This document discusses differences in learning styles between Baby Boomers and Millennials. Baby Boomers grew up in a post-war era and were educated through lectures and linear teaching, while Millennials grew up with technology and prefer a more constructivist learning environment. Millennials expect immediate feedback, are highly visual learners, and prefer opportunities for group work and technology use. Baby Boomers are more receptive to face-to-face instruction and hierarchical approaches. Effective training for both generations should incorporate varying learning styles and strategies suited to each generation's traits, while also considering the training content.

1. FACILITATING LEARNING
ACROSS GENERATIONAL
LINES
Baby Boomers and Millennials
Prepared by: Crystal Green

3. TEACHING ACROSS
GENERATIONS
• The previous slide epitomizes one of the core differences between two generations,
the Baby Boomer and Millenials sometimes called Generation Y. For the purposes
of this presentation we will refer to them as Millennials. These two groups were
born and came of age in two completely different worlds. The socio-economic and
historical backdrop behind their upbringings along with significant advances in
technology have shaped the focus, motivation and ultimately the learning styles of
these two generations.
• Hence it is important that Trainers and Instructional Designers consider the
variables associated with these two groups when designing effective training
programmes.

4. WHAT DEFINES THESE TWO
GENERATIONS?
Baby Boomers
• Born between 1946 and 1964
• Also known as The Greatest
Generation
• Grew up in a post war prosperous
economic environment
• Task focused
• Achievement oriented
• Noted for being hard workers
Millennials
• Born between 1981 and 2001
• Also known as Generation Y
• Known for feelings of entitlement and
speedy advancement in the workplace
• Constantly connected online
• Sociable
• Less likely to conform to rules
• Social activists

5. HOW WERE THESE TWO
GENERATIONS EDUCATED?
BABY BOOMERS
• Historically taught in a linear fashion
• Taught by lecture
• Read books cover to cover
• Learning technologies included
overhead projectors, film strip and
video
MILLENIALS
• Taught in a constructivist environment
• May wonder why anyone would read a
book
• First initial generation born into a
completely digital world
• Their blackboard was the IPad

6. MILLENNIAL LEARNER TRAITS
• Tend to be optimists
• Expect immediate feedback
• Not accustomed to negative feedback
• Shorter attention span
• Connected to technology 24/7
• Team oriented
• Sense of entitlement
• Highly visual learners. However it may be best to appeal to varying learning styles
• As digital natives, they expect technology

7. BABY BOOMER LEARNER TRAITS
• Receptive to face to face classroom settings
• Although they may be technologically savvy, they are less likely to readily use social
media for learning
• More accepting of top down hierarchical approaches

8. INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
FOR MILLENNIALS
• Create opportunities for the use of technology and social media
• Provide clear objectives
• Provide explanations or rationale for content and assignments
• Create opportunities for group work as well as research
• Promote sharing of information. This generation is more comfortable than any other with
sharing of information especially using social media
• Allow for flexibility. They should be given opportunities to customize courses
• Maintain a structured environment
• Cater to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles
• A good rapport is important. Millennials respond better when they feel the instructor cares
about their learning.

9. INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
FOR BABY BOOMERS
• Create a discovery oriented classroom. One where experience and prior knowledge
is not only valued but a requirement. Baby boomers have a wealth of knowledge
and experience that can enhance the classroom experience.
• Incorporate activities that cater to all learning styles. All learners can benefit from a
variety of learning styles.
• Foster an interactive approach to instruction. Boomers do not want to be lectured to.
• Provide tech support. While many Baby Boomers are tech savvy, they were not
raised in a technological world like Millennials.

11. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ID?
• This final visual is yet another example of the differences between these two
generations and it is fair to state that they came of age in two different worlds.
• However to what extent should these differences influence instructional design?
While designers should factor in the learning preferences and styles of these two
groups, one must be careful not to over-generalize and to perpetuate stereotypes.
• Additionally it is also important to consider the actual content being trained and in
many cases that will play a significant role in the approaches to teaching all
generations.
• Ultimately, the varying learning styles of generations is a key factor in designing
instruction but it is not the only factor.