People born together in a particular

year or group are sometimes called

historical or cohort generations.

Each generation’s name reflects its

most distinctive demographic feature or historical experience.

A brief description of 5

such generations follows…..

Hardworking

Loyal

Technologically Challenged

Submissive and Traditional

•The Great Depression

•Encouraged to pursue higher education.

•Education uninterrupted by war.

•Religion

•Conformity

•WW11

•The Korean War.

Born between 1946 and 1964

75 million boomers in the U.S.

6 million boomers in Canada

Era of The Cold War, The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and the birth of NASA

Emphasized team-building, collaboration and group decision making

Baby Boomers shaped a new teen identity against old notions

Their parents talked about hardships and sacrifice

Great divide among baby boomers: Some learn new technologies - others feel forced and fear it

Shift from exclusive to inclusive classrooms

Bloom’s Taxonomy was first introduced to the Baby Boomers

Born in the 60’s and 70’s

Independent

Technologically Adept

Freedom and Responsibility-

“latch-key Kids”

“Helicopter Parents”

Gen X’ers are said to be:

Irrational, and Well- Educated

Self-Absorbed at Self- Reliant

Brats the Entrepreneurs

same Tech-Savvy

time…

… described as “working to live rather than living to work”.

Most common consensus places them born between 1982 and 2000 or 2002

They are the first generation to accept social media as a common form of communication and interaction

Students are very comfortable multi-tasking Comes from the use of laptops, smart phones, video

games, etc.

They can have 3 or 4 types of technology on the go

Having access to the Internet 24/7, students are not challenged by content-based questions

Teachers need to create situations for students to problem-solve, think critically and creatively to find solution to educational problems

Millennials learn and work better in group settings.

Also known as ‘Generation “AO”- always on.

Born in the 1990’s to present time

Highly connected

had lifelong use of communication and media technologies such as the World Wide Web, instant messaging, text messaging, IPODs, cell phones and YouTube.

Some exhibit a thirst for instant gratification and quick fixes, a loss of patience and a lack of deep-thinking ability

Recent research has found 35% of those ages

6 months to 3 years have a TV in their

bedroom; 10% ages 4-8 have a computer

in their bedroom; and 51% of those

ages 9-12 have a cellphone.

Research has shown that by the time they reach adulthood, today’s kids have spent 30,000 hours on the internet and playing video games.

much more adept at processing visual information and have better hand-eye coordination.

visual style of learning may be preferable to auditory and other styles. It also means, not surprisingly,

that they may prefer learning that is game-like

in nature.

They love learning if there is a game involved- I have a great “Optics” game that involves shooting things!

Short lessons, with a variety of activities. Their attention span is definitely a factor to consider in planning lessons.

Anything I have them do that allows them to use

technology is great, especially our new Ipads.

I recently had them register for Edmodo in my class- they loved it! They felt like we were doing something illegal…

They don’t have a lot of presentation or researchskills but are eager to learn whatever I show them.

My PGP this year involves integrating more technology into my classroom. I feel this is necessary to better prepare my students for 21st century learning experience.