Introducing 

Prezi AI.

Your new presentation assistant.

Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.

Loading…
Transcript

Multi-Generational Learning

Does it matter?

Gen Y

1981-2000

Gen X

1965-1980

Baby Boomers

1946-1964

Gen Z

2000-present

Traditionalists

before 1946

Background

Problem Statement

This is the first time in American History that four generations are sharing the workplace. As the Baby Boomers begin to retire, Generation (Gen) X will be moving into leadership along with the fast growing Generation Y. Generation Z will be entering the workforce in 2015 with an unknown set of learning needs.

Is your organization prepared?

The focus of this study was to investigate if the multi-generational workplace has an effect on learning trends and needs. If organizations do not keep abreast of evolving learning needs within their audience, they could be missing opportunities to effectively develop the workforce which impacts productivity, retention and employee satisfaction.

TIP

For an optimum viewing experience, enlarge to full screen (click on square in bottom right corner of lower menu bar) or zoom in when needed (scroll in/out or hover over right side of screen to view magnifying glass).

You can also drag the screen to move images for reading.

Research Questions

Challenges

Research Method

The challenges involved in this study are:

- Avoiding stereotypes and biased opinions.

- Obtaining responses from participants of each generation.

I used a qualitative & quantitative (mixed method) approach including a survey, questionnaire & one-on-one interviews.

The participants consisted of a targeted group internal to my organization and a random sample from the general public. The intention of this was to have a diverse audience.

The goal of my research is to answer the following

questions:

• Does each generation have trends in learning styles?

• What are the similarities/differences amongst generations?

• What learning solutions are best suited to meet the specific needs of

each generation?

• What issues/barriers does this bring to training in the workforce?

• What can training departments do to assess the audience by generation

and meet the various learning needs?

• What are the implications for the future?

• Are there exceptions and what factors are involved?

Survey

Survey Results Summary

Questionnaire/Interview

The survey consisted of 10 questions regarding learning styles & various influential factors.

The following questions were used for a select group as 1:1 interview discussion points and sent to others as a questionnaire. The focus here was to identify if negative or positive perceptions exist in the workplace across generations.

The results did show a correlation in learning preferences and generational groups:

- Baby Boomers prefer learning that involves people interaction. They

commented that they prefer classroom, 1:1, discussion or

apprenticeship experiences where they can obtain immediate

feedback.

- Gen Xers are the most neutral learners. They prefer a variety of

learning experiences, including blended solutions (combination of two

or more methods). They like to go at their own pace and to be offered

options.

- Gen Yers prefer classroom learning, as well as hands-on activities,

projects and experiments.

Let's look at some of the details...

Questionnaire Results Summary

The results of the questionnaire revealed that all generations view working together similarly. There were no real issues or concerns.

Some of the findings include:

Frequently - Work effectively together. Learn from one another. Produce better work when working together.

Occasionally - Feel disprespected by other generations. There is a difference in work ethic. Experience communication breakdowns. Think other generations are over/under reliant on technology.

Answers

Course of Action

• Does each generation have trends in learning styles? Yes

• What are the similarities/differences amongst generations? They have different

preferences but see value in working together.

• What learning solutions are best suited to meet the specific needs of

each generation? A combination and/or options of delivery methods.

• What issues/barriers does this bring to training in the workforce? Time and

resources to develop options & dedication to continue research in this area internally.

• What can training departments do to assess the audience by generation

and meet the various learning needs? Surveys and other measurement tools.

• What are the implications for the future? As the shift continues, learning trends will

continue to change and employee retention is a major concern. A proactive approach

is beneficial.

• Are there exceptions and what factors are involved? There are exceptions, mostly

based on comfort with technology.

Based on historical and my collective data, I recommend that organizations take a closer look at the ratio of generations included in their targeted audience.

As there is a distinct relationship between generational groups and learning preferences, offering the appropriate learning methods can make the learning experience more productive and enjoyable. Offering choices in how to take the training is highly recommended, as well as using a blended approach (combination of two or more methods).

As the generations continue to shift and Gen Z (born after 2000) enters the scene, learning needs will continue to evolve. There is great potential for learning and development teams to continue to create new and innovate ways of learning for all generations.

References

Clarey, Janet (2009) Multi-Generational Learning in the Workplace.

Retrieved from: http://janetclarey.com/2009/02/26/multi-generational-learning-in-the-workplace/

McCrindle, Mark (2009) New Generations at Work: Attracting, Recruiting,

Retaining and Training Generation Y. Retrieved from:

http://www.libraries.vic.gov.au/downloads/Public_Libraries_Unit/newgenerationsatwork.pdf

Hammill, Greg (2005) Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees.

Retrieved from: http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm

Notter, Jamie (2013) Conflict and Generations in the Workplace. Retrieved

from: http://www.astd.org/Publications/Blogs/Workforce-Development-Blog/2013/03/Conflict-and-Generations-in-the-Workplace

Learn more about creating dynamic, engaging presentations with Prezi