characteristics of the millennial generation currently invading college campuses will they alter how...

Characteristics of the Millennial Characteristics of the Millennial Generation Currently InvadingGeneration Currently Invading

College CampusesCollege Campuses

Will They Alter How We Teach?Will They Alter How We Teach?

Dave ReedDave Reed

Department of Horticultural SciencesDepartment of Horticultural Sciences

Texas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University

Four Chronological Four Chronological Eye-Opening ExperiencesEye-Opening Experiences

•Epidemic Cheating in HORT 202Epidemic Cheating in HORT 202•Freshman ConvocationFreshman Convocation

•60 Minutes Special on Millennials60 Minutes Special on Millennials•Student Leaders of Tomorrow ProgramStudent Leaders of Tomorrow Program

Each contributed to my insight into Each contributed to my insight into the current generation of young peoplethe current generation of young people

Epidemic Cheating Epidemic Cheating in HORT 202in HORT 202

•Students turned-in notebooks with Students turned-in notebooks with duplicate answers.duplicate answers.

•Cases on consecutive semestersCases on consecutive semesters•Nine involved in one semesterNine involved in one semester

•Almost all said they were awareAlmost all said they were aware they could not share answers they could not share answers on their notebooks, but many did not consider what they did as on their notebooks, but many did not consider what they did as

“wrong” or “serious”.“wrong” or “serious”.•This was beyondThis was beyond my comprehensionmy comprehension..

•I seriously contemplated changing how lab is taught!I seriously contemplated changing how lab is taught!

Freshman Convocation 2004Freshman Convocation 2004

Setting Expectations for FreshmanSetting Expectations for Freshman

““Become the Best You Can Be”Become the Best You Can Be”

ExpectExpectationationss

•Courses and GradesCourses and Grades•ExperienceExperience

•People Skills and NetworkingPeople Skills and Networking•Teamsmanship and Leadership PotentialTeamsmanship and Leadership Potential

In my wisdom, I thought, if you do these things, you will get the In my wisdom, I thought, if you do these things, you will get the most out of college and thus go on to have a successful, rich, most out of college and thus go on to have a successful, rich,

rewarding and fruitful career and life! rewarding and fruitful career and life! I was so very proud of myself to have the opportunity to share I was so very proud of myself to have the opportunity to share

such great wisdom.such great wisdom.

60 Minutes Special on the 60 Minutes Special on the Current Millennial GenerationCurrent Millennial Generation

A brief characterization of the A brief characterization of the Millennial Generation, including how they Millennial Generation, including how they

think, their values, what they consider right think, their values, what they consider right and wrong, and what they expect out of life.and wrong, and what they expect out of life.

A light bulb went off in my headA light bulb went off in my head““I don’t think like they do!”I don’t think like they do!”

““By gosh, it’s a generation gap problem!”By gosh, it’s a generation gap problem!”““Duhhhhhh!”Duhhhhhh!”

Student Leaders of TomorrowStudent Leaders of TomorrowSpring 2005Spring 2005

College-bound high school juniors and College-bound high school juniors and seniors come to campus and live the life of seniors come to campus and live the life of

a college student for a weekend, and a college student for a weekend, and attend workshops on valuable skills they attend workshops on valuable skills they

can use when they attend college.can use when they attend college.

Student Leaders of TomorrowStudent Leaders of TomorrowSpring 2005Spring 2005

What are yourWhat are your““ExpectationsExpectations” of “” of “CollegeCollege”?”?

What should “What should “CollegeCollege” give you” give youthat will allow you to become the that will allow you to become the

““Best You Can BeBest You Can Be”?”?

Student Leaders of TomorrowStudent Leaders of Tomorrow

List 4 of your “Expectations” of CollegeList 4 of your “Expectations” of CollegeTo develop your list, think about the following:To develop your list, think about the following:

What do I hope to get out of college?What do I hope to get out of college?What skill, characteristic or attribute do I need to What skill, characteristic or attribute do I need to

start a career?start a career?What will make me employable?What will make me employable?

