Recognizing College Students of Today: Generational Shifts Prompt Pedagogical Shifts

As educators strive to continually improve the learning potential of the students in our classrooms, it is wise to evaluate traits of the students that may influence the effectiveness of the pedagogical methods employed. To this end, this essay introduces the reader to descriptions of today’s college students that identify this cohort as unique in learning style as well as life experience from all previous generations. An assessment method was used to investigate the degree to which current students identify with these generational stereotypes. The method and results of the assessment are discussed, and suggestions for adopting new pedagogical strategies for teaching these students are offered. The essay concludes with suggestions for future research into the pedagogical methods that may better serve this cohort of students