The shadow of the traditional classroom teacher struggles over the youngster in this modern time. From the posted Manila paper on the board, displayed flash card in the pocket chart, overused chalk and board in teaching, the monopolized lesson by the teacher and the spoon-feeding type of teaching are considered the traditional strategies which are less effective to our modern students – Generation Y.
Who are Generation Y learners?
First and foremost, they are Technology Expert who were born between 1980 to 2003. They were born and grew with modern technology. They cannot imaginesurviving their liveswithout it. Gadgets are integral part of their hobby, communication, and even to their studies and research.
Second, they are Multi- tasking learners.They tend to do two or three activities at a time like listening to the music through the earphone while writing a Parody, and watching TV or video on their laptop while accomplishing a movie or book review.
Another, they are Collaborative workers. They love to do tasks with their group mates or classmates to achieve better result or something. They work as a team in completing the tasks and in making decisions. They prefer team work and peer learning.
Next, they are Graphic speakers. The more they become expressive thru pictures or shapes or video clips rather than merely texts on the board or sheet of paper. They could easily play something in their mind upon seeing the graphics.
Then, they are Fun – lover. They tend to have a workplace or environment which shows less emphasis on formality. They always want to be entertained that is why they prefer games in learning activity. This is also a stress-free learning process according to them. They believe that when people are happy the more they become productive and effective.
Finally, they are Attention seekers. They want to be recognized and be loved. They like to be treated as kids. They appreciate not only the motherly approach but also the brotherly, sisterly, and friendly treatment. They always have a quick bond with their teachers. They decline the bossy approach or authoritarian approach.
These Millennial characteristics are observed and proven through the years not only outside the world of academe but most especially in the school. Teachers mayconsiderthese as their guide to propel and combat the difficulty in teaching-learning process. They must know how to utilize these characteristics into the positive side or advantages on their part as learners through the proper guidance of the teachers.Educators are always liable and responsible to what will the learners be in the future.
With these facts, teachers must adopt strategic schemes or techniques that will suit or engage the modern learners for them to be globally competitive individuals.
By: Mrs. Armie E. Lucena | Teacher III | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan
