1. Understanding our Shared Generational Lens Module
Summer Academy | 2009

2. module purpose and structure:

3. ground rules

4. module philosophy – cultural lens:
•“a metaphor for a point of view”
“If you are talking from your point of view, you would talk about what you want, need or
feel like. To get a person to do something, it is much better to talk from the other person's
point of view.”
“In conflict resolution a technique of using "I", "me", "my" language
encourages the person to talk from their own point of view…
Talking about your own point of view brings it upon the other person
to be more understanding and cooperative.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens

5. understanding & identifying your lens:
what makes me unique?
age What influences your cultural lens the most?
gender • community leaders
grade • teachers/instructors
friends • friends
geographic location • books/internet/printed media
strengths • other
weaknesses
groups/clubs
siblings
hobbies
activities
nationality
race
sexual orientation
movies
music

6. getting started:
•What is a Generation?
•What is Generational Identity?
•What is your Generation called?

7. what is a generation?
• Consists of approximately a 20-year span (not all
demographers and generation researchers agree on the
exact start/stop dates)
• Has a unique set of values
• Reacts to the generation before them
• Looks at their generation as the standard of comparison
• Looks at the next generation skeptically: these kids
today . . . .
http://www.cpcc.edu/planning/studies_reports/ActiveFiles/millennial%20comm%20college.ppt

8. what we hope to learn today:
•Define the Millennial Generation based on
leading definitions in the field of research.
•Use different acronyms, abbreviations and jargon
used to describe the Millennial Generation.
•Brainstorm a list of stereotypes ascribed to their
generation.
•Identify and analyze cultural events that shape
their and other generations.

9. generations
Birth Cohorts
Approx. 20-22 years
Silent
Tradionalists Baby Boomer Generation X Millennials
Generation
1901-1924 1943-1960 1961-1982 1983- Present
1925-1942
http://www.eiu.edu/~arc/ - Eastern Illinois U.

10. millennials
“A new generation is poised to seize the reins
of history...the Millennials currently include 95
million young people up to 30 years of age—
the biggest age cohort in U.S. history.”
(Greenburg 2007)

11. where does this generation live?
1.2 billion mobile youth
Western Europe
Where are they? 124.8 million Eastern Europe
115.3 million
China, Taiwan, HK
254.6 million
North East Asia
46.4 million
Middle East
North Africa
42.8 million
Asian Pacific
North America 133.9 million
99.3 million
Central South Asia
219.3 million
Latin America Central
146.3 million Southern
Africa
60.9 million
1.24 billion mobile youth
in 2009, rising to 1.5 2000 1.36bn 1.43bn 1.50bn
1.24bn
billion in 2012. As a 1500 1.15bn
standalone country,
mobile youth would be the 1000
2nd biggest in the world, behind only
500
New Adds
Total 50% live in
China. By 2010, they will be number
1. 0
Asia
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
data source mobileYouth.org 2009

12. generational names

13. generational random facts
• Born in or after 1982-84
• Presently 80 million (largest)
• The oldest entered college Fall of 2000
• Life expectancy of 75 years
• 3 most popular names
Males Females
Michael Jennifer
Jason Jessica
Christopher Ashley
http://www.eiu.edu/~arc/ - Eastern Illinois U.

14. cultural events that shaped a generation’s experience
September 11, 2001
Columbine
Oklahoma City Bombing
Princess Di’s death
Clinton Impeachment Trial
O.J. Simpson Trial
Lewinsky scandal
Global Climate change
Racial and ethnic diversity
War in Iraq
Ethics and finance scandals
New technology

15. learning community assignments
Blue Red
Adam H. & Taylor’s mentor families Andre & Libbi mentor families
Green Purple
Tyler & Kabrina’s mentor families Adam B. & Lana
Orange
Chandra & Rumil’s mentor families

16. learning community locations
Front of Classroom
Green Blue Red
Agenda
•Introductions of members to Learning Community
•Develop and complete “Learning Community Creeds” Worksheet
•Things to Consider
•Additional Ground Rules
•Discuss how each member learns best
•Discuss who/how will Homework be handled
•How will you hold your peers accountable?
•How will you ensure that everyone is included?
•Additional rules/Thoughts?
•Brainstorm Stereotypes of your generation, write them down on the Post-It Sheets
Orange Purple

17. closing
Learning Community Homework:
Type up and email LC’s stereotypes to
dgrabsch@uark.edu
Individual Homework:
Write at least a half page journal entry on
observations you make this weekend about
your generation and reflect on first class
Before You Leave:
Complete your “Exit Card”
LC Color Name
Front (lined side): Write about 3 things that
learned today, and how you will apply it.
Back (unlined side): What do you hope to
learn from this module?