluations and evaluations of the school as a whole as well.
Gen Y is in for some workplace shocks where they will be expexted to stand and deliver in a fashion that they are unfamiliar with.To help with this process, I use many visual aids and try to lead them to the answer by questioning them in a step by step fashion to promote the deductive reasoning process that leads to the truth rather then trying to lecture on everything.
Telling stories from real-life experiences of my own always grabs the students attention.
Some of the strategies that have worked for me in the classroom is chunking the information and allowing opportunities for students to discuss topics and then sharing their comments with the rest of the class. I also incorporate questions via a discussion board that work for those students who may be too shy to speak out in class.
Hi Robert,
Do you worry about the students cheating with their smart phones during exams?
Listening, asking them what they think. Finding out what they plan on getting out of the class and how I can help them. We share a lot of experiences, I find that some student tend to be a mature than others when we start sharing life experiences or goals.
Sarah ,
yes, the Gen Y student seems to really respond well to real life examples & scenarios.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I maintain a high level of interactivity! Whenever possible, I phrase my questions to connect with life situations students have experienced, probably will experience or otherwise easily can identify with. I also use frequent formal and informal assessments, in order to provide swift and frequent feedback on student progress. In addition, I make a diligent effort integrating good quality Internet text and video clips into my instruction.
