Understanding iGen and connecting with your students
I have noticed a decent amount of media attention focusing on the "Millennial" generation over the past couple of months and it sparked my interest so I decided to do some research on my own. We do not focus on generational differences in Global Studies, however I felt that the topic could be incorporated as a way to introduce our "Geography and Culture" unit at the beginning of the year.
I am certainly no expert on the matter, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the stereotypes (positive and negative) of different generations. Millennials, according to Simon Sinek, are often accused of being entitled, narcissistic, unfocused, and lazy. While his interview pertaining to Millennials in the workplace is quite enlightening (and hilarious), further research into the matter made me realize the unthinkable...I am a "Millennial"!
How could this be? I'm far from perfect, but I pride myself on my work ethic and I earn everything I get! I thought there had to be some mistake, but no matter where I looked I fell into the "Millennial" category...at least according to my birth year. Although there is some disagreement about when the "Millennial" generation begins and ends, it is generally accepted that Millennials were born from approximately 1980-1995. As someone who was born in 1986 I can't honestly claim to be part of "Generation X".
Being "lumped in" with a bunch of spoiled, lazy, crybaby snowflakes isn't much fun, but just when all seemed lost...I found hope. Jason Dorsey is a generational researcher and he spoke about generational differences at TEDx Houston in 2015. In addition to his main point (which I'll get to in a minute) he described a "split" that occurred among Millennials. He basically says there are two types of Millennials...one type does what they are supposed to do (although later than other generations) and the other type just isn't very motivated to do much. It seems I fit in with the first group...I have a steady job, I'm happily married, a child on the way...just took me longer to get those things than it took my parents!
Anyway, Jason's speech at TEDx Houston was interesting because he asserts that the current generation is directly tied to modern technology and future generations will be based on technological breakthroughs as opposed to a strict set of years. The students who sit in front of us today (K-12) are actually a part of what he calls iGen (or the iGeneration). Check out the speech below.
Click here to download a worksheet that follows the video. Hopefully it can lead to meaningful conversations and help to begin the process of forming positive relationships with your students!
I am certainly no expert on the matter, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the stereotypes (positive and negative) of different generations. Millennials, according to Simon Sinek, are often accused of being entitled, narcissistic, unfocused, and lazy. While his interview pertaining to Millennials in the workplace is quite enlightening (and hilarious), further research into the matter made me realize the unthinkable...I am a "Millennial"!
How could this be? I'm far from perfect, but I pride myself on my work ethic and I earn everything I get! I thought there had to be some mistake, but no matter where I looked I fell into the "Millennial" category...at least according to my birth year. Although there is some disagreement about when the "Millennial" generation begins and ends, it is generally accepted that Millennials were born from approximately 1980-1995. As someone who was born in 1986 I can't honestly claim to be part of "Generation X".
Being "lumped in" with a bunch of spoiled, lazy, crybaby snowflakes isn't much fun, but just when all seemed lost...I found hope. Jason Dorsey is a generational researcher and he spoke about generational differences at TEDx Houston in 2015. In addition to his main point (which I'll get to in a minute) he described a "split" that occurred among Millennials. He basically says there are two types of Millennials...one type does what they are supposed to do (although later than other generations) and the other type just isn't very motivated to do much. It seems I fit in with the first group...I have a steady job, I'm happily married, a child on the way...just took me longer to get those things than it took my parents!
Anyway, Jason's speech at TEDx Houston was interesting because he asserts that the current generation is directly tied to modern technology and future generations will be based on technological breakthroughs as opposed to a strict set of years. The students who sit in front of us today (K-12) are actually a part of what he calls iGen (or the iGeneration). Check out the speech below.
Click here to download a worksheet that follows the video. Hopefully it can lead to meaningful conversations and help to begin the process of forming positive relationships with your students!
What a great resource, Ryan! I think it would be a fabulous discussion piece for my advisory students. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I don't know if I agree 100% with his theory as I think younger generations still need the wisdom and experience from older generations. I do agree that future generations will probably not be grouped into 20-25 year periods...I think they will be grouped according to life experiences, events, etc. and technology will undoubtedly have a huge impact in those experiences if it continues to grow at an exponential rate.
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