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TEACHING ACROSS GENERATIONS
Beth A. Longenecker, DO, FACOEP, FACEP, CSAssociate Dean, Clinical Education
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Disclosures
• I am a “cusper”– Transition between BabyBoomer and
Generation X
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Goals of this Discussion
• Identify characteristics of each generation• Discuss the potential impact of these traits
on the teacher/learner relationship• Use knowledge of generational traits to
structure experiences in order to facilitate learning
• Create bridges across generations to enhance the communication and learning
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Today’s Medical Student
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Generation
• Group of people born in same timeframe– Typically about 20 years
• Share a common context of experiences– Shape beliefs, values and preferences
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The Generation Gap
• Mean age at matriculation is 23– Born in 1992
• “Millennial” or “Generation Y”
• Physicians in practice: average age 52– 70% are 40 – 69 years old– 20% are 30 – 39 years old
• “Generation X” and “Baby Boomer”– 10% are > 69 years old
• “Traditional”
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Traditionals (1920-1945)Defining Events
• Great Depression• The New Deal• World War I• World War II• Penicillin and Polio
Vaccine• Parents: Immigrants
Characteristics• Loyalty• Duty• Patriotism• Delayed gratification• Save for a rainy day
– No social safety net
• Personal sacrifice
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Baby Boomers (1946-1964)Defining Events
• End of World War II• Vietnam War begins• First human in space• Assassination of JFK• Women’s Right’s
Movement• Television• Traditional parents
– Mom stays home– Financially secure
Characteristics
• Optimism• Idealism• Devotion• Competitive
– People to job ratio
• “Me” generation• Want to leave their mark
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Generation X(1965-1980)
Defining Events• End of Vietnam War• Watergate Scandal• Religious scandals
– Jim Baker, Catholic priests
• AIDS• Technology explosion• Latchkey kids
– Many with divorced parents
Characteristics• Skepticism• Disillusionment• Self-reliant and
competent• Demand work/life balance
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As a Student……
Boomers• On time• Motivated to succeed• Prepared• Concerned about grades• Prefer lectures
X-ers• Keep it efficient and
straightforward– Teach to the test
• Education is a means to an end
• Prefer self-directed opportunities
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Generation “Y” aka the Millennials (1981-2001)
Defining Events
• End of Cold War• Space Shuttle Challenger• Cloning Dolly the Sheep• Columbine• Oklahoma City• 911• “Surfing the Net”
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Millennials (1981-2001)Baby Boomer Parents
• Pressured to excel– School, sports, activities– If you don’t will get coach!
• Told that they are special– Told they can achieve
anything– Sheltered from failure
• Rules exist but few limits– Involved in decision making
at all levels
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Characteristics of Generation “Y”• Digital natives
– Explorative, experiential, hands-on learners– Multi-taskers– Highly developed ability to sort through data– Ability to move easily between real and virtual
• Most connected/most isolated
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Characteristics of Generation “Y”• Collaborators: crave interactivity
– Gravitate toward social interaction• This desire can lead to overextension
– Expect and embrace diversity– Often more comfortable in group activities
than flying solo
• Respectful of, but not awed by, authority
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Characteristics of Generation “Y”
• Achievement oriented– Want clearly defined objectives– Focused on reward (grades)– Want constant feedback
• Consumerist Attitude– Expect accountability from institutions
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Characteristics of Generation “Y”
• Mindset is NOT work/life balance it is one that only things that are interesting or worthwhile fit into my life
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Does this really apply in med school???
• Borge et al. 2 studies in one school– Compared Gen X and Gen Y students– Personality traits
• Millennials higher in rule consciousness and perfectionism
• Gen X higher in self reliance– Motivation
• Millennials higher in achievement and affiliation• Gen X higher in power
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Implications for Educators
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The Digital Mind
• Not linear learners—seek input from multiple sources
• Shorter attention span– “hypertext” mindset
• Prefer visual over textual or graphic– Not readers as a whole!
