Introduction - Reaching & Teaching the Millennials: An Online Workshop and Discussion - FaCET

Reaching & Teaching the Millennials: An Online Workshop and Discussion

Fall 2010

Facilitator: Ginny Pfohl, Instructor, Psychology, Western Kentucky University

Introduction

For centuries, each generation has complained about problems with the younger generation and despaired of their shortcomings.  Differences between generations are real – we are shaped by the times  in which we are raised.  Not necessarily better- not necessarily worse – but definitely different.  Which one are you??

• Boomers – born about 1946-1964 – were shaped by the post – WWII boom, television, Vietnam War, suburbia, assassinations, Civil Rights movement, Cold War, Women’s Liberation , space race and rock and roll.
• Gen-Xers – born about 1965-1979 – were shaped by AIDS, latchkey kids, single parents, MTV, computers, fall of Berlin Wall, email
• Millennials – Born about 1980-2002 – were shaped by cell phones, Internet, Facebook,  texting, Twitter,  school shootings, multiculturalism, Iraq War, iPod, YouTube, 9/11 and terrorism.

Understanding the differences between generations can facilitate communication and good teaching.