The Generational Mix in Health Professions Education:
Implications for Teaching and Learning
 

Duration

3-4 hours (half-day)

Synopsis

Participants explore the teaching implications of the generational mix that exists in dental schools where the age span ranges from faculty in their 60s (Silent Generation) and 50s (Boomers) to the current Generation Y students. Participants analyze the values and expectations characteristic of different generational groups and discuss potential friction points between Yers and Boomers. The learning preferences of Gen Y students are assessed with emphasis on learning style differences among Yers, Xers, and Boomers. Research on the learning preferences of the Gen Y student is described, and participants discuss the implications for their teaching responsibilities. Participants assess their curriculum and identify ways the academic program could be modified to take advantage of the capacities and interests of the Gen Y student. The final session will focus on strategies for providing feedback that Gen Y students hear, remember, and use without getting defensive because the coaching moment when students can most benefit from feedback is also the moment when friction between students and teachers most commonly occurs.

   
 

Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

- Compare the values and expectations that are characteristic of
  different generational groups.

- Identify potential friction points between professional students
  (mostly Gen Yers) and faculty (mostly Boomers or the
  "Greatest Generation"/Silent Generation).

- Describe the learning style preferences of Gen Y students, and
  discuss the implications for instruction in the dental school.

- Assess their own teaching methods, especially as they apply to
  Gen Y students.

- Identify strategies for providing helpful, constructive feedback
  that students will hear, remember, and use without getting
  defensive.

- Discuss reasons why defensiveness occurs, and identify types
  of feedback that are counterproductive.

If you would like additional information or would like to schedule this workshop at your institution, please contact the Academy for Academic Leadership.
 

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