Implications for Faculty
Faculty are likely to experience confusing classroom environments, with students that seem less interested in participating, and who require a more individualized approach to the traditional topics. Such shifts will require a shift in instruction. The National Training Laboratories reports a shift in the average retention of different learning activities. Student’s retention average from lecture is only 5% and 10% from reading. On the other hand, retention average for discussion groups is 50%, 75% for practice by doing, and 90% when the student experiments in a teaching role. Given the millennials’ characteristics, faculty need to work on:
a diversity of learning experiences in the classroom
continuous research of what works for students to learn
elimination of delays
a customer service focus
experiential, interactive and authentic learning
staying connected
expanding their opportunities on and off campus
providing international internships emphasizing social services projects
revising the curriculum taking into account the millennial learning styles
and their differences
Faculty can encourage students by developing interactive activities, using portable devices like PDA, iPod, mobile phones, and creating learning communities. Students will work better with mind maps, cases, games, simulations and role-play. A custom and individualized program of professional development will help faculty get up to speed.