Transcript Generational Diversity - Hillsborough Community College

Generational Diversity
Kenneth Holden, Ed.D.
Dean, Student Services
Houston Community College
Generational Diversity
 Generational diversity defined
 Benefits of gaining understanding to
enhance services to minority males
 Historical perspective in education
• Four separate and distinct generations
• Generational groups
Generational Groups
 Traditionalist
• 1927-1944
 Baby Boomer
• 1945-1964
 Generation X
• 1965-1981
 Millennial
• 1982-2003
Traditionalist
 Population: approximately 35 million
 Times in their lives – life experiences
• Great Depression
• The New Deal
• World War II
• Korean War
Traditionalist
 Values
• Early years and the art of conformity
• Respect for authority and rules
• Dedication to work ethic and hard work
• Benefits of corporate advancements
• Experiences – wisdom
• Moderation – from hard times to
prosperity
Traditionalist
 Educational Styles
• Large forums
• Formal expertise presentations
• Civil and polite environments
Traditionalist
 Recommendations
• Focus on quality
• Encourage to share experiences
• Acknowledge rules of engagement
Baby Boomer
 Population: approximately 76-80 million
 Life experiences
• Civil rights movement
• Sexual revolution
• Space travel
• Assassinations
• The Vietnam War
Baby Boomer
 Values
• personal and professional growth
• “Me First”
• Hard work and high achievement
• Risk taking
• Optimistic and goal-oriented
• Attitudes of 1960’s and 1970’s
• Success is largely visible
Baby Boomer
 Educational Styles
• Workshops and seminars
• Panels: different perspectives
• Audience participation activities –
game shows
• Hands-on demonstrations
Baby Boomer
 Recommendations
• Help them feel victorious
• Provide opportunities for positive
experiences
• Become a team player
Generation X
 Population: approximately 40 million
 Life experiences
• Watergate
• Desert Storm
• Latch key kids
• MTV Generation
• Gas issues
Generation X
 Values
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Individualistic, independent and self-reliant
Recycling
Emphasis on diversity
Instant gratification
Cynical of authority and the establishment
Dependence on technology
View of the world
Generation X
 Education Styles
• Individualized sessions
• Focused learning
• Computer based instruction
• Entertainment
• Social networking
Generation X
 Recommendations
• Provide details and options upfront
• Appear to enjoy work
• Prove authority
Millennial
 Population: approximately 60-70
million
 Life experiences
• School shootings
• Oklahoma City bombings
• Technology revolution
• Exposed scandals
Millennial
 Values
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Environmental concerns and sensitivity
Meaningful work sought
Civic-minded
Diversity and cultural tolerance
Respect for authority
Academic pressures
Ambitious
Technologically minded and proficient
Millennial
 Education Styles
• Computer based and self-study
• Need for instant and on-going
feedback
Millennial
 Recommendations
• Admire them as individuals
• Demonstrate personal relevance
• Become non-stressful provider of
information
The College Campus
Generation
Employees
Students
Traditionalist
13%
Less than 1%
Baby Boomer
53%
11%
Generation X
31%
37%
Millennial
3%
52%
The College Campus
 Educators can help minority males
overcome critical issues by
understanding:
• Generational differences
• Views of issues
• Value system differences
• Life experiences
Sources & References
 “College and the Millennial Generation”, Millennial Generation Blog,
Kanna Hudson, September 2007
 “The Word on Generational Diversity”, HR Horizons, Volume 2,
Issue 3 Karla Hignite, July 2007
 When Generations Collide, Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman,
Harper Business, February 2002