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Generational age differences impact the college classroom.

Article Excerpt
ABSTRACT

A generational age transformation is occurring across the country in higher education classrooms. Generation Y is coming to higher education in record numbers and merging with significant numbers of Generation X. Boomers remain a significant force as faculty and the combination of the generations in the classroom is yielding interesting results. Educators need to prepare for the different values and expectations of students from Generation X and the newly emerging Generation Y in the educational environment. This quantitative, descriptive research begins to examine these differences and the potential impact for the college classroom of the future.

INTRODUCTION

College classrooms across the United States are changing rapidly as increasing numbers of students from Generation Y merge with Generation X. This great generational transition has significant implications for higher education as Baby Boomer faculties teach record numbers of Generation X and the newly emerging Generation Y.

Current trends in education indicate that Generation X (Xers), born between 1965 and 1976, and the Millennial Generation (Generation Y) born since 1982 are being taught by Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. There are approximately 2.8 million faculty employed by colleges and universities in the U.S. Sixty-two percent are over the age of 45 with the average age of faculty nationwide 55 years of age (Profile of American Faculty, 2004)

Generation X has been a dominant force in college classrooms for the last 20 years and remains a significant force as second degree seeking individuals. They have been studied extensively in terms of learning styles, values, and marketing potential for the past two decades. Generation X is often described as highly independent due to the nature of the family structure changes that took place during their formative years. Many people of this generation were latchkey children, with either both parents working or, as a product of divorce, the single parent worked. Collectively, they have little regard for corporate life and frequently challenge authority and the status quo. Xers are described as independent problem solvers with a parallel thinking process. This parallel thinking process has allowed Generation X to perfect multitasking. They are technologically literate, concrete thinkers who seek a balanced lifestyle with work supporting leisure time (Sacks, 1996; Lankard-Brown, 1997; Fines, 2003).

Collins and Tilson (2000b) identified essential teaching methods for the Xer student. These methods include experiential teaching with students performing tasks and then allowing them to perform independently. The authors encouraged using a variety of teaching methods, such as computer courses, self-directed modules, video, and audiotapes complete with charts, graphics, photos, and cartoons. The authors indicated that...

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