How to Work With Millennial (Generation Y) Students

The Millennial Generation, or Generation Y, roughly refers to those born between 1980 to 2000. Many grew up with constant media influence and with a personal computer in their homes. They are ethnically diverse and are familiar with ethnic diversity. Most are technically savvy, multi-taskers, goal-oriented, and very connected electronically. Now that many in this generation make up the majority of university and college undergraduate populations today, and many are now entering the workforce, those from older cohorts are realizing that they must relate to this generation on different terms in order for everyone to be successful. This brief article overviews some steps to success for working with the Millennial Generation/Generation Y.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Provide structure for the students and specify acceptable behavior.
2. Provide leadership and guidance to the students.
3. Encourage the self-assuredness of the student, positive self-image, and can-do attitude.
4. Let the students collaborate and network in order to take advantage of the millennial generation's comfort level with teams. The Millennial Generation/Generation Y are comfortable with staying in constant electronic communication with their friends, family and acquaintances.
5. Challenge the students and hold them accountable. Millennial students and members of Generation Y are up for change and challenge.
6. Provide an active, engaged, fun, student-centered learning environment for the students.
7. Help the students learn to delay gratification. Members of the Millennial generation (Generation Y) are familiar with instant gratification.
8. Help the students learn how to learn.
9. Provide rewards and consequences for the students.
10. Provide service learning opportunities for the students to engage in.