I have incorporated games which make learning fun! I have implemented a class plan that requires student interaction which includes working in small groups, discussions and activities.
I also incorporate guest speakers who can give relevant life experiences to share with students.
Another great technique I incorporate is researching on the internet relevant class information and having students introduce the topics in classroom discussion.
For me, I have found that they require instant feedback. They do not want to find out their scores next week, etc. They want them posted on-line as soon as possible. Can you blame them? No, that is their speed in life!
i first had the opportunity to incorporate myaccountinglab into my introductory accounting class. the students are generally gen y, and they are loving this tool and it being incorporated into their learning. the program provides multiple tries for homework questions and scores them accordingly and instantly. i find that i need to explain a concept and then let them use the program to reinforce the information.
Jill,
I agree that this is a good strategy to keep the Gen Y learner engaged.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gretchen,
I think depending upon the class & the subject being taught this can be a valuable instructional tool.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Strategies I employ for my Gen Y learners are punctuated lecture periods and technology utilization. I try to keep pure lecture times to no more than 10-15 minutes, interrupted by projects or small group exercises/discussions. Newer technology, such as Poll Anywhere, allows students to answers questions poised in class via their cell phones. Responses are immediately compiled and displayed for the class to see.
The strategy I use for Gen Yers is to have an interactive discussion about a topic then to turn the students loose and allow them to work through practice problems either individually or in pairs or groups. After all are done with the practice problems we review the results which feeds their need for instant feedback.
Susan,
this technique is very effective with this generation of learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Absolutely, no phones during exams or quizzes. They must be put away. I do allow students to view phones during class as our population has many adult learners. Sometimes they need to know if a child is sick, or if there is an emergency. Of course, I look for those students who are cruising facebook or texting all class long. In those cases, I speak to the student to get to the root of the issue.
I also agree and I try to relate subjects to things they know like video games
David,
while we may get frustrated with all of the technology, sometimes meeting them halfway or where they are can be a good bridge.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Exams and tests are graded and reviewed on the same day. Students are instructed to look-up the wrong answers in their textbook and highlight the area for future reference. The instant feedback of their grade and correct answers provides each student with that need to know NOW learning.
We need to look at were they are at in this futureistic world and use that to are advantage.
I flat out ask them. "What is the best way for you to learn this material?" Every cohort has it's own unique personality and give a different answer but the majority component is HANDS-ON!
I work pretty close with my Gen "Y"s so I can give them instant feedback and try to give them lots of priase for their good work and I usually let them work in groups.
Kelli,
this is impressive on the quick turn around & I'm sure the Gen Y students greatly appreciate this immediate feedback.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Todd,
this is a great point to meet these learners where they are & use that in our presentations.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I created an advertising project. The objective was to create an email promoting a product or service that they think they will use in their future career fields. Some really enjoyed applying this persuasive writing tool than the usual method of an essay or speech. They enjoyed the immediate feedback from the instructor and enjoyed applying some technology in the English classroom.