1) __________________________________________1) __________________________________________2)___________________________________________2)___________________________________________3)___________________________________________3)___________________________________________4) ___________________________________________4) ___________________________________________

Student Leaders of TomorrowStudent Leaders of TomorrowThe “Millennial’s Expectations” of CollegeThe “Millennial’s Expectations” of College

17%17% Get a degree or good educationGet a degree or good education

14%14% Meet people, make friends or have funMeet people, make friends or have fun

12%12% Develop maturity, responsibility or characterDevelop maturity, responsibility or character

10%10% Gain KnowledgeGain Knowledge

9%9% People SkillsPeople Skills

8%8% ExperienceExperience

8%8% Develop specialized skill or degreeDevelop specialized skill or degree

7%7% LeadershipLeadership

6%6% Become more independent, self-confident or learn selfBecome more independent, self-confident or learn self

4%4% Good gradesGood grades

4%4% NetworkingNetworking

Surveyed 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and SeniorsSurveyed 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and Seniors

Student Leaders of TomorrowStudent Leaders of TomorrowThe “Millennial’s Expectations” of CollegeThe “Millennial’s Expectations” of College

17%17% Get a degree or good educationGet a degree or good education

14%14% Meet people, make friends or have funMeet people, make friends or have fun

12%12% Develop maturity, responsibility or characterDevelop maturity, responsibility or character

10%10% Gain KnowledgeGain Knowledge

9%9% People Skills*People Skills*

8%8% Experience*Experience*

8%8% Develop specialized skill or degreeDevelop specialized skill or degree

7%7% Leadership*Leadership*

6%6% Become more independent, self-confident or learn selfBecome more independent, self-confident or learn self

4%4% Good grades*Good grades*

4%4% Networking*Networking*

* Reed’s Freshman Convocation Expectations* Reed’s Freshman Convocation Expectations

ExpectationsExpectations

I have come to realize thatI have come to realize that“My Expectations”“My Expectations”, ,

reflect the Expectations of reflect the Expectations of ““My Generation”My Generation”

Therefore, I am imposing the Expectations of Therefore, I am imposing the Expectations of “My Generation”“My Generation” on that of on that of

the currentthe current “Millennial Generation” “Millennial Generation”

ExpectationsExpectations

We must ask the question:We must ask the question:

What are the Expectations of the What are the Expectations of the

““Millennial Generation”?Millennial Generation”?

And, where they “clash”:And, where they “clash”:

We must resolve the conflict!We must resolve the conflict!

GenerationsGenerations

What is the “Millennial Generation”?What is the “Millennial Generation”?They are the kids of the younger Baby Boomers and They are the kids of the younger Baby Boomers and

older Generation X born since 1980, and who currently older Generation X born since 1980, and who currently are infusing colleges.are infusing colleges.

Also called:Also called:

““Generation Y”Generation Y”““Echo Boomers” Echo Boomers”

““Generation Dot Com”Generation Dot Com”

Generations ChangeGenerations Change

Baby Boomers (40s-50s)Baby Boomers (40s-50s)

Generation X (60-70s)Generation X (60-70s)

MillennialsMillennials



Millennials (80s+)Millennials (80s+)

Generations ChangeGenerations Change


Let’s Characterize the “Millennials”Let’s Characterize the “Millennials”primarily fromprimarily from

Neil Howe & William Strauss, Neil Howe & William Strauss, Millennials Rising – The Next GenerationMillennials Rising – The Next Generation

A Little Bit About the Environment and TimesA Little Bit About the Environment and Timesin Which Millennials Grew Upin Which Millennials Grew Up

•most watched over generation in historymost watched over generation in history•most protected generation in historymost protected generation in history

(“helicopter parents”)(“helicopter parents”)•came along at a time when adults came along at a time when adults

started re-valuing kidsstarted re-valuing kids•came along at a time when parents made came along at a time when parents made

time to spend with their kidstime to spend with their kids•have been exposed to advanced technology in have been exposed to advanced technology in

every aspect of their lifeevery aspect of their life•have been exposed to an internet and cable TV world of have been exposed to an internet and cable TV world of

instantaneous communication and with no boundaries of distanceinstantaneous communication and with no boundaries of distance


MillennialsMillennials Experiences and Characteristics?Experiences and Characteristics?

Let’s outline what they have experienced Let’s outline what they have experienced in life and the characteristics these in life and the characteristics these

experiences have generatedexperiences have generated


•Heavily programmed activities by parents, Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, organizations, etc. guardians, teachers, coaches, organizations, etc. (soccer Monday, church Wednesday, dance Friday, etc.)(soccer Monday, church Wednesday, dance Friday, etc.)

•Like working on projects and activities in teams.Like working on projects and activities in teams.

•Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.

