Because they get easily distracted and bored. They need more stimulation than previous generations so doing something physical as well as mental helps retention and motivation.
Dr. Randy ,
this is true that the movement can aid learning in many ways.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
For the Gen Y learner who believes that they have an attachment to the rest of the world, experiential learning is full of fun and excitement. The student learns by doing something through observation or hands on learning from which they can form their thoughts and/or conclusions. Going to the library and reading a book is not as exciting as going out and living the experience on something that you are interested in. The world is a place of learning through feeling and sensing. For example, in the eyes of a Generation Y learner, which is better, being able to touch and feel the experience of being at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris or curling up with a book about the Eiffel Tower from the public library?
I would have to disagree to an extent with this statement. Yes, while they do like the sharing of information, and I think many of them consider it sharing rather than cheating, they do like to experience things on their own as well. Just sitting and listening to the experiences of others is boring to them. As the lesson said, these are kids who dive into things and only read the manuals if they get stuck and absolutely have to. They like to get involved; they are one of the most involved generations ever, often participating in many social and extracurricular activies. They find value in participation as long as the payoff is relevant and desirable.
Many Gen Yers have grown up with social and activity calendars that are fuller than their parents' own calendars. They are a generation on the move, but often with someone else driving them there. I almost see the instructor as a conductor or even a vehicle in experiental learning--if you get them there, and the destination is interesting, then they are on board.
So much of what I keep seeing on these forums borders on negativity towards this generation. I actually have an opportunity to work occasionally with the some of the youngest members of this generation, and they are energetic and open to new experiences, even if they might be slow to motivate at first. We as instructors just have to be willing to change and adapt enough to meet them halfway, so we can then get them to change and adapt as well.
Matthew,
I don't think the ideas are mutually exclusive, we share the stories & provide opportunities for experiential learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree keep it entertaining and exciting and they will want to be in your class
Judy,
yes, while we may feel like we are entertaining them too much, the reality is we need to keep their attention so they can learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is relevant to them, allows them place emphasis on areas that are of interest directly to them and they can incorporate many of the tools that are important to them - technology and team work, for example.
Gen Y students are "learn by doing" and having them experience the information while they are learning it will further reinforce the relevance of why they are learning it.
yes indeed they must be kept involved, & a part of the lecture & lesson plan. If not, it is a done deal & they will move on to something else. It is important for prof/teachers to help the students to maintain their focus & take part.
They enjoy it in order to keep themselves entertained and involved in the learning process. We have to do whaever it takes for them to get involved & learn.
Gertrude,
yes, one of the best ways to keep the Gen Y learners engaged with the course is to truly make them a part of the material/instruction.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Experiential learning is interactive, collaborative, and engages technology.
Gen Y leaners like to know the value of their learning, or how they will be able to translate their classroom learning experience to what they will be doing for work outside of the classroom. Experiential learning provides them with this experience.
Daniela,
yes, it really does hit on all of the aspects that Gen Y learners value in a class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
And a lot of times students feel like they learn more from the story than from the lecture itself.
Shaghayegh,
this is so true & helps illustrate why the stories can be so powerful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y learners value experiential learning because they want constant access to others and informaiton and how that information is relevant to what they are learning.
I've found that using Prezi instead of PowerPoint seems to help keep them engaged.
