Sure, Gen Yers have been brought up in the technological age. However, because they have so much information available to them, they do not know how to absorb and disseminate this information well, at times. Thus, giving them opportunities by which they create, share, and enlighten others benefits all. It helps in their critical skills, especially being able to communicate concisely, clearly, and accurately. They become more capable of relating these experiences accurately so that others can understand and grasp what is being shared with them.
There seems to me that there is more to experiential learning than just what a person has experienced personally. Those experiences are interpreted differently depending on how similar experiences affected each individual. Sharing those experiences can render it possible, in group settings, for each to come to a reasonable semblance of agreement in terms of what each experience actually means.
Getting them involved and figuring out their own questions gives them a better sense of accomplishment. I keep powerpoint presentations to a bare minimum.
They like it because it happens right now at the speed of life. They can succeed or fail right now. The live for immediate results. They like to get their hands dirty. Do first and read directions later.
David,
yes, the Gen Y learner really values that immediate feedback.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree Fred . The students definitely like instant gratification. I find that if you can attach a relevant story to subject in question students can grasp the reality of the subject. Not just store it as one would with just information that seemingly has no tie to relevancy..
Students today really want to know that they're "on the right track". Watching someone else demonstrate how to solve Math problems looks so easy. It's when they try to do it themselves that they discover there might be steps to a process that they missed . They want to prove they can do what is expected.
Students like to get everything quick that includes information and also they like to speak their minds.They like to be heard and discuss on the new topics.
Chris,
this is a great point. Sometimes we view this as impatience, when part of it is they want to make sure they're doing it right.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Because as mentioned earlier in this course, they like to be entertained. If you have a lot of experience, it is easy to incorporate stories that illustrate your point (in learning) but that also entertain them.
I think they value experientail learning because they have grown up with technology. They have learned through video games, found information about a topic by searching the internet rather than pulling a book off the shelf and using technology as a way of learning new information they need to know. They get engaged through technology because that is what has been relevant to them where as baby boomers or Gen X have learned information from taking out a book or sitting through a long lecture.
I guess they need to be "entertained", and instructors telling stories is more entertaining than lecturing from actual, useful educational material.
Generation Y learners value experiential learning because it's directly correlated to their goals, lives, and dreams-come-true!!! They want to be able to use the skills they learn in class everyday and they want those skills to be relevant to their chosen course of study. I teach humanities to design students... THEY always want to know how and if what I am teaching is relevant. I have to remind them what I teach is VERY relevant to their future employment. Companies don't want to hire people who are simply talented (even if they are extremely so). They want well-rounded, knowledgeable, communicative and diversity conscious individuals. After that they immerse themselves even more into the activities of the day... even if they are the "humanities!"
I think on some level experiential learning is is valued by all learners, especially in the career college setting. Most of our studnts are here to learn a certin new skill set so they are ready to go get a job. The best way to learn a hands-on skill is to do it.
The old methods of learning were torturous. Kids used to sleep through class when I was growing up. Why not be actively engaged and interested? Why not learn by doing? I think it is great!!!
I believe that experiential learning brings a since of accomplishment and involvement to the student. They engage the material on multiple levels and use multiple learning styles. This results in a better understanding of the material and the personal involvement increases the level of interest. Overall, GenY students enjoy developing new skills while using tools and working in teams.
It allows the learner to be involved in the learning process. Plus it is a non traditional learning method and Gen Y'ers are non traditional types.
Gen Y enjoys experiential learning because it is immediate, just like the internet, the media, the gaming, the cell phones, the social networks... Everything is now and needs to be entertaining and have the ability for the Gen Y student to be interactive with the learning.
I think Gen Yers value experiental learning because more of their lives, including with technology, is all interactive. They are used to having a part in or at least the option to participate in most of what they do so they expect the same in their education as well.
I think they value experiential learning because they like to discover the learning for themselves rather than just being told the information. By them doing and learning they discover and retain more of the whys and hows than by just reading in a book. I also think that this opens the doors for self discovery in which there is the opportunity to make mistakes and sometimes it is through making those mistakes that comes the best learning of all!
Emma,
this is so true. I think one of the keys to making this successful is helping them reflect on the learning & situation, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
