Bridge the Generation Gap in Nursing with Diverse, Creative Education

There are some distinct differences between how Boomers and Xers view work and education. Boomers invented the 60 hour work week while Xers insist on a balance between work and leisure. Boomers value the team concept at work and in learning, while Xers are perfectly content to pursue distance learning at a time and place convenient for them (Avillion; Filipczak et al.; Hammill).

Here are some tips for designing teaching/learning strategies for Xers:

• Make learning activities fun. Xers value fun as part of work and learning.
• Incorporate role-playing when possible. Xers enjoy role-playing scenarios and are not really worried about making mistakes in front of others as they learn.
• Allow time for discussion. If the learning activity is conducted at a distance set up time for group meetings or online chats. Make use of e-mail as a means to answer questions and share information.
• Earn Xers' respect by demonstrating expertise, and sharing your experiences with them. Be enthusiastic.
• Xers like visual stimulation. They don't generally read as much as Baby Boomers and prefer visual illustrations over printed materials.

Generation Y
Members of Generation Y were born between 1981 and 2002 and are also referred to as members of the Echo-Boom Generation or Generation Net Avillion; Filipczak et al.; Hammill).

Generation Y's have grown up with technology and are completely comfortable with its frequent advances and changes. They equate education with the ability to find good jobs (Avillion).

They view downsizing as normal and have even less loyalty to organizations than Xers. They focus on what they do, not where they work (Avillion; Filipczak et al.; Hammill).

Here are some education tips for Y's:

• Incorporate opportunities to interact with colleagues and educators.
• Incorporate fun as well as structure in education. Provide information about objectives, goals, and schedules.
• Establish a mentor program.
• Provide written resources and ways to access journals, books, and other materials. Unlike, Xers, Y's enjoy and value the time that they spend reading.
• Provide convenient distance learning opportunities, but make sure that you offer opportunities to collaborate and have discussions with each other and with educators.

Because you will be dealing with members of all four generations, plan varied activities that incorporate a variety of teaching/learning strategies. Be flexible and enthusiastic. All learners value educators who are sincerely interested in facilitating continuing education and the professional growth and development of their learners.

References
Avillion, A. E. (2008). A Practical Guide to Staff Development: Evidence-Based Tools and Techniques for Effective Education. Marblehead, MA: HCPro, Inc.
Hammill, G. (2005). "Mixing and managing four generations of employees." FDU Magazine Online. Retrieved September 1, 2009 from www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm.
Filipczak, B., Raines, C., & Zemke, R. (1999). "Generation gaps in the classroom." Training 36(11): 48-54.