Understanding Generational Differences | Origin: ED135
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Teaching Multigenerational Learners --> Understanding Generational Differences
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
An interesting take on these generational differences is Morris Massey:
What you are now is what you were when...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6rPiehHQu8
There are modern updates to his theory that i was introduced to back in 1985.
One other concept that should be considered for this course is Helicopter parents
Helicopter parenting, defined as overprotective, micromanaging involvement, became prominent with Baby Boomers raising Millennials (Gen Y) in the 1990s/2000s, driven by economic shifts and perceived dangers, but is now increasingly seen in Millennial parents raising Gen Z and Gen Alpha, focusing on self-esteem and success, sometimes leading to indecisiveness in their children.
Key Generations & Their Parenting Styles:
Baby Boomers (Parents): Often the original "helicopter parents," hovering over their Millennial children to ensure success, sometimes overly involved due to economic prosperity and anxiety.
Generation X (Parents): Sometimes called "stealth-fighter parents," known for balancing work/life, valuing individualism, and letting minor issues slide, contrasting Boomer hovering.
Millennials (Children of Boomers, Parents of Gen Z/Alpha): First generation to experience widespread helicopter parenting; as parents, they often adopt conscious or "gentle parenting," focusing on emotional intelligence, but can still over-schedule.
Generation Z & Generation Alpha (Children): Growing up with intense parental involvement, some researchers suggest they are more self-aware but also face decision fatigue, while Gen Alpha continues the trend of being heavily helicoptered.
Why it Grew:
Economic Factors: A booming 1990s economy gave parents more resources.
Social Anxiety: Increased fear of child endangerment, even if disproportionate to actual risk.
Focus on Success: Desire to pave the way for children in competitive environments.
Impact on Kids:
Improved self-esteem and work ethic for some.
Decision fatigue and anxiety for others, leading to uncertainty about life paths.
One thing that should also be considered for new teachers, and managers and administrators of new teachers, is that the upcoming generations are also part of the Cancel Culture...
If they don't like a restaurant - they will post it on social media, and others will do the same.
Likewise, if a new teacher struggles and the Cohort doesn't like the teacher, they will make their dissatisfaction known and Cancel the teacher.
Wise program directors, department chairs, and deans should make extra effort to bring in new teachers, especially those of Silent, Baby Boomers or Gen X when teaching Gen Y, or Gen Z.
muy bueno,excelente !!! entender el contexto histórico moldea el comportamiento y es esencial para el desarrollo personal y profesional, la diferencia entre las generaciones radica en los eventos vividos en su juventud lo cual formo sus valores, su visión del trabajo su relación con la tecnología y su estilo de comunicación
The differences between generation is very distinct. The use of technology by each generation is interesting and can be used to teach them in different ways by implementing different uses for each generation. Honestly the overview and generalization of each generation was really nice to read and gave me insight into my own generation. It also opened my eyes to see how I see myself compared to the previous and post generation. I have always seen my values and work ethic a little different than my generation and I have been seen as the previous generation. This will give me insight how I look at the students.
I learned that each generation has a significant impact on the next one.
The learning styles for individuals based on the culture/generation that raised them is very interesting. A lot has changed in learning practices for each generation.
This was a very good refresher for each generation and gave some insight to their quirks and features.
This module was a good refresher on the generations since 1922 and I remember how I was taught in the late 1970s: Lecture, read, and shut up.
I know for my particular work that I have all kinds of generations that I interact with so it's helpful to see what preferences they have and what learning needs they have. Generations before and after me prioritize their learning or their goals differently than I do and that's perfectly ok. I have to be considerate and try help them in ways that are tailored to their experiences.
To me, this is a refresher course for generational differences. I would tailor this course to accommodate the individuals of different generations. I feel like tailoring my courses to generational differences would enhance memory retention and allow them to learn in their own particular ways.
I plan to be observant to the generational character of my classes and respectful of their learning styles.
It is important to understand all the generations as they each have specific ways in which they learn best.
This section really applies to me since we have literally have students from 18-70 in my classes. I frequently come across older students who have no idea how to use a computer mouse.
I now understand the different generational breakdowns by birth year. It is clear that the younger generations were raised with tech and are much more comfortable with it. I thought it was interesting that despite being deeply involved in social media and tech, that some of the younger people will prefer in person contact. Personally, I find that so many of them are very socially awkward, use a lot of slang, and don't seem ready for professional settings. I've been attributing this to the lack of in person contact, but perhaps that's not the case.
I have learned that each generation has a different learning style and learning these differences will help in the communication between generations.
I've learned that the various generations have completely different learning styles. We as instructors must adapt to all generations.
I learned how each generation has different core values and preferred methods of learning.
I have come to understand that different generations possess varying learning styles.
