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A fresh approach to freshman orientation for Millennials, focusing on engagement, self-direction, and active learning. Learn how to make the library a friendly and interactive space for the new generation.
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Reaching Your Millenials A Fresh Look at Freshman Orientation Toni Carter and Beverly Simmons University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Who are the Millenials? Birth datesCurrent ages • Silents 1925–1942 65 – 82 • Baby Boomers 1943–1960 47 – 64 • Gen Xers 1961–1981 26 – 46 • Millennials 1982–2002 5 – 25 Note – this information is adapted fromCreativity and Personalization: Freshman Orientation for the Millennial Generation. LOEX 2006 Conference.
Characteristics of Millenials • don’t like being passive recipients of information • like trial and error (no fear of failure) • like to learn from each other • don’t like formal instruction • like to be engaged and entertained
15-minute introduction Groups use a class session to complete exercise in library Class meets in library classroom
Freshman Seminar Outcomes • Become comfortable asking questions in the library (put a friendly face on the library) • Share ideas, get to know each other • Learn where things are in the physical library
Design Goals • More self directed • Very little lecture • Relaxed, informal • Lots of student engagement and activity
New Class Outline • Flipchart competition • “Found items” competition • LC Cards game • “Face at the Desk” discussion • Review • Quiz
Self-Direction Students make choices • Team name • Research topic
Very Little Lecture Students teach each other • Flip-chart competition
Relaxed, Informal Students are encouraged to participate, speak up, have fun – try to keep it informal and relaxed
Lots of Engagement and Activity • Flip chart competition • “Found items” competition • Winning group gets “valuable” prizes
Activities promote student engagement • LC card game • “Face at the desk” discussion
What students are saying… “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It wasn't boring at all.” “It was really fun to be so early in the morning.” “I enjoyed it and had a good time. It sure was better than actually being in class!!”
What’s Next? • Assessment of learning outcomes • Continuous refinement • Evaluate the role of Freshmen Orientation within the overall library instruction program
Reaching Your Millenials A Fresh Look at Freshman OrientationToni-Carter@utc.eduBeverly-Simmons@utc.eduUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga