My young niece, all of 10 years old, has her own iPad and is quite a pro at using it. She has a DSLR too because she is interested in shooting birds. And she used to help her journo mum with her blog. In fact, she uses them with the same ease with which I used to play with clay and blocks as a child. She is a Millennial child.
The newest generation on the block, the Millennials, have brought with them change at a fast pace. This is evident in relationships, in the learning environment, and at the workplace. And we have no choice but to keep up with it and take it in our stride. The first step is understanding what sets the Millennials apart from Gen X. While technology plays a huge and noticeable role in their lives, it is not the only thing that differentiates them from earlier generations.
The Millennial Learner
Let’s look at a few generic traits and preferences that are often associated with the Millennials from a learner’s perspective.
They have a shorter attention span.
They prefer interactive, experiential and collaborative learning.
They are very comfortable with technology.
They multitask.
They are driven by instant gratification.
They like informal and stimulating environments.
They prefer casual and friendly relationships with teachers.
They are often well-rounded.
The Millennial Learning Environment
The change in the traits and needs of the learner is forcing the educational system to adapt to the learners, and not vice versa. EdTech has grown popular as Millennials have grown up in a dynamic and technology-driven environment. It features prominently in education. The approach to teaching the Millennial generation has also seen a change. With information being so easily available - just a Google search away, accessible anytime, anyplace - the role of a teacher is shifting to that of someone who facilitates learning.
Some of the buzzwords in the Millennial learning environment are personalized learning, edtech, self-paced learning, digital fluency and collaborative learning. Educators and technology mavens have risen to the challenge by providing several platforms of learning for students.
Teaching Millennials
There are a few key points that educators need to keep in mind when changing their approach to teaching Millennial learners. Two things: long lectures don’t work anymore while technology geared toward learning does. It could be collaborative platforms where essays and papers can be shared, MOOCs, or those like Highbrow that dispense the information in small chunks - just how the Millennials like to learn.
Establish learning outcomes: You could even get students to make a video of it!
Make it meaningful: Tie the lessons up with culture and current events, and establish context to real life experiences.
Mix up the methods: Video clips, podcasts, concept charts and maps, clickers, PowerPoint presentations (with short bullets summing up key concepts), and other tools can be used to hold the attention of the Millennial learner.
Deliver knowledge in small doses: Ten minutes is as long as you’ll be able to hold a Millennial’s interest. So keep switching every 10 minutes. Say, a 10-minute anecdote, followed by a short video, and maybe a quick quiz, and so on. Microlearning is a concept worth exploring.
Create collaborative experiences: You can create class blogs and wikis to do this. Social networking platforms are also a great way to collaborate. You could start a closed group on Facebook, for instance.
Establish rapport: You could start by addressing students by their names. That in itself can make a difference. Remember, the Millennials turn their nose down on authoritarians.
Use course management systems: They can be used to accept and assess assignments.
These are just a few ways to create learning experiences that work for Millennials. While these approaches are a far cry from how we were taught, you must agree that ‘right now’ is an exciting place to be where learning is concerned!
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Sophia Sanchez is a newbie online ESL/EFL instructor and a passionate educator. She found her true calling — teaching — while she was juggling writing and a 9-5 desk job. When Sophia is not busy earning a living, she volunteers as a social worker. Her active online presence demonstrates her strong belief in the power of networking. If you want to connect with her, you can find her on facebook, twitter, and Wordpress.
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FAQs
Millennials (born 1981-1996) often referred to as "digital natives" are comfortable with technology and expect it to be integrated into their learning experience. They value collaboration, hands-on learning, and immediate feedback. They also tend to have a global perspective and be more diverse.
What is the millennials method of learning? ›
Micro-Learning
Because of their shorter attention spans, millennial learners necessitate microlearning. They would rather learn something quickly with bite-sized content than sit through extended classes. That's why microlearning is used to educate the millennials.
Who is a millennial learner? ›
The term “millennial learner” can take on a wide variety of meanings. For the purposes of this chapter, however, a millennial learner is defined as 1) a student of traditional college age (17-24) and 2) a student who is attending college in the year 2001 or beyond.
How do you handle millennial learners? ›
Millennials also benefit from social learning environments with discussion boards, chat rooms, or open learning sessions in their formal learning environment. Consider establishing collaborative workplace learning programs that involve different departments, levels, or even management.
What are two ways to engage the millennial learner? ›
TEAMWORK. MILLENNIAL GENERATION LEARNERS GRAVITATE TOWARDS ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE DEER OR SOCIAL INTERACTION. THEY PREFER GROUP BASED APPROACH TO STUDY AND ACTIVITIES THAT ENCOURAGE COOPERATIVE LEARNING. THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION DESIRES IN IDEAL LEARNING ENVIORMENT IS FOR IT TO BE INTERACTIVE AND PARTICIPATORY.
How does the millennial generation different from past generations? ›
Millennials are more likely to work in low-paying jobs and live with their parents, researchers found. But "those living more 'typical' middle-class lifestyles often have more wealth than their boomer parents did at the same age," the study, published in the American Journal of Sociology in September 2023, reported.
What is the effectiveness learning style of the Millennial generation? ›
Millennial Learning Characteristics
They are comfortable using technology. Millennials prefer interactive and collaborative learning. Millennials are good at multitasking. Millennials are visual and auditory learners.
Why are millennials the most educated generation? ›
Millennial Education and the Workplace
Millennials are the most educated generation ever. This trend is likely due to higher income returns from a college education, as well as many young people choosing to wait out the recession and lack of jobs by staying in or returning to school.
What is the difference between Gen Z and millennials mindset? ›
Generation Z vs Millennials: Key Takeaways
Millennials value stability (34%), while Gen Z puts more of an emphasis on finding their dream job (32%). More Gen Zers follow their parents' influence (42%), compared to their Millennial counterparts (36%).
Are millennials visual learners? ›
Millennials tend to be visually oriented and prefer to learn through images, videos, and graphics. They are often comfortable with technology and prefer to use it as a tool for learning. They value collaboration and may prefer to learn in groups or through peer-to-peer interactions.
Named after alpha, the first letter in the Greek alphabet, Generation Alpha is the first to be born entirely in the 21st century and the third millennium. Most members of Generation Alpha are the children of millennials.
How is new learning different from old learning? ›
What is the difference between old and new education system? The old education system focused on books and theory, while the new one is more about practical learning and critical thinking. Traditional education passes on values, and the modern one aims at life skills and decision-making.
How can different generations learn from each other? ›
When children, teens and younger adults spend time with older adults, there are many benefits to everyone involved. Older adults can be great role models for children, while also passing on family stories, historical information and teaching the rituals and traditions of earlier times.
How people of different generations learn from each other? ›
There are many activities that are ideal for various generations to do together. Some of these activities include: genealogy, storytelling, scrapbooking, art, gardening, music, community service projects, technology, cooking, crafts, games, traveling, fishing, nature walks, movies and sports.
How do Millennials differ from older generations in their views of diversity and inclusion? ›
"Inclusion" for baby boomers meant things like hiring a certain percentage of African-Americans. Or creating work teams that reflected workforce or customer demographics. Inclusion for millennials means giving all people opportunities to share their perspectives, network, and contribute innovative and creative ideas.
