TEACHING ACROSS GENERATIONS - AACOM

TEACHING ACROSS GENERATIONS

Beth A. Longenecker, DO, FACOEP, FACEP, CSAssociate Dean, Clinical Education

Disclosures

• I am a “cusper”– Transition between BabyBoomer and

Generation X

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

Today’s Medical Student

Generation

• Group of people born in same timeframe– Typically about 20 years

• Share a common context of experiences– Shape beliefs, values and preferences

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”

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

Characteristics of Generation “Y”

• Achievement oriented– Want clearly defined objectives– Focused on reward (grades)– Want constant feedback

• Consumerist Attitude– Expect accountability from institutions

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

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

Implications for Educators

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

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

Multitasking

• Tendency to do this in classroom setting, on rounds, in hospital– Perceived as disrespectful

• Can negatively impact long term recall

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

Digital Communication

• Communication without barriers– Can carry over to professors and preceptors

• Difficulty with verbal and written communication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions?

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