Gendivide

Bridging the Generational Divide: Strategies for

Engaging the Millennials

Closing Keynote at Dialogue ’06Dr Joy Mighty

Queen’s University

Dr Joy Mighty, Queen's University 2


Outline The Generational Divide The Millennials Engaging the Millennials


Generations

Birth Cohorts20-25 years

GI’s (WWI)1901-1924

Silent Generation1925-1942

Baby Boomer1943-1960

Generation X1961-1981

Millennials1982- Present


The Millennials


The Millennial Generation


For Millennials… Ctrl + Alt + Del is as basic as ABC Computers have always fit in their backpacks The Internet is better than TV Reality is no longer real Doing is more important than knowing Multitasking is a way of life Staying connected is essential There is zero tolerance for delays Consumer and creator are becoming blurred Typing is preferred to handwriting


Generational Differences Baby Boomers

TV generation Typewriters Memos

Generation X

Video games Computers Email

Millennials

The Web Mobile devices IM Text Messaging Online

communities

D. Oblinger


Multi-tasking● A mode of operation offered by an operating

system in which a computer works on more than one task or application at a time.

● The act of juggling several tasks at once, as opposed to working from task to task in a linear fashion.

www.netdictionary.com/m.html

http://www.netdictionary.com/m.html


How many people: Watch TV? Watch TV and talk on the phone at the same time? Watch TV, talk on the phone, and do another

activity (e.g. use the computer, read, do craft, read students’ papers)

These are all examples of multi-tasking.

Multi-tasking is normal! But the Millennials do different and many

more tasks!


Multitasking while online

– Grunwald, 2004

0 10080604020PercentageBase: Kids 13-17

Listen to radio while online

Watch TV while online

Talk on phone while online

Visit a site mentioned by someone on the phone

Send IM to person they’re talking to

Visit website seen on TV

Visit website heard on radio


Web Use by High School Students 100% Use the internet to seek information on universities,

careers and jobs

74% of teens use IM as a major communication vehicle vs. 44% of online adults

54% of students (grades 7-12) know more IM screen names than home phone numbers

The Internet is a primary communication tool 81% email friends and relatives 70% use instant messaging to keep in

touch 56% prefer the Internet to the

telephone

– Lenhart, Simon & Graziano, 2001; NetDay, 2003


More Generational DifferencesBaby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Build a stellar career Build a portable career Build parallel careers

Money, title, recognition etc

Freedom is the ultimate reward

Work that has meaning for me

Help me balance everyone else and find meaning myself

Give me balance now, not when I’m 65

Work isn’t everything; I need flexibility so I can balance all my activities

Feedback once a year, with lots of documentation

Sorry to interrupt, but how am I doing?

Feedback whenever I want it at the push of a button

Train them too much and they’ll leave

The more they learn the more they stay

Continuous learning is a way of life


MILLENIALS ARE:

Special Sheltered Pressured Confident Achievement-oriented Team-oriented Conventional




“The number one thing to realize with the Millennials is that as a whole they reflect much more parental perfectionism than any generation in living memory. Colleges and universities should know that they are not just getting a kid, but they are also getting a parent.”

Howe, N. & Strauss, B. (2000). Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation.New York: Vintage Books


Engaging the Millennials


Learner Characteristics of Millennials

Easily bored if “nothing to do” (active; multitasking) Study not for the sake of learning and thrill of knowledge,

but to pass the test, pass the course, and get the degree, use the knowledge (practical; achievement-oriented)

More interested in general knowledge than in exploring a subject in depth (multitasking; surface learning)

Experience high levels of stress and anxiety (pressured) Rules are perceived without personal or moral

commitment leading to view that “cheating is OK if you don’t get caught” (consumer and creator blurred; rule followers if rules are clear)

Large career aspirations, but with unrealistic expectations about what is required to reach the goal (reality no longer real)


7 Principles for Good Practice Good practice

Encourages student-teacher contact Develops reciprocity and cooperation among

students Encourages active learning Gives prompt feedback Emphasizes time on task Communicates high expectations, and Respects diverse talents and ways of learning


Teaching Strategies and Retention Lecture 5% Reading 10% Audio-Visual 15% Demonstration 30% Discussion Groups 50% Practice by doing 75% Teaching Others

90%


Reflection and Taking Action Reflect on what you have heard about the

Millennials, their characteristics as learners, and the principles for good practice.

Write down 3 specific implications for how you practice your role and how you might better communicate with and engage Millennials.

Identify one implication that you will put into action in the next school year.

Share with your neighbour.


Summary of Strategiesfor Engaging Millennials Collaborative Learning and learning communities Problem or Case Based Learning; real-world examples Learning must be relevant, engaging, and meaningful Learning must expand beyond classroom walls Portability of information is critical (easy, online access) Content must be dynamically generated (just in time; web) Many and varied activities (experiential; authentic) High expectations (goals and frequent feedback) Interaction (with the “teacher”, the material, and peers) Respect for diversity Student responsibility


Parting Words

What Millennials Want Implications

1. You be the leader Strive to be a role model

2. Challenge me Provide opportunities that challenge them and allow for trying new things

3. Let me work with friends Encourage work in teams. Create opportunities for social interaction

4.Let’s have fun Allow humour in the learning environment 5. Respect me Treat students/their ideas with respect

6. Be flexible Provide a flexible learning environment. Use emerging technologies if appropriate


Thank you and best wishes!

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http://www.queensu.ca/ctl

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