The impact of ‘Generation Y’ occupational therapy students on practice education

Abstract

Overall, the results of this study suggest that 'Generation Y' students are having both a negative and a positive impact on practice education in occupational therapy. For educators, management of the overconfident student and professional reasoning development should be addressed in university practice education workshops. For students, the need for clarification of placement expectations on professional behaviour and communication was indicated. Students may also require 'listening to feedback' skill development prior to practice education. Universities and practice educators should consider the development of technological resources for practice education, including simulation, to meet the needs of the, now recognised 'Generation Y' student.

The Future in Their Hands: The Perceptions of Practice Educators on the Strengths and Challenges of “Generation Y” Occupational Therapy Students

“…Overall, the findings concur with the findings of the original study by Hills et al (2012), adding the use of evidence-based practice to their documented set of attributes. While some challenges were identified, the identified strengths far outweigh the reported challenges, and it is believed that, similar to other new generations entering the profession, Generation Y will benefit from and uniquely shape the future of the profession.…”

“…Pragmatism supports the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the same research design. This research, therefore, replicated the mixed-method survey used by Hills et al (2012). The rationale for this approach is that it is a basic requirement for scientific inquiry to replicate research.…”

“…There is, however, growing evidence of the existence of Generation Y characteristics in health professionals (Borges, Manuel, Elam, & Jones, 2006;Jamieson, Kirk, & Andrew, 2013;Lavoie-Tremblay, Leclerc, Marchionni, & Drevniok, 2010). Hills, Ryan, Smith, and Warren-Forward (2012) found in a survey of OT practice educators (n = 62) from one Australian university that some aspects of the Generation Y attitudes and behaviors have been observed in OT students. In particular, over selfconfidence in their skill level, being easily bored, and being casual communicators.…”

“…Despite this, only one study has been completed on the existence of Generation Y OT students (Hills et al, 2012). This study, however, lacked external validity due to the local sample.…”

The Effect of the Unique Features of Y Generation on Organizational Commitment / Y Kuşağının Belirleyici Özelliklerinin Örgütsel Bağlılık Üzerindeki Etkisi

“…This is mainly the reason of their commitment to their parents. The members of Y Generation, are self-centered and self-important because of their way of growing situation (Hills et al, 2012). It can be said that both the upbringing styles and the common experiences they have experienced during the youth period are effective.…”