Designing An Activity
How do instructors design classroom activities that will include generation Y which will keep them motivated and will not intimidate the baby boomer and X generation? I am finding that students from the baby boomer and X generations are not as up to date on computer skills as the Y generation. I want to keep all groups interested and motivated about the assignment they have been given.
I think a nice blend of old school and gen y would definitely do the trick, just enough for them to help each other.
that is why a mixture of activities is a good idea, quite a few students are great teachers and will help the others in areas of weakness
Laura,
yes, the group based activities are a great way for them to learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. Having their say and being heard could be accomplished in a group setting quite easily for the Gen Xers. Opportunities to question and defend positions could definitely facilitate the learning process.
i continue to create new activities ithe class to keep all of my students motivated about the lesson
As these students prefer to participate I always try to structure a hands on exercise. I teach cooking so this works very well. We all work communally to create dishes that become part of a meal.
Larry,
this is a great activity as it helps them learn to work in teams & appreciate the views of others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that the boomers and X's in general take a lead role in the group activities.
Allen ,
it does seem like some millenials are reluctant to step into those leadership roles.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Guided discussions work well across generations. If you break the class up into groups of 3 or 4 and then give them specific questions to discuss, this often reaches all ages of learners.
I teach Drawing and Modeling, I find that group critique really helps to get everyone engaged, it tends to start conversations about problem solving.
I think this is an age thing. I see the boomers and x students take charge as well in team projects.
One way is to organize group activity in which the groups require several different roles. Some roles might be more technology intensive and other roles might be more research intensive -- for example, a group project to determine health insurance prices by market... such an assignment could be constructed so that a group might break down the various tasks by generational skill/aptitude.
I agree my older students are the work group leaders in my class. It seems at times that their standards are higher, They also will sometimes create a useful sprit of competition in the class as well.
Mark,
and this can be a great opportunity for them to positively influence their younger peers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Mark,
and this can be a great opportunity for them to positively influence their younger peers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that students tend to take responsibility for whatever task they do well when they're working in groups. I encourage them to consider the position that is the opposite of their usual position. For example, those who "always lead" might consider taking a supportive role, and those who never participate might consider being leaders. It doesn't always work, but if you make it into an experiment for them to try, it is often successful.
Janet,
this is a good idea as it helps them to learn how to balance differing perspectives.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
