Wilson Teaching Learning And Millennial Students Summary

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In “Teaching, Learning, and Millennial Students,” Maureen E. Wilson (2004) in her article published in New Directions for Student Services examines the literature to make recommendations to educators on how to enhance teaching and learning in college. Wilson (2004) is no newcomer to the classroom; in fact, she uses her expertise and experience as a student affairs director to cite evidence from scholars and experts in education and learning effectiveness to document how good practices in education are promoted through student interaction with the learning environment, asserting that this engages and motivates students. However, Wilson (2004) is examining studies that are dated as far back as 1987. Wilson (2004) makes a compelling argument combining 50 years of scholarly research and testimony to guide educators by providing specific strategies based on Chickering & Gamson’s (1987) article titled “Seven principles for Good Learning Practices.” Consequently, Wilson (2004) provides a convincing argument portrayed in her tone, diction, and the organization of this work, to affirm that educators can employ learning practices and principles to enhance student learning that focus not on various generations and characteristics of students, but the whole student, while making recommendations to create learning environments and experiences that promote student engagement and activity in any learning environment. Summary In her opening, Wilson (2004) starts by stating she is examining the literature to make recommendations to educators on how to "improve undergraduate education,” then in her next statement says “educators should create environments and experiences to enhance student learning and engagement, beyond the classroom using strategies for teaching in light of Millennial student characteristics (p. …show more content…
59), which is the basis for her examination. In spite of the two conflicting messages, Wilson’s (2004) overall objective is successfully communicated as she emphasizes strategies educators can integrate in the classroom that mirror and complement the characteristics of today's generation of learners in various learning environments. First, Wilson (2004) effectively defines Chickering & Gamson’s (1997) seven principles then she organizes her findings in a well-structured, clearly enumerated examination of each principle in the first five to six pages of her research. She uses descriptive topic and paragraph headings throughout to reason with the reader and show the relationship of each principle to student characteristic emphasizing how effective learning experiences are created when students are actively involved in the learning process. Wilson (2004) argues that teaching pedagogy or practice relates to the students’ social needs by enhancing student learning, motivating and engaging the student. In addition, Wilson (2004) argues that all students bring challenges to the learning environment, be it physical or mental, sheltered experiences, or unrealistic expectations; albeit, provides no documentation to support her assertion. Whatever the student’s challenge, the solution; Wilson (2004) reasons in her argument is for faculty and administrators to anticipate these differences and consider Chickering & Gamson's (1987) seven principles to learning. She then cites Knowlton (2000) stating faculty should “frame the course and supplement student interactions by providing resources and opportunities” (p. 68). Response Throughout, Wilson's (2004) article is a tone or quality of writing that shows a genuine interest in the student's success. Wilson (2004) interjects her personal experiences with students to show that she understands the needs of students, which she presents clearly and unbiased in her writing. Therefore, it is no surprise that Wilson (2004) supports her assertion by citing Chickering & Gamson (1987) recommending that faculty get to know their students’ academic needs to "enhance student motivation, involvement, and commitment (p. …show more content…
However, it is this learner’s observation that although Wilson (2004) is not introducing new strategies or principles to enhance student learning; she has done an excellent job expounding on Chickering & Gamson’s (1997) seven principles to enhance student learning. These studies have been around for years as evident in Barr & Tagg's (1997) research. Wilson (2004) has expertly refocused previous research in her research and findings and well documented her findings based on the literature, which has proven successful over the years. In this evaluator's opinion, Wilson’s (2004) recommendations are implementable and have proven effective in the classroom in all learning environments. Also, considering, today's digital era and the Millennial Generation of new college goers, engagement is an important component of learning to keep not only Millennials engaged, but also supports Barr & Tagg's (1995) research that higher education needs a paradigm

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