Page 158 - Beyond Methods
P. 158
146
Promoting learner autonomy
Leading Generations
General Characteristics
Learning Preferences
Veterans:
Born between 1922 and 1943; Many served in World War I
Baby Boomers:
Born between 1943 and 1960; Children of World War II veterans
Generation-X’ers:
Born during 1960- 1980; Experienced the effects of feminist, civil- rights movements
Believe in discipline, law and order, duty before pleasure; hard working; respect for authority; group- centered.
Believe in equal opportunities, personal gratification, health and wealth; optimistic; team-oriented; self-centered.
Believe in self-reliance and independent thinking; accept diversity; pragmatic in outlook; not intimidated by authority.
Prefer a stable, orderly, risk-free learning environment; respect teachers’ authority; motivated to learn; focus on practice- oriented knowledge.
Prefer an interactive learning environment, with non-authoritarian teachers; welcome opportunities for team work, but believe in competition over cooperation.
Beginning to use technology.
Prefer a self-directed learning environment; want knowledge and skills that increase productivity; more comfortable with graphics and visual images than with print media.
Figure 6.2
Let them draw from the list of adjectives given in the chart and go be- yond those, if necessary.
6.1.7 Ask them to rejoin their groups, exchange their notes about in- dividual preferences, and identify features that are common to the mem- bers of the group.
6.1.8 Have each group of students report to the class and present the common learning preferences they have identified, followed by class discussion.
