Connecting & Supporting the Millennial Mind

While attending the Missouri State Teachers Association State Convention I had the opportunity to attend Erin Hillier's workshop “Mastering the Millennial Mind.” This was a rather eye-opening session that demands dissemination of the concepts presented. As a teacher, I see great need to be aware of the specific strengths and weaknesses of each generation. By doing so, we are better able to present curriculum in a relevant and meaningful manner. For many of today’s students, most things in their life are disposable; there is no need to fix it, just buy another one. Also, as technology increases so do the use of programs that reinforce the individual – iCloud, iPhone, iPad, iMessage – and the list continues. Finally, in many of the systems students use on a daily basis there are numerous built-in features that don’t allow them to make mistakes. Over time, this creates a mind-set that mistakes don’t matter. Although there is a strong desire for instant gratification and feedback, this must be balanced with a realistic prospective. Learning and doing are social experiences and therefore compliance is not engagement. Instead, compliance is comfortable but not challenging.

Here are a few tips about supporting the millennial learner:

Know Your Students Have you considered using an interest inventory? Often these can help us gain a clearer view of students and help guide our interaction in the classroom. Next, don’t be afraid to alter your typical routine with the occasional ice breaker.  These types of activities give you opportunities to learn more about your students, see how they react to various situations, and can build class cohesion. Finally, make sure your students are aware of the procedures and expectations for your classroom. Yes, it is paramount to build relationships with your students, but we must also create a positive learning environment. Know What You are Teaching and What You are Assessing As it is said so often, begin with the end in mind.  Once you have chosen standards that must be mastered for the course, align the formative and summative assessments to guide your teaching and improve effectiveness.  If you are looking for a more detailed assessment approach I suggest the following text:  “Formative Assessments and Standards Based Grading” – Marzano Decide What is Sacred Yes, conveying the importance of procedures is a crucial process of running the daily corporate activities of the classroom.  As discussed above, many learners are seeking individualized learning options.  Don’t be afraid to use programs/apps like Smores, Animoto, Edmoto, and Google Forms/Slides to provide students with additional learning opportunities.  When effectively incorporated, these activities can change compliance into a self-guided and challenging learning experience. “Steal” All Things Now, I want to make it clear, that I don’t mean to literally “steal all things”.  Instead, take time to consult with others in your discipline; creating a network of colleagues you can depend on is a valuable resource. Perhaps you have a specific interest that could be discussed in a Twitter chat?  Often much of the information or systems we are seeking have already been created and honed for success. Dream Big! Whatever your discipline, don’t let the daily routines and obstacles keep you from challenging yourself to reach beyond your current boundaries. All too often, we miss opportunities to make positive and lasting change in the lives of our students simply because we convince ourselves we didn’t have the time or resources available to complete the task.