•Don’t like to keep score .Don’t like to keep score . (no “winners” or “MVP”, rather the reward is in (no “winners” or “MVP”, rather the reward is in the “participation” and “experience” gained) the “participation” and “experience” gained)


•Like immediate recognition Like immediate recognition (star on helmet or at-a-boy for good play versus end (star on helmet or at-a-boy for good play versus end of season reward) of season reward)

•Consider their parent or guardian their “friend”.Consider their parent or guardian their “friend”. (get ur done together!)(get ur done together!)

•Believe their parent or guardian “values” them andBelieve their parent or guardian “values” them and enjoys spending time with them. enjoys spending time with them.

•Like to please authority figures Like to please authority figures (parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.)(parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.)


•Their parents like to “play” with them, and they likeTheir parents like to “play” with them, and they like to “play” with their parents. to “play” with their parents.

•Easily bored if “nothing to do”Easily bored if “nothing to do”

•Not worried about what their life will be like 20 yearsNot worried about what their life will be like 20 years from now. from now.

•Respectful of authority figuresRespectful of authority figures (parents, guardians, teachers, policemen, etc.)(parents, guardians, teachers, policemen, etc.)

Millennial’s Experiences and CharacteristicsMillennial’s Experiences and CharacteristicsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and SeniorsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and Seniors

YesYes SomewhatSomewhat NoNo Experience or CharacteristicExperience or Characteristic

Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, organizations, etc.coaches, organizations, etc.

Like working on projects and activities in teams.Like working on projects and activities in teams.

Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.

Don’t like to keep score Don’t like to keep score (no “winners”, “MVP”; reward “participation” & “experience”)(no “winners”, “MVP”; reward “participation” & “experience”)

Like immediate recognition Like immediate recognition (star on helmet, at-a-boy for good play versus end of season)(star on helmet, at-a-boy for good play versus end of season)

Consider your parent or guardian your “friend”.Consider your parent or guardian your “friend”.

Believe your parent or guardian “values” you and enjoys Believe your parent or guardian “values” you and enjoys spending time with you.spending time with you.

Like to please your parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.Like to please your parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.

Your parents like to “play” with you.Your parents like to “play” with you.

Easily bored if “nothing to do”Easily bored if “nothing to do”

Not worried about what your life will be like 20 years from now.Not worried about what your life will be like 20 years from now.

Respectful of authority figures (parents, guardians, teachers, Respectful of authority figures (parents, guardians, teachers, policemen, fire fighters, the President, etc.)policemen, fire fighters, the President, etc.)

% Response% Response

Score Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)(Sum 1 point for each check in column)

Millennial’s Experiences and CharacteristicsMillennial’s Experiences and CharacteristicsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and SeniorsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 College-Bound High School Juniors and Seniors

YesYes SomewhatSomewhat NoNo Experience or CharacteristicExperience or Characteristic

71%71% 24%24% 5%5% Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, organizations, etc.coaches, organizations, etc.

44%44% 49%49% 6%6% Like working on projects and activities in teams.Like working on projects and activities in teams.

35%35% 49%49% 16%16% Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.Like team based rewards/grades/recognition.

12%12% 42%42% 46%46% Don’t like to keep score Don’t like to keep score (no “winners”, “MVP”; reward “participation” & “experience”)(no “winners”, “MVP”; reward “participation” & “experience”)

37%37% 47%47% 16%16% Like immediate recognition Like immediate recognition (star on helmet, at-a-boy for good play versus end of season)(star on helmet, at-a-boy for good play versus end of season)

55%55% 36%36% 9%9% Consider your parent or guardian your “friend”.Consider your parent or guardian your “friend”.

90%90% 9%9% 1%1% Believe your parent or guardian “values” you and enjoys Believe your parent or guardian “values” you and enjoys spending time with you.spending time with you.

88%88% 12%12% 0%0% Like to please your parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.Like to please your parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.

51%51% 41%41% 9%9% Your parents like to “play” with you.Your parents like to “play” with you.

43%43% 31%31% 26%26% Easily bored if “nothing to do”Easily bored if “nothing to do”

19%19% 27%27% 54%54% Not worried about what your life will be like 20 years from now.Not worried about what your life will be like 20 years from now.

86%86% 14%14% 0%0% Respectful of authority figures (parents, guardians, teachers, Respectful of authority figures (parents, guardians, teachers, policemen, fire fighters, the President, etc.)policemen, fire fighters, the President, etc.)

