Learning with Millennial Students

Anastasia M. Trekles, Ph.D.

Do we really know our students?• We teach the way we

were taught• But, students don’t always

respond the way we did to the same strategies

• Consider where your students are coming from

Research on Millennials• One of the most-studied

generations• Generalizations come mostly

from research – but, still important to not stereotype!

• Overall “personality” of those who fit the Millennial group – including students with birthdates roughly from 1980-2000

“Digital Natives”• Anyone who grew up with

computers and Internet technology (1980-today)

• Term coined by Marc Prensky• Primary argument: students

today are different • Technology has “wired” their

thinking– they are “native speakers” of digital language

Characteristics of the Millennial Generation

• Diverse• Often grew up with “helicopter parents” – “largest, healthiest, and

most cared-for generation”• Strive to achieve – motivated by grades, recognition, external

awards• Staying at home longer, family-oriented• Grew up with technology as commonplace• Optimistic and confident • Collaborative and team-oriented

What Millennials Need in the Classroom• Clarity • Chunked content • Achievement• Ethics training • Variety• Flexibility and Choice• Social engagement

• Millennials are often very rules-oriented

• Many are more visually literate and less textually literate

• Expect to achieve the grades they want and will do whatever it takes to get them

• Expect a greater array of selections in all things, including learning

• Live in a transparent world where communication is constant

Engaging Young Learners in the Classroom• Variety – vary your activities and assessments, and provide

choice where you can• Clarity – explain everything that is required as thoroughly as

possible• Use modules/units – smaller packages of material lead to

deeper conversations• Examples and resources – offer examples of good work,

practice tests, and different ways to study, including through video, summary articles, websites

Tools for EngagementBlackBoard• Group Tools• Mashups (YouTube, Slideshare)• Wikis, Discussions, Blogs• Rubrics (Rubistar helps!)• Learning Modules• Practice tests and assignments• SafeAssign, ProctorU, test options• Retention Center

Other Tools• Social Media (Facebook,

Twitter, Google, etc)• Adobe Connect• Camtasia (for creating video

lectures)• Online portfolios (Wix.com,

Weebly.com, Google Docs)

Tutorials and Guidance• http://www.pnc.edu/distance/video-tutorials-pdf-

guides-for-blackboard-learn/

• http://www.pnc.edu/distance/archived-workshops-presentations/

• http://www.pnc.edu/distance/web-2-0-tools/• https://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Learn/9.1_SP

_10_and_SP_11/Instructor/040_Student_Course_Experience/Student_Performance

Resources• Wilson, W., & Gerber, L.E. (2008). How generational theory can improve

teaching: Strategies for working with the “millennials.” Currents in Teaching and Learning, 1(1), 29-44. Retrieved from http://www.worcester.edu/currents/archives/volume_1_number_1/currentsv1n1wilsonp29.pdf

• The writings of Marc Prensky: http://www.marcprensky.com • Nicholas, A. (2008). Preferred learning methods of the millennial generation.

Faculty and Staff - Articles & Papers. Paper 18. http://digitalcommons.salve.edu/fac_staff_pub/18

• Carr, N. (2011). The shallows: What the Internet is doing to our brains. New York: W.W. Norton.

Thanks!• Reach us at: –pncolt@pnc.edu – Twitter and Facebook: @PNCOLT–http://www.pnc.edu/distance for all

workshop notes, links, and training needs