Meeting the needs of students in higher education multigenerational classrooms: what can educators do?
International Journal of Information and Learning Technology
ISSN: 2056-4880
Article publication date: 6 December 2023
Issue publication date: 30 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
It is now considered commonplace to teach in a multigenerational higher education classroom that is made up of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y and Z students. To ensure that all students, regardless of their generational identity, are successful in the classroom, educators must teach purposefully, with an understanding of the variables that affect student learning. Educators must ensure instruction is delivered according to varying student strengths and needs. This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations. The most effective instructional practices for teaching will be discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
This article is a literature review focused on meeting the needs of multigenerational learners in synchronous and asynchronous online learning classrooms.
Findings
To ensure that all students, regardless of generational identity, are successful in the classroom, educators must teach purposefully, with an understanding of the variables that affect student learning. A summary of these generational strengths and needs are discussed within this paper.
Practical implications
This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations.
Originality/value
This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations. The most effective instructional practices for teaching will be discussed.
Keywords
Citation
Schnell-Peskin, L., Riley, G., Hodnett, K., Gryta, V. and Kisamore, A. (2024), "Meeting the needs of students in higher education multigenerational classrooms: what can educators do?", International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 73-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-04-2023-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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