52%52% 32%32% 16%16% % Response% Response

6.36.3 3.93.9 1.91.9 Score Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)(Sum 1 point for each check in column)

MillennialsMillennials ExpectationsExpectations

Let’s determine how these experiences Let’s determine how these experiences have molded their expectations.have molded their expectations.

MillennialsMillennials Millennial’s Expectations?Millennial’s Expectations?

•Expect instant gratification and satisfaction.Expect instant gratification and satisfaction. (When I do it I want to feel good about it right now)(When I do it I want to feel good about it right now)

•Expect immediate feedback. Expect immediate feedback. (I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)(I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)

•Expect to be rewarded for participation, not Expect to be rewarded for participation, not individual accomplishment. individual accomplishment. (I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment.)(I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment.)

•Expect a reward for everything they do.Expect a reward for everything they do. (I expect a star or trophy for my contributions.)(I expect a star or trophy for my contributions.)


•Expect to rise to the top quickly. Expect to rise to the top quickly. (I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss”(I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while I am still young and can enjoy it.) while I am still young and can enjoy it.)

•Expect to work with teams, friends and positiveExpect to work with teams, friends and positive people, and have fun. people, and have fun. (I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)(I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)

•Expect to be respected by teachers, boss and peers.Expect to be respected by teachers, boss and peers.

•Do not expect job to control their life and otherDo not expect job to control their life and other activities. activities.


•Expect to be challenged and learn new skills.Expect to be challenged and learn new skills.

•Expect technology to increase and are very Expect technology to increase and are very comfortable with it. comfortable with it.

•Optimistic expectations about the future.Optimistic expectations about the future.

•Expect to volunteer and be civic minded.Expect to volunteer and be civic minded.

Millennial’s ExpectationsMillennial’s ExpectationsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 High School StudentsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 High School Students

YesYes SomewhatSomewhat NoNo ExpectationExpectation

I expect instant gratification and satisfaction.I expect instant gratification and satisfaction.(When I do something, I and want to feel good about it right now)(When I do something, I and want to feel good about it right now)

I expect immediate feedback.I expect immediate feedback.(I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)(I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)

I expect rewards for participation, not individual accomplishment.I expect rewards for participation, not individual accomplishment.(I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment)(I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment)

I expect a reward for everything I do.I expect a reward for everything I do.(I expect a star or trophy for my contributions)(I expect a star or trophy for my contributions)

I expect to rise to the top quickly.I expect to rise to the top quickly.(I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while young)(I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while young)

I expect to work with teams, friends, positive people, and have fun.I expect to work with teams, friends, positive people, and have fun.(I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)(I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)

I expect to be respected by my teachers, boss and peers.I expect to be respected by my teachers, boss and peers.

I do not expect my “job” to control my life and other activities.I do not expect my “job” to control my life and other activities.

I expect to be challenged and learn new skills.I expect to be challenged and learn new skills.

I expect technology to increase, and I feel comfortable with it.I expect technology to increase, and I feel comfortable with it.

I have optimistic expectations about the future.I have optimistic expectations about the future.

I expect to volunteer and be civic minded.I expect to volunteer and be civic minded.

% Response% Response

Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)

Millennial’s ExpectationsMillennial’s ExpectationsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 High School StudentsSurveyed responses from 2005 SLOT Program – 80 High School Students

YesYes SomewhatSomewhat NoNo ExpectationExpectation

30%30% 48%48% 22%22% I expect instant gratification and satisfaction.I expect instant gratification and satisfaction.(When I do something, I and want to feel good about it right now)(When I do something, I and want to feel good about it right now)

61%61% 26%26% 13%13% I expect immediate feedback.I expect immediate feedback.(I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)(I want to know my score, grade, reward, right now.)

16%16% 56%56% 28%28% I expect rewards for participation, not individual accomplishment.I expect rewards for participation, not individual accomplishment.(I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment)(I want rewards based on the team’s accomplishment)

4%4% 19%19% 77%77% I expect a reward for everything I do.I expect a reward for everything I do.(I expect a star or trophy for my contributions)(I expect a star or trophy for my contributions)

34%34% 34%34% 32%32% I expect to rise to the top quickly.I expect to rise to the top quickly.(I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while young)(I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while young)

87%87% 12%12% 1%1% I expect to work with teams, friends, positive people, and have fun.I expect to work with teams, friends, positive people, and have fun.(I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)(I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.)

