The Millennial Learners

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!

By Sophia Sanchez May 10, 2016

https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/university-venus/millennial-learners