• Informatically illiterate – Can sort info but poor judge of quality
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Strategies to Try
• Multimedia assignments more effective– Keep lecture time short– Stimulate problem solving– Application of knowledge/hands on trial and
error• Assign clinical question to answer
– Keep it specific– Discuss what sources are NOT reliable and
why
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Multitasking
• Tendency to do this in classroom setting, on rounds, in hospital– Perceived as disrespectful
• Can negatively impact long term recall
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Digital Communication
• Expect instant responses and constant feedback
• Blogs, etc.: – Everyone’s opinion is equally valid– I have the right to critique anyone on anything
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Digital Communication
• Communication without barriers– Can carry over to professors and preceptors
• Difficulty with verbal and written communication
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Best Strategy: Set Expectations
• When/how to communicate
• Rules for cellphone/computer use
• What you expect in a formal email
• If you wish to offer an opinion on a discussion or point, validate it
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Collaborative Mindset
• Group learning activities preferred– May be unwilling to commit when asked an
opinion• View everyone on the team as a peer
– May select opinions of peer group(real and virtual) over that of their teachers
– May appear “casual” – May struggle in teams with a rigid hierarchy
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Strategies to Try
• More small group discussion in person or online– Monitor participation
• Establish expectations—explain YOUR idea of the hierarchy/respect
• Explain discrepancies of opinion
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Other Ideas
• Find ways for meaningful inclusion– Assign specific tasks/duties– Provide feedback on work– Simulation with the team
• Reach out on a personal level– Explain why you chose your career path– Discuss where you use skills you are helping
the learner develop
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The “Parent Trap”
• Special and sheltered– Do not always self-assess abilities well– Reward focused
• They should always have an “A”– Do not take negative feedback easily
• Emotional meltdown• Your opinion does not matter
• Highly active but structured schedule– Often can’t self-structure study/travel
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Implications for Educators• Provide clear cut goals and offer rewards
– Praise, with specificity
• Provide feedback—gently
• Struggling learners– Explore time management/organizational skill– Give specific and focused instruction
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Final thoughts on Bridging the Generational Gap
• Be aware generational context and think outside your “box”
• Work to create a culture of mutual respect
• Provide clear direction in all expectations
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Final thoughts on Bridging the Generational Gap
• Don’t let generational values define professionalism
• Explain the “why”
• Show your passion– If you can inspire a millennial you will channel
their energy
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Questions?
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References• Black A: Generation Y: Who they are and how they learn. Educational Horizons 2010; 88 (2): 92-
101.
• Borges NJ, Manuel RS, Elam CI, Jones BJ: Comparing millennial and generation X medical students at one medical school. Acad Med 2006; 81 (6): 571-576.
• Borges NJ, Manuel RS, Elam CI, Jones BJ: Differences in motives between millennial and generation X medical Students. Med Education 2010; 44: 570-576.
• Feiertag J, Berge ZL: Training Generation N: how educators should approach the Net Generation. Ed and Training 2008; 50 (6): 457-464.
• Gibson JW, Greenwood RA, Murphy EF et al.: Generational differences in the workplace: personal values, behaviors and popular beliefs. J Diversity Management 2009;4(3): 1-8.
• Johnson SA, Romanello ML: Genreational diversity: teaching and learning approaches. Nurse Educator 2005; 30 (5): 212-216.
•• Kupperschmidt BR: Addressing multigenerational conflict: mutual respect and carefronting as
strategy. OJIN: 11: 2: retrieved 4/2/2016.
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References• McAlister A: Teaching the millennial generation: Am Music Teacher 2009; 4:13-15.
• McClellan SK: Externships for millennial generation law students: bridging the generation gap. Clin Law Review 2009;15:255- 282.
• McGlynn AP: Teaching millennials, our newest cultural cohort. Ed digest 2005; 71: 12-16.
• Ng ESW, Schweitzer L, Lyons ST: New generation, great expectations: A field study of the millennial generation. J Bus Psychol 2012; 25: 281-292.
• Pardu KT, Morgan P:Millennials considered: New approaches and implications for nursing education. Nursing Ed Persp 2008;29(2):74-79.
• Roberts DH, Newman LR, Schwartzstein RM: Twelve tips for facilitating millennials learning. Med Teacher 2012; 34: 274-278.
• Sandras J, Morrison C: What is the Net Generation? The challenge for future medical education. Med Teacher 2007; 29: 85-88.
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References• Twenge JM: Generational changes and their impact in the classroom: teaching
Generation Me. Med Education 2009; 43: 398-405.
• Venuta : ESTS Presidential Address: Education, motivation…inspiration of Generation Y. The evolution of our species. Europ J of Cardio Thorac Surg 2014; 46: 761-766.