Demystifying the Millennial student: A reassessment in measures of character and engagement in professional education

Abstract

The characteristic profile of Millennial Generation students, driving many educational reforms, can be challenged by research in a number of fields including cognition, learning style, neurology, and psychology. This evidence suggests that the current aggregate view of the Millennial student may be less than accurate. Statistics show that Millennial students are considerably diverse in backgrounds, personalities, and learning styles. Data are presented regarding technological predilection, multitasking, reading, critical thinking, professional behaviors, and learning styles, which indicate that students in the Millennial Generation may not be as homogenous in fundamental learning strategies and attitudes as is regularly proposed. Although their common character traits have implications for instruction, no available evidence demonstrates that these traits impact their fundamental process of learning. Many curricular strategies have been implemented to address alleged changes in the manner by which Millennial students learn. None has clearly shown superior outcomes in academic accomplishments or developing expertise for graduating students and concerns persist related to the successful engagement of Millennial students in the process of learning. Four factors for consideration in general curricular design are proposed to address student engagement and optimal knowledge acquisition for 21st century learners.

The use of digital badges by undergraduate nursing students: A three-year study

“…This finding is supported by McCurry and Martins (2010) who acknowledge that nursing academics should consider innovative approaches to teaching undergraduate nursing students in ways which appeal to millennial learners. For the purpose of this article, millennial leaners belong to the generation born between 1978and 2001(DiLullo et al, 2011.…”

A comparative study of traditional and digital method in teaching surgical pathology to undergraduate medical students

“…Mean pre-test score was low in breast as well as colon (4.93 and 4.81 respectively) in comparison to appendix and gall bladder (6.69 and 6.65 respectively) ( Table 2, 3,4,5). This could be due to the fact that appendix and gall bladder diseases are more frequently taught in surgery as these are common surgical diseases and more commonly performed surgeries.…”

“…Millennials, defined as those individuals born between 1982 and 2001, are digital natives who are accustomed to multitasking and the continuous use of digital devices. 5,6 Recent advances in photographic and computer technology allow pathologists to easily capture digital images of surgical specimens. Because of these advances, digital technology has greatly improved the process of manipulation, presentation, distribution, and archiving of image.…”

Student Perceptions to Teaching Undergraduate Anatomy in Health Sciences

“…Although informative, the results of student perception surveys should be interpreted with caution (DiLullo, McGee, & Kriebel, 2011). Students' perceptions regarding the value of different teaching modalities may not reflect actual worth in terms of their learning of anatomy.…”