Roboprince
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Today's Students
I found all three articles interesting, humorous, and intriguing. I probably agree with the reeves_oh article more than the other two. I also believe that nowhere near enough research (or meaningful study) has been done in the area of generational differences. Yes it is fun to gripe about the younger generation, and to behave judgementally ("we were never as screwed up as these kids", etc.). It's also easy to wax longingly for the "good-old-days" (which in reality were not that good). It is entirely another thing to remember how the older generation complained about our music, clothing, study-habits, etc. A couple of years in a war zone converted me from a disenchanted, dope-smoking, love-making, anti-war, anti-government adolescent into a wounded vet who could not wait to finish college and join the money-making world of conformance. Those of my peers who are still alive and fairly successful financially all made the same 180 degree transition into adulthood. We considered this maturity (especially when we became parents). I concur wholeheartedly that education and educational theory and practises have not kept pace with the changing youth of recent years and I think this is reflected in the national test scores and the state of all of the areas that we once lead the world in. So are our youth not as studious or capable as older generations or have our means and techniques for reaching (i.e. teaching)them become obsolete? I don't know the answer to this and nothing I have read this week has convinced me one way or the other. I am dizzy trying to make sense of the various definitions and differences between the generations. I have no problems believing that GenY (Millenials) can actually study and comprehend while listening to their Mp3 players or video games; but I am still old enough not to allow this in my classroom during a lecture or demonstration. I read the Howe and Strauss (and Forrester) opinions regarding this generation and am not as optimistic as they appear to be. I could be wrong (would not be the first time), and I truly hope that I am wrong. I think these kids are going to need all of the breaks they can get to navigate this world successfully.I liked reading Prensky's philosophy of Digital Immigrants and his juxtaposing educating today's generation with foreign language (and accents) is brilliant. While I enjoyed reading his thoughts, the reality of the school I teach at (and the teachers I teach with) is quite different and not likely to change any time soon.Howe and Strauss do a better job in offering reasons (and answering questions) about the generational differences; but they also do not explain how the older more experienced teachers will successfully teach the Millenials. Does the reading remind me of any of my students. You bet it does. I can name a student for every description I have read in these three articles (and I'm only in my third year of teaching).What they don't explain is how every generation has produced successful adults via education and why these individuals managed to succeed in spite of educators not fully being in touch with them. I also think that time will prove them to be no more successful than previous generations in terms of moving mankind forward. Don't get me wrong; tech savvy kids are different from my generation, but different does not always prove to be better.
Victor
Victor
posted by vicvista at 3:27 PM
20 Comments:
I agree that students can comprehend while instant messaging, texting, etc. I remember my parents insisting that I not listen to the radio while doing homework. And I remember insisting that it helped me concentrate. Do you think that today's students need these extra distractions to concentrate, or do you think attention is improved in their absence?
Victor,
You mention the idea of maturity or growing up (and you didn't use that phrase, but I think it applies) and how in previous generations it appears that most generations eventually do. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about how the fact that youth are simply living at home for much longer periods of time than they have in previous generations (many into their mid-twenties or early thirties) affected this maturity process that you described?
MKB
Hi Kathleen,
I'm probably broadcasting my age but I am definitely of the school of thought that concentration and learning is better accomplished in quiet environments.
Victor
Ah Michael,
You have touched on one of my major notions regarding today's young adults. My own child was (and remains) heavily in my pockets in spite of the fact that she has been living away from home since 2000 when she recieved her first degree. I am not alone as most of my relatives and friends from my generation have experienced the same things with their children. If there has been a silver lining in these clouds; it is definitely that we have experienced more direct contact with our children than any of our parents. I left home before I graduated high school and have remained independent (financially, socially, decision-wise) ever since. With the exception of holiday, or occasion visits; I never considered asking for or accepting help from my parents. Indeed, one of my goals was always to exceed my parent's income and lifestyles. Once again, I am not alone among my peers. I truly think that what my generation lacked in material goods (and comfort) actually helped us to mature faster. Was it better for my generation? Even I am not old enough yet to answer that one properly.
I think that many children have it so easy that it definitely retards the maturation process. Maybe it is due to necessity but whenever I have travelled to other countries, I have noticed that young people are far more knowledgeable (and serious) about life than those in our country.
Victor
I agree...I no longer listen to the radio while doing homework. It turns out my parents were right about me. I sometimes ponder if the rapid pace at which some of today's students multi-task hinders their ability to concentrate when things are still. I personally think that peace and quiet aid concentration, but I have to wonder if some of these students have been wired to focus better amongst the chaos.
Victor,
I also enjoyed reading the reeves article more though. However, I did feel the other two provided good info, but reeves presented information that summed up my students much better. While reading some information, I found myself laughing at some of the comments because I was like where did this data come from, but it made it that much more interesting to read. I also think just as you mentioned, much of the information was based on what was thought of today's students as opposed to how they could succeed in the near future. How do you compare tech savvy students of today with those you grew up with? Do you see any comparions?
Fihmiya,
"How do you compare tech savvy students of today with those you grew up with? Do you see any comparions?"
Wow, you really know how to make me think, don't you? :)
In my opinion students of today are pretty much the same as the students of my day. I can pretty much tell you (after the first week of class) who will do well in my class and who will not. I'm sure it was the same with my teachers. I think that the things that make us human do not evolve as quickly as "generations change" for me to make concrete statements about differences/similarities between them. My generation did not have mp3 players, MTV, etc.; but we did some pretty exciting things with our slide-rules, T-squares, and 8-track players. I can't begin to tell you how many truly intellectual thoughts I had while staring aimlessly at my hi-tech lava lamp. :)
Victor
Victor,
I also agree that students can listen to mp3 players or watch TV while studying, but to a limit of course. I never allow my students to use mp3 players in the classroom. However, when it comes down to projects, I realized it really does trigger a strong sense of creativity in some students. I was AMAZED at what some of my students were able to do for their Biology projects last year. These "creative" students I speak of were so difficult to reach throughout the year. They're the type of students that I feel Marc Pensky best described. So, it was such a reward to see them finally shine! So, while we can rule out mp3 players out of our classroom, there are those certain situations where it's important to let the students be in their "creative element."
Duaa
Victor,
Hi-tech lava lamp, that sounds quite interesting, haven't seen one of those just yet. One day you are going to have to share it with the rest of us. :) When I read your comment about you can pretty much figure out in the 1st wk which of your students will do the best, I do the very same. Once I have figured it out with my students, I am a little harder on those that are not willing to try, while still keeping an eye on those that I know will do a good job, just to ensure they keep their focus and creativity throughout the school year. Nothing sounds better than hearing a student say "Thank you for helping me!" :)
Hi Duaa,
I agree with you regarding "letting students be in their creative element". I just am not sure how to do that successfully. I can think of a few of my students who, if left to their own devices, would zone completely out of my class.
This is probably a good example of my generational gap with my students. Got any tips I might try? How do you identify those students who are good candidates for this kind of approach?
Victor
Fihmiya,
Like you, I tend to be harder on the student who does not "try". I am not concerned about the intelligence level of a student, but I have real problems when I do not see any effort from a student. Effort actually means more to me than ability.
Victor
p.s. so you don't think something that moves agonizingly slow can be hi-tech??:)
this is some interesting stuff
I understand where you are coming from Victor,
This comment has been removed by the author.
I understand
i agree that students today have all the wrong out looks on things. i am 17 and a senior doing my last tri. of school and i wish i had concented more. but im not to hard on my self because my whole senior year ive been able to keep up a 3.8 while working.
I think this is interesting
thats good
how cool
:) Loving this post, Mr.Williams
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