Generation X

This generation is also called Gen X'ers, Post-Boomers, and Baby Busters.¹ They were born between approximately 1965 and 1980². They came of age in the midst of skyrocketing divorce rates in the U.S., a new trend of both parents working, and the birth of personal computing and personal technology devices, such as the Commodore64, Atari, and Walkman. Therefore, most of them are comfortable with computers, smartphones, tablets, and other technologies.

Gen Xers are defined as geeks, independent thinkers, and artists who tend to be fast-paced, engaging in interesting work, and productive as they love their personal time and enjoy working on individual or self-directed ventures.¹ Gen Xers value work/life balance, appreciate fun in the workplace, and embrace a work hard/play hard mentality. They adapt well to change and are resourceful.¹

 

Traits of Gen Xers

Here is a short video that explains the traits of Gen Xers.

• Independent and self-reliant (Sometimes referred to as "latch-key kids")²
• Entrepreneurial thinkers²
• Resourceful problem solvers²
• Defy authority and micromanagers²
• Loyal to individuals, not organizations
• Driven by reality (How will a course or degree help them in the real world?)
• Have a distaste for "touchy-feely" teaching methods
• Competent with technology but prefer communications via email and phone²
• Value freedom as the best reward because they want to balance work and life²

Learning Preferences

• Engage in direct/immediate communication (emails and phones)2
• Avoid micromanaging them²
• Connect assignments to real world situations²
• Provide an opportunity for individual work²
• Prefer analyzing case studies that are related to their areas of specialties²

Practical Tips

• Get to the point and provide clear instructions for assignments and activities²
• Challenge their cognitive domain versus tasking them with emotion-focused assignments
• Embed cases and real-world scenarios in the lecture
• Add brief opportunities for students to reflect on learning
• Connect assignments to real world situations
• Provide opportunities for individual work
• Explain the rationale and benefits of group work prior to assigning such activities
• Incorporate technology when possible²
• Use games and case studies²

 

Throughout this lesson, you will encounter Self-Check Questions like the one below. These will help you determine your ability to meet the stated objectives of the lesson. You must earn 85% of the possible points in order to successfully complete this lesson.

  

 

1 Betz, C. L. (2019). Generations X, Y, and Z. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 44, A7-A8.
2 Griggs, J. (n.d.). Generational learning styles (Generation X and Y). Florida Institute of Technology. Retrieved from https://intra.cbcs.usf.edu/common/file/HireABull/Generational%20Learning%20Styles%20Handout.pdf

Image: "Generation X" is courtesy of ISU Photographic Services