Teaching Tip #10

Teacherscribe’s Teaching Tip #10

One of the books from my summer reading list was by TimElmore’s Generation iY.

As a big fan of this generation, I found it refreshing to read this book, which looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this upcoming generation.  Elmore argues that we need to realize their strengths and weaknesses in order to lead them properly.

This is the largest generation of children and young adults in American history.  It would be a crime if we don’t do a proper job mentoring them and educating them so that they can thrive as adults.

Abundance – parents and adults in their lives have simply given them too much.  This leads to the fact that this generation coming up is incredibly pampered and entitled.

Abandonment – at the same time, parents and adults have abandoned kids too.  Ironically, at the same time we are giving them so much, we are also expecting them to be mature and responsible as we Gen Xers were and our parents (Baby Boomers) were.  So when we turn them loose, we are abandoning them.

·      students are over exposed to information far earlier than ever before.  This, actually, is the first generation in history that can simply look everything they need to know up (or watch a Youtube video on it) rather than have to ask someone or listen to a teacher or parent.  This presents a problem for us all, including the students.

·      At the same time, students are underexposed to some of the soft skills vital to thriving as adults – having respect for others, having empathy for others, meeting deadlines, communicating face to face.