Christian,
these are great strategies to really engage this generation of learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In the classroom, I've incorporated lots of small group discussions, online quizzes which provide immediate feedback, and hands-on activities. The students worked really well in these situations because they target a variety of learning styles and focuse on the individual student.
Engage, engage, engage! I am probably fortunate that I teach computer-based classes to Information Technology and Game Design students. But even as an “IT†person, these Gen-Y students push me to learn new technologies and incorporate them into my classroom “immediately.†They love it when I discover a new learning-based technology and test it out on them in our classroom. Recently I starting using a software/hardware add-on to Power Point called “Turning Point.†I can create any type of question (Multiple choice, T/F, Short Answer etc.) on my Power Point slides and the students connect to the slides through a “clicker†(like the ones you see on game shows). The students click in their answers, then we see the % responses for each answer and finally the correct answer(s). It is anonymous for the students, but I can assign clickers per student and report the results at the end of the lesson. The students are fully engaged and often want to know “who choose answer A??†We not only discuss the correct answers but give reasoning and understanding to why some students may have selected an in-correct answer.
For me, the most important thing I have noticed about Gen Y learners is that they need to understand what's in it for them. While earlier generations (I'm a Gen X on the cusp of Gen Y) were more apt to take an instructor's word that something was important, Gen Y'ers need to immediately know what this is important, and how they'll use it. I think this lends itself to career colleges, as the instructors are generally doers, and can give real life examples of the concepts in the book in action.
I have a tendency to allow open discussion in class and try to get them to observe a situation and then personalize it to their own specific needs. I also try to get everyones input into the solution so they can seeother perspectives to the same issue.
I teach a concept link it to an application then reference it with a factural case that it relates with. Example when the Miranda warning does not have to be given. When the person is not asked any questions about the crime. Then a story how and when this can take place. My students tell me they remember the story then the concept.
Millennial learners enjoy projects that involve group or team particapation, interaction with other students, and multiple tasks assignments.
making use of technology that requires the student to use his or her knowledge outside of the internet
I agree. Constant reinforcement truly keeps them motivated to try harder. They then see better (higher) grades which motivates them even more.
Interaction – Games using PowerPoint in Jeopardy form. This engages the learners, uses technology, and also uses the team approach. This is a great way to review for an exam or a chapter in the textbook. Active learning is one of the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (Chickering and Gamson, 1987).
Krista,
I love using the "clicker". I wish I had them at the school I am at now. They are very engaging.
Wayne
Wayne,
yes, these games & active learning are a great way to reach this generation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I feel like a good way to get the students to participate is to have them help each other. I know I learn something new every time I teach so why not let them share in that experience. As long as it can be organized, the students like to know they are learning and can pass that knowledge on even to their peers. It makes them feel like they have accomplished something and are smart.
We can use the 'student portal' so students can see their grades for all assignments. Also, giving them back their graded assignments ASAP after they do them is important- if you don't want to be hounded for grades!
I like to make them look stuff up online if I can't answer it or don't want to (sometimes I like to have them search). This must be precluded with a discussion on valid websites, authored sites, etc, though! They tend not to question info they find on the net- it's very difficult to get them to ensure that the info is valid!
Also, we have a cybrary (online library) that the students prefer to use vs. textbooks. They love learning about websites that will 'do the work for them'- such as the 'online emergency drug calcualtor' and such. I check them out first for authenticity/accuracy, then give them to the students, and voila! you ask a student to calcuate a drug dose and they whip out their cell phone and get you that dose!
They DO prefer to work in groups! I just read that and really agree! I'll let them do it more often now!
Ann,
I agree with all that you've written, especially the aspect of making sure we quickly return grades & assignments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Working together seems to be natural for these students. They like solving problems in groups and being able to socialize during learning.
I have also found that they enjoy helping others; pairing them with someone who is not as technically savvy can benefit everyone in the class.
Jo Ann,
yes, Gen Y learners seem to really thrive on the group work & solving problems together.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lecturing for about 20 minutes then incorporating hands on learning/practice for a short period as well seems to help keep Gen Y'ers engaged more. Also, if it's a class where there isn't any hands on application, breaking up the lecture with sharing a real life application story also seems to help keep them engaged.
The key seems to be variety. Incorporate small blocks of lecture with small group work, video segments and discussions. Within limits, an opportunity for them to use personal technology to confirm what has been presented in clss; in fact, I often present new information that I have located on the internet. Use every opportunity to show the relevance of the learning in their career field. There is also the opportunity to include fun- a sense of humor, I think, works for all generations.
What has worked for me is incorporating social media into my classroom. We talk about the online footprint and examine examples of positive and negative online profiles.
