Gen Y often will pay more attention to a story as technical data is viewed as only a click away, and perhaps unnecessary until such time as needed. Stories contain facts and situations that may one may not ordinarily be privy to or where the info could be hard to obtain.
Warren,
yes, they really do like the stories & the real life examples.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think that Generation Y values experiences for much of the same reasons as the other participants. First, is the fact that there is a story attached to almost every concept. This allows that question of "why" to be answered. They know why based on the experiences of instruction and what they are being told is something that they need to be aware of because it very well may happen to them. I also think that it helps keep them interested in the material because again it shows that there is a reason why they need to know this and will want to know this and it makes the book come alive.
They value this style of learning because they are used to being entertained. It is not as structured or rigid. It makes learning fun.
Gen Y values instructors with real ife experience who make learning relevant to them. Gen Y wants to know the why...
I agree...the old standard of memorization and lecturing does not appeal to a generation who has been brought up on advancing, ever-changing technology.
I agree that trust is a huge element when dealing with this generation. Once trust is broken (and it can be as simple as not returning a paper when you say you are going to) it is hard to connect with a student.
i think it's for the same reason they value our experiences--experience is more "real" than a degree or title. knowing how an engine works because you read a book is different than knowing how an engine works because you took it apart and put it back together. reminds me of the great yogi berra quote: "in theory there's no difference between theory and practice. in practice, there is."
Michele,
I would agree & we still need to make sure that we are debriefing these activities & connecting the learning to the overall content.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Matt,
yes, building & maintaining that trust is vital.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They are very tactile with their learning. They want to control and have involvement in learning the answer.
I agree they want info now they don't like to study for it
Gen Y learners value experiential learning because they like to actively participate in their learning. Experiential learning provides them with that opportunity.
As so much of their training has been related to pushing a button and receiving an immediate response, they have lost touch with being able to either retain information or in obtaining the skill of critical thinking. However, in physically or mentally taking a part in what they are learning, this enables them to retain information gained through their experience which, again, is so very important to and for them.
Susan,
experiential learning really is a great way to reach these students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They didn't read directions, they didn't listen to talks,, they didn't watch instructional videos, they just did it!!
This is a big change from they way I learned things.
Moreoever, the more hands on I do in the class and the more feedback I give, the better my classes go.
One thing I find difficult is there general inpatience when the computers are slow or don't work. I say to them.....computers are not toasters!! You can't just throw them out when they are not working the way you think that they should.
Experiential learning allows Gen Y learners to see the relevance of the material being taught. If I lectured straight from the book, I would lose the student's attention after 2 minutes. Telling real life stories and experiences as examples to what I'm lecturing, make it relatable and real.
Marian,
this is so true & it also helps build our credibility because we demonstrate an understanding outside of the four walls of the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Generation Y kids have a preference for conversation and dialogue. Going hand in hand with this preference for being actively and verbally engaged is the desire to have explanations.
You are so right. After all, this generation has been entertained and expects to be entertained, but if you empower them, much like the performance objective and investigative reporter projects, it seems to be very effective.
