Multigenerational Learning SLCC - January 9, 2019

Short URL: https://go.uis.edu/MultiGenerationalLearningSLCC

Who are you?

Baby Boomers 1946-1964

Generation X 1965-1980

Generation Y or Millennials 1980 - 1994

Generation Z or Phigitals 1995-2012

Engaging Strategies for Gen Z in the Classroom and Admissions?

1. Think Digital in all communications - assignments, assessments, activities

2. Break content into short segments - think texts

3. Make information graphical and bite size - think infographics

4. Rethink how you communicate

5. Be relevant! Respect the time of the Gen Z student

6. Provide individualized advising and instruction - think adaptive learning

7. Use Social Media approaches to learning

8. Always discuss how SLCC will prepare students for multiple career pathways

9. Provide access to resources to help eliminate student loan debt

10. Acknowledge that this generation sees themselves as Smart, Creative, and Hardworking

• Gen Z - Better Prepared - Less Entitled

• Generational Differences with Tech Initiatives

• How Gen Z and Adult Learners Value the Same Thing

• The Future of Education According to Gen Z

Most Helpful Online Classroom Tools for Gen-Z Students

(https://next.bncollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Gen-Z-Research-Report-Final.pdf)

Gen Z in the Classroom: Creating the Future

http://time.com/3764545/future-of-education/

Teaching 21st Century Teaching Skills Needed to Help Students Build a Career…

• Become a Learning Guide

• Embrace Technology

• Encourage Educational Freedom

• Teach Risk-Taking

• Understand Speed of Access Matters

What skills do students need to learn as we teach discipline specific content?

• Technical skills

• Conceptual skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Entrepreneurial and Innovation skills

• Information Literacy

• Humanistic Literacy

Multigenerational Classrooms

Multi-generational Learning

How did we get Generational Naming?

• NPR - Origins of Generational Names and Why We Use Them

• NYTimes - How Every Generation got its Name

• Generations span roughly 15-20 years and describe individuals who have experienced shared cultural experiences.

Why should we consider generational approaches to the classroom?

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities observed in 2010 that “nontraditional is the new traditional,” and that higher education would need to be more reflective of and on its diverse range of students (Pelletier)

1. Don't get hung up on who fits where.

2. Establish an even play field for all students.

3. Identify similarities and acknowledge differences as strengths.

4. Establish equity in the classroom

How Can We Eliminate Technology Bias and Generation Stereotyping?

New Pedagogy Emerging and Online Learning

According to Campus Technology, 23% of students believe their faculty are digitally literate, 14% of faculty believe their students are digitally literate

• * Generation Z versus Millennials - What are the Differences and Why do they Matter to Colleges and Universities

• Gen Z - Better Prepared - Less Entitled

Generational Differences with Tech Initiatives

"Today, the population of learners who are age 25 or older is growing faster than the traditional college-age group, a surge projected to continue."

Baby Boomers 1946-1964

Generation X 1965-1980

Generation Y or Millennials 1980 - 1994

Generation Z or Phigitals 1995-2012

Learning Preferences

Baby Boomers: flourishes in coaching and mentoring situations.

Generation X: are looking for opportunities for alternative learning activities such as independent research and online skill-building.

Millennials: believe 2-way learning experiences are valuable. Not only do they want to learn from the instructor, but the instructor should be willing to learn from them, as well. This is a vital component to building strong relationships with this generation.

Generation Z: craves regular and technology-enhanced training opportunities. Looks for "professional development" that uses visually enhanced methods of training.

Attitudes Toward Authority

Baby Boomers: believe respect must be earned to receive and to keep.

Generation X: has respect for authority, but wants a less formalized relationship with authority figures. Enjoys being on a first name basis with colleagues.

Millennials: are not opposed to respecting authority, but questions why it should be unconditional and automatic. Not afraid to ask for what they (and others) value.

Generation Z: is high maintenance and wants high intensity in relationships with those in authority, as well as their peers.

Special Interests

Baby Boomers: look for future security rewards.

Generation X: are most likely to excel at multi-taking.

Millennials: are amazingly optimistic. "We can do this!" Sometimes this is detrimental to achieving successful outcomes.

Generation Z: thrives on opportunity. Excel when they receive guidance in how to achieve their goals.

Cultivating Classroom Successful Classroom Culture for Multiple Generations

• • Promote understanding, acceptance, and respect

    • Each student is valued for individual contribution

    • Each student is respected for their strengths

  • Communication is open.

  • Learning environment promotes project-based assignments that utilize the strengths of each member.

    • Specific individualized guidance is provided.

    • Function-based work projects are reduced or eliminated.

  • Technology is used to create interest and enhance content.

TECHNOLOGY OWNERSHIP BY GENERATION

Educase ECAR Undergraduate Technology Research

(https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2017/9/studentst2017infog.pdf)

Badging & Credentialing - UPCEA Research Study

Millennials Prefer Badges

Among the study’s key findings

• Alternative credentials are offered by 94% of institutions.

• One in five institutions offers badges.

• Badges are most commonly offered in the business industry.

• 71% of institutions has consistent engagement with the business community for internships, practicums, and job placement.

• 64% of respondents either strongly or somewhat agreed that their institution sees alternative credentialing as an important strategy for its future.

• Millennial Demand for Badging Challenges Industry

Unlike Millennials, who pursue personal fulfillment more widely than financial goals or job titles, Gen Z values college most as a means to secure a good job. (Malat, 2016)

Teaching 21st Century Teaching Skills Needed to Help Students Build a Career…

Dive Deeper into Learning - Articles and Research Studies

Teaching Across Generations

• Robot-proof Higher Education by Joseph Aoun

• UMUC Research Study (Smucny, (2010)

• Facilitating an Intergenerational Classroom (Ferrell, 2017)

• Teaching Across Generations (Longenecker, n.d.)

• Intergenerational Classroom Communication

• Instructing Multi-generational Students (McGraw & Martindale)

• The Multiple Generations in Adult and Higher Education Classrooms (Hansman & McAtee, 2009)

Contact information:

Dr. Vickie Cook

vcook02s@uis.edu

@DrVickieCook

Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service

University of Illinois Springfield

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https://sites.google.com/a/uis.edu/colrs_cook/

http://www.uis.edu/colrs

217-206-7317

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