Ensuring Gen Y Students Come Prepared for Class; then Leveraging Active Learning Techniques to Most Effectively Engage Them

Authors

  • J Roberta Minifie Texas State University - San Marcos
  • Kathryn Davis Huston-Tillotson University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11634/216796061706228

Keywords:

, Gen Y, Class Preparation Assignment, Active Learning, Case Study

Abstract

During the 2011-2012 academic year, a teaching method was tested that yielded strong improvements in test scores, greater depth of analysis in projects, an increased level of class participation, and higher attendance rates. This case study discusses how class preparation assignments were used with a dual grading system in an active learning environment to achieve these outcomes. The case concludes with an analysis of the class grades and attendance records, quotes from two student interviews, and a year-to-year comparison of the faculty evaluations for each benchmark course.

Author Biographies

J Roberta Minifie, Texas State University - San Marcos

Professor Department of Management Entrepreneurial Studies

Kathryn Davis, Huston-Tillotson University

Chair – Business Administration

References

Abiola, O.O. & Dhindsa, H.S. (2011). Improving classroom practices using our knowledge of how the brain works. International Journal of Environmental & Science Education, 7 (1), 71-81.

Aggerholm, B. (2006). Educating the new wave; Today‘s techno-savvy students are a challenge, but universities haven‘t seen anything yet, Kitchener-Waterloo Record. Retrieved from Factiva database.

Berrett, D. (2012). How 'flipping' the classroom can improve the traditional lecture. The Education Digest, 78(1), 36-41. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1039300597?accountid=5683

Bloom B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives, handbook I: The cognitive domain. New York, NY: David McKay Co. Inc.

Bonwell, C.C. & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report. Washington, D.C.: School of Education and Human Development, George Washington University.

Borreson, J. & Salaway, G. (2008). The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2008. Retrieved from http://larrycuban.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/ecar-survey-univ.pdf

Bracy, C., Bevill, S., and Roach, T. D. (2010). The millennial generation: Recommendations for overcoming teaching challenges. Proceedings of the Academy of Educational Leadership, 15(2), 21-25.

Florida State University. (2012). Instruction at FSU: A guide to teaching and learning practices, (7th ed.). Talahassee: S. Rudasill.

Gieysztor, Aleksander. (1992). “Management and Resources.” Pp. 108-43 in A History of the University in Europe, Vol. 1, Universities in the Middle Ages, edited by Hilde de Ridder- Symoens. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

Gillette, L., Davis, K.S., & Gillette, J. R. (2012). Active Learning Teaching Strategies to Promote Student Learning and Create Intellectual Excitement in the Classroom. ACBSP 2012 Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD.

Johnson, D., R., Johnson, and K. Smith, Active Learning: Cooper- ation in the College Classroom, 2nd ed., Interaction Book Co., Edina, MN, 1998.

Johnson, D., R., Johnson, and K. Smith, “Cooperative Learning Returns to College: What Evidence is There That it Works?,” Change, Vol. 30, No. 4. July/Aug., 1998, p. 26–35.

Mangold, K. (2007). Educating a new generation: Teaching baby boomer faculty about millennial students. Nurse Educator, 32, 21-23.

Munoz, A. (2012, May 2). Personal interview.

Oblinger, D. (2003). Boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials: Understanding the new students. EDUCAUSE Review, 38(4). July/August, 37–47.

Raines, c. (2002). Managing millennials. Retrieved on September 17, 2012 from http://www.hreonline. com/pdfs/ManagingMillennials.pdf

Rodriguez, O. (2012, May 2). Personal Interview.

Springer, L., M. Stanne, and S. Donovan, “Effects of Small- Group Learning on Undergraduates in Science, Mathematics, Engineer- ing and Technology: A Meta-Analysis,” Review of Educational Research, Vol. 69, No. 1, 1999, pp. 21–52.

Susman, K. (September 4, 2012). Content coverage vs. active learning. Retrieved September 17, 2012 from http://pages.vassar.edu/teachingtales/2012/09/04/content-coverage-vs-active-learning/

Sutherland, T. E. & Bonwell, C. C. (1996). Using active learning in college classes: A range of options for faculty. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Svinicki, M. & McKeachie, W. J. (1999). Teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers (10th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

The National Center for Academic Transformation (2005). Improving the quality of student learning. Amherst: N.A. Retrieved on September 20, 2012 from http://www.thencat.org/ PCR/R2/UMA/UMA_PR1.htm

Walvoord, B. E., & Johnson, V. J. (1998). Effective grading: A tool for learning and assessment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Wankat, P. C. & Oreovicz, F. S. (1992). Teaching engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Zemke, R. (2001). Here come the millenials. Training, 38(7), 44-49.

Downloads

Published

05/30/2013

How to Cite

Minifie, J. R., & Davis, K. (2013). Ensuring Gen Y Students Come Prepared for Class; then Leveraging Active Learning Techniques to Most Effectively Engage Them. American Journal of Business and Management, 2(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.11634/216796061706228

Issue

Section

Articles