What a difference in teaching styles from when I was in school and how school is taught now. The thing that drives me crazy is how the school is blamed for everything. The parents and students don't want to take responsibility for failure. This country spends way to much on education to be turning out so many inept graduates. Just push Johnny along so he doesn't feel bad and what ever you do don't fail him. It might hinder his development. I'm an instructor at a tech school and people here are always blaming the public schools for the poor quality of students who attend here. I was also a soccer coach in HS and college and many of my players came from public schools and were getting 1500+ on their SAT's. Trying to understand their mind set is very puzzling!!!!!

I have been working on a collaborative learning experience for my students. I want them to think of themselves as hot newspaper reporters breaking the latest news in print. The newspaper format stems from my "Boomer" perspective, but also from a desire to help them develop the ability to write an article (or research paper) well. I wanted them to utilize the Who/What/When/Where & Why format. Interesting how this MaxKnowledge course has brought my idea into more fruition. Now I can see the importance of incorporating technology into the experience for my Gen Yers. Anyone else been thinking of doing something like this? Your comments and suggestions are welcome! Namaste, Shelia

We use a modified version of this for the research component of some of our courses. The students have the ability to develop their own project, within our parameters. Once their plan has been approved, the instructor and student both sign.

Our campus policy strictly forbids use of electronics in the classroom = no cell phone or laptop use. This makes me think of "...throwing the baby out with the bath water" with respect to the Gen Yers preferred method of learning. What ways can we as instructors incorporate multi-tasking with technology in the classroom without disrupting the learning process for all students? Namaste, Shelia

I would like to know how you manage to create new things/ice breakers, so your students with learning disabilities don't feel like they have been in theory for 45min. Would love some ideas for my class.

This gives the student another "way" to learn. If a student doesn't understand. Try a different method. Something they can relate to

in our technical school social networks are only used on a limited basis, to keep students informed of up coming events and such. No real place in our classroom.

I find in a technical school that the gen y'ers are easily distracted during lecture. but during a hands on lab situation they are much more attentive.

Be more creative with CT papers,have them research in groups and take responsibilty for each others work. Present to class as a project.

Mixing generations in groups to learn and help each other see differnet views can be a life learning lessons.

Using hand held items is good, just keeping them focused on what is being taught, not going onto sights not class related.

How to best communicate and work togather when Instrutors are from different Generations: How to best organize your classrooms?

belive that they can help, although many schools, such as out, have a specified curriculum, in which the instructor does not create. COudl we do this? Also, if the advantage is only 1 point, then it may not excite the students. Another incentive (higher points) would be better.

Generation "Y" may be too involved with the connectivity issue. If there was a cyber attack, we would all suffer with banks, ATMs, debut cards, etc. going down for a period of time. How would Generation "Y's" react though? Would Baby Boomers and Veterans know better how to react and survive, because they have lived without technology before? Does electronic connectiveness alter survival skills, because of dependence on the "device?" Hopefully, this scenario would not happen, but it is an interesting hypothetical one.

Generation "Y's in a class of mixed generations tend to behave differently. Boomers and Gen "Xer's" tend to be more mature, as they are older, but they are also more accustomed to a school situation and what it means. Generation "Y',s" on the other hand, may not understand the rules of social and classroom behavior, and don't follow the protocol. While it is not the case today that the role of instructor follwo in the footsteps of the old headmaster from "Tom Brown's Schooldays" where they caned students for failing lessons, school, however changed, is still a structured environment that needs to be maintained, whether in class or in an online setting.

Generation "Y" have a hard time giving up their cell phones, iPads and laptops. It is almost an impossible task to get them to adhere to the rules. Because of their generational connectivity, I think that it would be a wonderful idea to explore some ways in which the cell phone could be integrated into the lesson plan. Computer and iPads are already in use; however, the instructor must ensure that each students is on task, and not on Facebook or email. Computer technology can be a terrific tool; however, it can also be a distraction. The "connectiveness" of this generation, has produced students with a shorter attention span ecause of the ease on online text, scanning the material, and ease of plagiarizing online. To achieve balance in the classroom, guidelines need ot be in effect for non-technological lesson time, but also for "tech" moments, such as a quick...."Let's Google it!" by cell or laptop. It is a sense of immediacy which makes the lesson fun. (You can also make it a contest to see who can find the info fastest.)

most of the student that i have had that had a anger issue usally have trigger points tha if know about can be avoided or lessoned by cheking student attiude at the begining of class

Although she has been criticized for her liberal use and interpretation of research, Ruby Payne made a strong case for people living in poverty having a language (and certainly a culture as included in this module) separate from mainstream or "Standard English." What are some examples of classroom practice(s) that address the language diversity represented in the language of those from lower socioeconomic circles?

Stigma comes in many shapes and sizes and is a very real part of psychological disorder or physical disability. This mark of shame is sometimes what stops a person who needs help to actively seek it, not to mention engage in a meaningful activity. Stigma is that negative perception that society holds of people who have a mental illness,physical limitation or learning disability. As an educator, I feel it is incredibly important that I do my part to “de-stigmatize” whenever I can by providing facts to my students. I teach psychology courses so it is relatively effortless to make this part of the teaching process in my classrooms. - Maritza Leon-Veiguela, MS

When I see a student on the phone I ask them to google something pertaining to the course material.