Educating Five Generations.

For the first time in history, we are charged with the educating of five different generations. Each of them have different learning styles and learning needs/wants. Those from the Silent Generation (1924-1945) are retired but still active, with strong minds. They want to learn, but only the things they are interested in, in the ways they want to learn. The Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are moving toward the end of their professional lives, and continuing education is very important to them. Generations Xers (1965-1979) grew up with computers, and are the most well educated generation ever. Generation Y or the Millennial Generation or (1980-2000) grew up completely electronically connected. Any information is available to them, wherever they are, in just a few clicks. Generation Z (2001 to present) children are just entering grade school. Already they are exposed to everything the world has to offer. Learning styles and learning activities for each of these generations differ. An understanding of these will help today’s educator reach and engage students of any age. Ideas for educating each will be presented.