A little before each grading period, I would always ask my students to assess themselves and I as to how we did in the entire quarter. There, they would indicate what they like to “stop, start or continue” in my lessons. I do this to be able to reflect on my teaching methods, lessons and materials that they really enjoyed or not. As always, it was easy to predict what would be the outcome of each reflection: That I was good and I was good in teaching my subject. But this was before, when my students still belong to what we call “Generation X, Y, Z”.

            Then, another group of students came in: the MILLENNIALS. As the name says, they are a so different from the previous generation. And this made us teachers a bit baffled, shuffled and tangled. With the 21^st century teaching and learning trend, gone are the days of sitting, lecturing and maneuvering the lesson according to our “plan”. A “millennial” will always have a question or on the other hand, so quiet, like a sleeping baby. There are lots of times that they would always ask (not literally, but implied in their action) for more interactive, experiential and collaborative type of learning. This is because they have shorter span of attention. They really like to multitask, I tell you, that often leads to “cramming” every time each quarter ends. And if before, a teacher should be so formal, in front of millennial learners, they need to be a little bit informal but should have a more stimulating learning environment. Worse, if a teacher still holds on to manila paper and cartolina, it becomes a humdrum to students, because millennials are indeed technology savvies. So, if a teacher comes unprepared, then look forward to a LOT of questions or clarifications from them.

            Mentioning these evident characteristics of learners in the 21^st century put a conventional teacher to an “awkward” if not “freaking-out” situation; thus, a teacher might always say that teaching the millennials is a “burden”. But taking this positively, this sets a teacher to become more challenged, stimulated and even brings out his/her “best”. Being with millennials may be problem sometimes, but then again, we teachers have no choice but to keep up with it and take it in our stride. The very first step is to understand what makes them apart from Gen X, Y and Z. Then, establish rapport with them. Always remember that millennials turn their nose down to authoritative ones. We may also want to modify and exemplify our teaching methods to adapt to our learners’ needs. In this way, we can be able to deliver knowledge in a way that we both enjoy. Lastly, make our teaching meaningful to them. There is nothing like a thing or two that they can apply in the real world that they will not appreciate. This will certainly make our teaching days a “garden”.

VILMA S. FERNANDO Master Teacher I, BNHS

            Understanding today’s set of learners is a must for us, teachers. Our roles as educators should also change and adapt to these “millennials”. It is no longer that education is given to students for recitation from text and lecture method. We have to accept that today’s classroom is more collaborative, experiential and social. Let us offer an arena for discovery and engagement. It is high time to think of them not as a burden; rather, a garden where each is a different flower that is ready to bloom in different time, and in different manner.

 

By: MRS. VILMA S. FERNANDO | Master Teacher I | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan