Generational Characteristics of Our Students and Ourselves Presented by David J. Sorrells, Ph.D.

Coordinator of Assessment QEP Chair

• • • • The Silent Generation • • • Also called Traditionalists, Seniors, The Greatest Generation Lived through the Great Depression and World War II Born between 1922 and 1943 Baby Boomers • • Also called the Me Generation, the Sandwich Generation Born between 1943 and 1960 Generation X • • Sometimes called the Baby Bust Generation Born between 1960 and 1980 Millennials • • Also called the Echos, the Nexters, and Generation Y Born between 1980 and 2000

• • • • • • Grew up during the Depression and served in World War II Believe in sacrifice for the Greater Good Often have one immigrant parent or multiple immigrant grandparents Maintain traditional values Have respect for the wisdom of elders Prefer a “hands-on” approach or “real” reality

• • • • • • • • Born between 1943 and 1960 TV Generation Materialistic “Me” focus Responsible for social changes Two household workers Women in the work force: Superwoman “Live to Work” - YUPPIES

• • • • • • • • • Born between 1960 and 1980 Often children of divorce and non-traditional family units Latchkey kids Raised on electronic media Use of newest technology is a given Function well alone Tend to be pessimistic and skeptical of authority and institutions Have short attention spans “Work to Live” - GUPPIES

• • • • • • • • • Sometimes younger siblings of Gen-Xers Benefitted from parents’ later life success Often have at least one immigrant parent Are racially and ethnically diverse Identify with parents’ values Gravitate toward group activities Believe it’s cool to be smart New technology is a given Short attention spans

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-X

3.

Baby Boomers

4.

Silent Generation

1 0% 0% 2 0% 3 0% 4

• Workers from the Silent Generation are characterized by • • • • • • Loyalty to the employer Hard work Dependability Personal touch approach Obedience over individualism No hurry/ long patience • Boomer workers are characterized by • • • • • • Belief in paying dues to get ahead Sense of duty Belief in sacrifice for success Loyalty to employer Salary contributes to satisfaction Self satisfaction in job is paramount, but measured in different ways

• • • • • • Generation X workers are characterized by • Technology skills • • • Entrepreneurial spirit Mobility and flexibility at work Focus on personal professional growth over employer interests Perceived lack of loyalty Want balance of work and home life Need immediate feedback Will balance end result with desire for quick resolution • • • • • Millennial workers are characterized by • Technology skills • • Expectation of diversity Expectation of rapid results Flexible schedules Want balance of work and home life Need for independence in decision making Desire for challenge and growth Expect immediate feedback

• • • • • • • • • Lecture classes Reading assignments in books. We generally prefer to print out long documents rather than read them on screen Pen and paper note taking Working individually rather than in groups Quiet study or work time Face-to-face interaction with others Acceptance of professional authority Limited access to our time as faculty Expectation that our decisions will be accepted without challenge

• • • • • • • • • • • Consumer orientation Assumption that institutions are corrupt and untrustworthy Multi-tasking • • Doing several things at once Learning from several different sources Pragmatic approach to problem solving Questioning the veracity of information Entertainment orientation Instant gratification Short event horizon Expectations of excellence Awareness of personal safety No civility

1.

The Beatles and the British Invasion

2.

Technology and electronic advances

3.

Mr. Mom’s influence

4.

Parenting

5.

The New Math

6.

MTV

0% 1 0% 2 0% 3 0% 4 0% 5 0% 6

Technology Parenting

• • • Often had children later or had two “sets” of children Had Millennial children when they were more established in their careers and were more financially stable May have felt that they failed with the older children

• • • • • Media told them over and over to protect their children Media covered every incident of harm to children Government passed child safety laws School told them that they needed to be involved in their children’s schools Child-rearing books told them to be involved with their kids at all levels And if you don’t do all these things, then you are a . . .

BAD PARENT!

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-Xers

1 0% 0% 2

Research done by Molly Epstein at Emory University (2007) reveals interesting differences: • • Comfortable speaking with professors: 60% of Millennials < 40% of Gen Xers

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-Xers

1 0% 0% 2

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-Xers

1 0% 0% 2

• • Comfortable asking for special treatment: 60% of Millennials 29% of Gen Xers Believe that authority figures should set • • and enforce rules: 70% Millennials 40% Gen Xers

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-Xers

1 0% 0% 2

1.

Millennials

2.

Gen-Xers

1 0% 0% 2

Feel comfortable challenging professors • • on grades: 60% of Millennials 35% of Gen Xers • • Want a clearly structured academic path: 80% of Millennials 60% of Gen Xers

• • • • • • • • • Articulate all desired outcomes Establish clear expectations; communicate them early and often Maintain technological sophistication Offer opportunities for personal involvement Design “real world” assignments End the “sage on the stage” approach Provide transparency and clear communication Address multiple learning options Use meaningful assessments: require demonstration rather than the ability to memorize From Generation Next Come to College: 2006 Updates and Emerging Issues by Mark L. Taylor

• • • • • Carlson, Scott. “The Net Generation Goes to College.” Epstein, Molly. (2007).

Mouchayleh, Terry Stewart. (2009). “The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same: Working With Generational Issues in our Students.” ---. (2007). “Generational Differences Among Higher Education Faculty.” Taylor, Mark L. (2006). “Generation Next Come to College: 2006 Updates and Emerging Issues.”