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Teaching Soft Skills to a New Generation of Learners. A ngele B lackshear- B rown, M.I.S.M. B rown M ackie C ollege- N orthern K entucky C onference 2012- S an A ntonio, T exas. Do you remember when???. 1900-1945. 1946 - 1964. 1965 - 1980. 1981 - 1999. Historical Foundations.
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Teaching Soft Skills to a New Generation of Learners Angele Blackshear-Brown, M.I.S.M. Brown Mackie College- Northern Kentucky Conference 2012- San Antonio, Texas
Do you remember when??? 1900-1945 1946 - 1964 1965 - 1980 1981 - 1999
Historical Foundations Who are the “Four Generations of Learners” in Higher Education today? Silent Traditionalist 1900-1945 Baby Boomers 1946-1964 Generation X 1965-1980 Generation Y or New Millennials 1981-1999
Silent Traditionalist The culture and characteristics of this generation includes: • Family-Oriented (Parents and Extended Family) • Respect Authority • Appreciate “Formal” classroom learning • Prefer a “Business” environment • Strong Keepers of Traditions (family and cultural) • Many “First Generation” American-born citizens • High Military participation Education Style: Greek Master Teacher with little or no Technology
Baby Boomers The culture and characteristics of this generation includes: • World-Changers • Value Teamwork • Have a Strong Work Ethic • Believe in “Equality” with Authority figures • Believe in climbing the corporate ladder • Generation introduced to “Mainstream” Technology and Media • Work for “One” company until retirement Education Style: Greek Master Teacher with little or no Technology used
Generation X The culture and characteristics of this generation includes: • Technology is a part of everyday life (Computers / Cellphones) • Many Single Parent households • Distance Education Learners • Resist Close Supervision / Prefer Freedom in Decision Making • Value Flexibility • Entertainment via Visual Stimulation (animation/video games) Education Style: Facilitator-style in class with use of Technology
Generation Y or New Millennials The culture and characteristics of this generation includes: • Highly tech savvy • Are “Global” citizens • Work in Virtual Societies remotely • Have used Internet and Computers since Kindergarten or before • Education is held in “High-Esteem” • Respect the concept of Diversity • Participate in “Hybrid” learning techniques Education Style: Distance or Hybrid Learning involving massive Technology
Technical Skills What technical skills are necessary for our students earlier generations to be successful? Use of Social Media Networks (Facebook, Linked In, Twitter) Use of Mobile Apps Updates of Operating Systems (Windows Seven, MAC/OS) Updates of Current Application Software (Microsoft Office 2012 and beyond) Use of Smartphones with Android or IPhone technology Use of Computers (Notebooks, Tablets, Advanced Video Game Consoles-PS3) Use of Electronic Commerce (Click and Mortar versus Brick and Mortar) Use of Email (COTS, Web Based) Use of Voice Command and Digital Telecommunications Systems
Soft Skills What soft skills are necessary for our students to obtain in newer generations to be successful? Collaboration Skills- Team Players Verbal/Interpersonal Communication Skills Use of Emotional Intelligence Positive Attitudes Handling Constructive “Criticism” Flexibility Work Ethic / Career Loyalty Self-Confidence Time Management Patience- Non Instant Gratification Stress Management Leadership
Case Study Activity Read the following story make the following assessments to answer this Case Study -What generation is this person in? -What technical skills could help this person? -What soft skills could help this person? -What classroom methods are needed for this student?
Classroom Techniques “The Top Down Project Method” Generation Y or New Millennials Generation X Baby Boomers Silent Traditionalist *Strengths* * Weaknesses* *Opportunities* *Threats*
Other Classroom Techniques Ice Breakers Conference Call Assignments Groupware/Remote Team Assignments Internship/Externship Opportunities Video Assignments and Tape Recorded Activities Learning Management Platforms-Distance Guest Speakers Field Trips / Webinars
The Next Generation in the Classroom The next generation will be the Homelanders -Born in 2000 or later • In 8 to 10 years they will be in your classrooms • This generation is the most diverse in our nations history binded by technology, music, and nationalism. • Last but not least how will they change our future? • Also how will they change the course of higher education? • WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE…..