The Silent Generation

Also called Traditionalists, Seniors, The Greatest Generation

Lived through the Great Depression and World War II
Born between 1922 and 1943

Baby Boomers
Also called the Me Generation, the Sandwich Generation
Born between 1943 and 1960

Generation X
Sometimes called the Baby Bust Generation
Born between 1960 and 1980

Millennials
Also called the Echos, the Nexters, and Generation Y
Born between 1980 and 2000

 Grew up during the

Depression and served in
World War II
Believe in sacrifice for the
Greater Good
Often have one immigrant
parent or multiple immigrant
grandparents
Maintain traditional values
Have respect for the
wisdom of elders
Prefer a hands-on
approach or real reality

 Born between 1943

and 1960
TV Generation
Materialistic
Me focus
Responsible for social
changes
Two household
workers
Women in the work
force: Superwoman
Live to Work -

 Born between 1960 and

1980
Often children of divorce
and non-traditional family
units
Latchkey kids
Raised on electronic
media
Use of newest technology
is a given
Function well alone
Tend to be pessimistic and
skeptical of authority and
institutions
Have short attention spans

Sometimes younger siblings of Gen-Xers

Benefitted from parents later life success
Often have at least one immigrant parent
Are racially and ethnically diverse
Identify with
parents values
Gravitate toward
group activities
Believe its cool to
be smart
New technology is a
given
Short attention

1. Millennials
2. Gen-X
3. Baby Boomers
4. Silent Generation

0%
1

0%
2

0%
3

0%
4

 Workers from the Silent Generation are characterized by

Loyalty to the employer

Hard work
Dependability
Personal touch approach
Obedience over individualism
No hurry/ long patience

Boomer workers are characterized by

Belief in paying dues to get ahead

Sense of duty
Belief in sacrifice for success
Loyalty to employer
Salary contributes to satisfaction
Self satisfaction in job is paramount, but measured in different
ways

 Generation X workers are characterized by

Technology skills
Entrepreneurial spirit
Mobility and flexibility at work
Focus on personal professional growth over employer interests
Perceived lack of loyalty
Want balance of work and home life
Need immediate feedback
Will balance end result with desire for quick resolution

Millennial workers are characterized by

Technology skills
Expectation of diversity
Expectation of rapid results
Flexible schedules
Want balance of work and home life
Need for independence in decision making
Desire for challenge and growth
Expect immediate feedback

 Lecture classes
Reading assignments in books. We
generally prefer to print out long
documents rather than read them on
screen
Pen and paper note taking
Working individually rather than in
groups
Quiet study or work time
Face-to-face interaction with others
Acceptance of professional authority
Limited access to our time as faculty
Expectation that our decisions will be
accepted without challenge

 Consumer orientation
Assumption that institutions are corrupt and
untrustworthy
Multi-tasking
Doing several things at once
Learning from several different sources

Pragmatic approach to problem solving

Questioning the veracity of information
Entertainment orientation
Instant gratification
Short event horizon
Expectations of excellence
Awareness of personal safety
No civility

1. The Beatles and

the British Invasion
2. Technology and
electronic
advances
3. Mr. Moms
influence
4. Parenting
5. The New Math

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Technology
Parenting

 Often had children later

or had two sets of
children
Had Millennial children
when they were more
established in their
careers and were more
financially stable
May have felt that they
failed with the older
children

 Media told them over and over

to protect their children
Media covered every incident of
harm to children
Government passed child
safety laws
School told them that they needed to be involved in their
childrens schools
Child-rearing books told them to be involved with their
kids at all levels

And if you dont do all these things, then you are a

...

BAD PARENT!

1. Millennials
2. Gen-Xers

0%
1

0%
2

Research done by Molly Epstein at Emory University

(2007) reveals interesting differences:

Comfortable speaking with professors:

60% of Millennials
< 40% of Gen Xers

1. Millennials
2. Gen-Xers

0%
1

0%
2

1. Millennials
2. Gen-Xers

0%
1

0%
2

Comfortable asking for special

treatment:
60% of Millennials
29% of Gen Xers

Believe that authority figures should

set and enforce rules:
70% Millennials
40% Gen Xers

1. Millennials
2. Gen-Xers

0%
1

0%
2

1. Millennials
2. Gen-Xers

0%
1

0%
2

Feel comfortable challenging

professors on grades:
60% of Millennials
35% of Gen Xers

Want a clearly structured academic

path:
80% of Millennials
60% of Gen Xers

 Articulate all desired outcomes

Establish clear expectations;
communicate them early and
often
Maintain technological
sophistication
Offer opportunities for personal
involvement
Design real world assignments
End the sage on the stage
approach
Provide transparency and clear
communication
Address multiple learning
options
Use meaningful assessments:
From Generation Next Come to College: 2006 Updates and Emerging Issues by Mark L.
require demonstration rather
Taylor