90%90% 9%9% 1%1% I expect to be respected by my teachers, boss and peers.I expect to be respected by my teachers, boss and peers.

67%67% 27%27% 6%6% I do not expect my “job” to control my life and other activities.I do not expect my “job” to control my life and other activities.

95%95% 5%5% 9%9% I expect to be challenged and learn new skills.I expect to be challenged and learn new skills.

78%78% 16%16% 6%6% I expect technology to increase, and I feel comfortable with it.I expect technology to increase, and I feel comfortable with it.

65%65% 33%33% 2%2% I have optimistic expectations about the future.I have optimistic expectations about the future.

70%70% 27%27% 2%2% I expect to volunteer and be civic minded.I expect to volunteer and be civic minded.

58%58% 26%26% 16%16% % Response% Response

7.07.0 3.13.1 1.91.9 Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)Score (Sum 1 point for each check in column)

Clash of ExpectationsClash of Expectations

Due to different expectations,Due to different expectations,

there is a Clash of Expectations there is a Clash of Expectations

between thebetween the

““Baby Boomers”Baby Boomers” & & “Generation X”“Generation X”

and the and the

““Millennials”Millennials”

Clash of ExpectationsClash of Expectations

Examples of the “Generation Clash”Examples of the “Generation Clash”

Millennials Expect:Millennials Expect:•expect a grade based on how hard they worked, henceexpect a grade based on how hard they worked, hence

expect grade inflationexpect grade inflation

•expect “teamwork” & “organized activities”, and do expect “teamwork” & “organized activities”, and do not consider “helping each other” as wrong, hencenot consider “helping each other” as wrong, hence

do not understand the “My Generation’s” do not understand the “My Generation’s” definition of scholastic dishonestydefinition of scholastic dishonesty


Let’s not end on negatives Let’s not end on negatives

about the “about the “MillennialsMillennials””

Millennials - PositivesMillennials - Positives

Positives about these “Millennials”Positives about these “Millennials”•violent crime is down violent crime is down

•tobacco and alcohol use are downtobacco and alcohol use are down•teen pregnancy is downteen pregnancy is down

•aptitude test scores are upaptitude test scores are up•optimism about the future is upoptimism about the future is up

•trust of mom & dad, authority and government are uptrust of mom & dad, authority and government are up•they are the best well educated, technologically advanced, and they are the best well educated, technologically advanced, and

technologically comfortable generation in the history of the technologically comfortable generation in the history of the universe (as we know it)!universe (as we know it)!

Some feel they may become the Some feel they may become the Next Great GenerationNext Great Generation

So will “they” change how “I” So will “they” change how “I” teach?teach?

You bet they will!You bet they will!How can I “teach” if I don’t “reach” them?How can I “teach” if I don’t “reach” them?

(“teach reach tweet rule”) (“teach reach tweet rule”)

How am I going to change?How am I going to change?•I don’t know, but I’m starting with dialogue.I don’t know, but I’m starting with dialogue.

•I explain more about how and why I have certain rules and I explain more about how and why I have certain rules and expectations.expectations.

•I’ve eased up on certain rules.I’ve eased up on certain rules.•I let them know which of my “rules cannot be broken”.I let them know which of my “rules cannot be broken”.

My New ExpectationsMy New Expectations

It is my job to help them achieve their It is my job to help them achieve their potential!potential!

““I must “I must “learnlearn” how to “” how to “teachteach” them ” them without sacrificing without sacrificing

““my academic standards”my academic standards”!!

Their “Realistic” ExpectationsTheir “Realistic” Expectations

They must realize:They must realize:””My Generation” will assign their grades.My Generation” will assign their grades.

“My Generation” will hire them.“My Generation” will hire them.“My Generation” will promote them.“My Generation” will promote them.

They must learn how to live and function inThey must learn how to live and function in“My Generation’s System”“My Generation’s System”

untiluntilThey Become the “Established Generation” at the They Become the “Established Generation” at the

helm, and they start setting the “Rules”helm, and they start setting the “Rules”

Millennials At The HelmMillennials At The HelmIt’s not too far down the line!It’s not too far down the line!

You better get ready, You better get ready, because you maybe working for them someday!because you maybe working for them someday!

characteristics of the millennial generation currently invading college campuses will they alter how...

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college student

invading college campuseswill

velop maturity

meet people

velop specialized skill

setting expectations

good education14

expectations of collegeto