Thursday, July 15, 2010

Generational Differences in Group Learning

It may be possible that in any of your group programs you have a range of age groups, or different generations, participating. There is getting to be a lot more information and research into the diferent preferences of the different generations. one of the sources I have found useful is the work of Cam Marston at www.generationalinsights.com. You can check out his blog as well.

I write more about the impact of Generational Preferences as it relates to group coaching in my book Effective Group Coaching. I would encourage coaches to continue considering what you include in your programs, and how you deliver it. Different technologies may have impact on different age groups, and different age groups, such as Millenials/Gen Y may have a natural inclination for group work, based on their educational experiences.

Issues to consider are:
- How to leverage the expertise of all participants, recognizing that there may be different levels of experience
- How to support participants through any technological challenges/hurdles they may face in participating
- How to celebrate the diversity of perspectives that exist across age groups, and to support sharing of insights and a valuing of all perspectives

On a practical note you will also want to consider how people would like to receive their materials (online PDFs, materials delivered on a USB or by email versus hard copy materials)

At the end of the day, we need to continue on what is it that our clients, or audience, wants and values. What will best support their learning styles?

What do you notice about the different needs of different generations in your programs? Any trends? As always, please feel free to comment below.


Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416-996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

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