Colleagues,
We often define the students by the social construct of a generation. Other than the Baby Boomers which is recognized and defined by the U.S.Census, these constructs are unofficial. The Pew Research considers the Millennial generation cut off as 1996. Most significantly, perhaps, is the fact that individuals born between 1981 and 1996 would have been affected by the economic downturn. From the article New Guidelines Redefine Birth Years for Millennials, Gen-X, and'Post-Millennials',
"The new Millennial cutoff of 1996 is important because it points to a generation that is old enough to have experienced and comprehend 9/11, while also finding their way through the 2008 recession as young adults.
Those born between 1981 and 1996 will have been affected by the economic downturn in numerous ways: some would have had their early careers impacted, while others would have had their education influenced by it (perhaps through prohibitive tuition costs or a change in major to find a field with jobs). President of the Pew Research Center Michael Dimock said the recession’s effect on Millennials and the initial “slow start” to their careers “will be a factor in American society for decades.”
So, do milllennials truly learn differently than baby boomers? If the idea of Gen X'ers, Post Millenials, and Millennials is defined by societal events that are shifting, and are loosely defined, should this define our teaching strategies? Or, are these differences reflect generational diversity and we adapt instruction to be inclusive?
I look forward to your ideas about these social constructs.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Kathy