Gen Y - Program and Curriculum Guide

Section I: Chapter 3: Teaching the Curriculum
Summary: Creating an effective learning environment for the Gen Y class is crucial to its success. Techniques for dealing with physical space and technology policies are as important as understanding the role of facillitator rather than lecturer.

• What is an effective learning environment for a Gen Y class?
• Physical arrangements
• Role of the Gen Y teacher
• Balancing directed activites with group-work
• Working with district and school technology policies
• Role of the partner-teachers
• Facillitating collaboration between students and their partner-teacher

Chapter Excerpt:

What is an effective learning environment for a Gen Y class?
When you walk into a classroom that seeks to empower students, you know it. It is evident in every fiber of the environment and present in every interaction. A Gen Y classroom hums with productivity, confidence, and excitement.

Creating the climate or culture of a Gen Y classroom is where we put our beliefs into action. We set up our environments to promote student empowerment, interdependency, and trust. In Gen Y, we commit to working with others; all parties agree to learn from each other. The climate in the typical Gen Y class is extremely collegial and supportive. A great deal of attention is paid to group dynamics and collaboration with a balance of individual activities, partner work, and class discussion.

The Gen Y model thrives with a diverse student population and invites inclusion of all students. We provide for many modes of learning, encourage the use of learners' strengths, include and challenge all learners, and value difference.

We understand the importance of risk-taking in learning, of relabeling mistakes as chances for new learning and discovery. Gen Y teachers focus on learning self-evaluation and peer evaluation, and we develop learners who understand responsibility to self and others. We provide authentic, purposeful learning opportunities. There is an atmosphere of shared leadership and responsibility.

Next: Chapter 4: Using the Curriculum

To evaluate the full curriculum guide - click here

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5