By Gerson Moreno-Riano, August 20, 2009 in Pedagogy and Teaching
Who are these Millennials that fill the classrooms of today’s universities? What has shaped their upbringing and identity? Consider the following important characteristics. Millennials have been deeply affected by the intersection between technology and globalism. Today’s students have grown up in a world less affected by geographical boundaries, one which can be connected to and downloaded at the click of a mouse. They are technologically savvy and their personalities and behaviors have been shaped by an environment that knows no boundaries. This interconnectivity has fostered the Millennials’ belief in the importance of community and inclusivity. They do not define themselves in terms of boundaries and borders. Rather, they want to include the other as well as work within environments that are collaborative in nature.
Millennials have also grown up in an era of terrorism, heroism, patriotism, and civic engagement. Beginning with the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing to the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and to the other domestic acts of terrorism in Oklahoma and at Columbine and Virginia Tech, terrorism has been one of the most defining and common experiences for today’s students. As such, terrorism has also tempered the Millennial generation’s value of community and inclusivity. It is clear that real and deadly threats exist not only against their generation, but more importantly against the very community in which they have been raised. For some Millennials, the threat of terrorism is a reminder of the importance of community and inclusivity. For others, it is an important reminder of the need for patriotism and heroism. Millennials have witnessed the heroism of American servicemen and -women as they give their lives for their country. The self-sacrifice of the hero-servant and the love of country, of one’s own community, have left an indelible mark on their generational conscience. Regardless of how Millennials have responded to terrorism, all are civic-minded and seek not only to participate in but to contribute to civic life. Millennials exhibit a strong social conscience. Not only do they volunteer at high rates but they also expect companies to be socially and environmentally responsible. Today’s university students want to help in making their world a better place.
The generational characteristics of Millennials provide educators with a tremendous opportunity to shape and nurture future citizens of high caliber. Rather than beginning with the assumption that a cultural gap exists between students and faculty, today’s professors need to start with an understanding of how the Millennials’ generational characteristics actually provide some of the moral and intellectual capital on which to build a culture of civic engagement; a society that defends truth and right principles; a nation that is strong ethically, financially, and politically; and a world that is full of optimism, opportunity, and balanced realism. Millennials exhibit a high degree of confidence and hope. They want their opinions to be respected but also want to be challenged. Today’s students don’t want to be dismissed as ignorant, privileged, or hopeful know-nothings.
ISI’s programs are essential in connecting the characteristics and desires of the Millennials to the economic, political, and spiritual values that not only sustain a free and humane society but also further the Millennials’ desire for a better world. ISI’s emphasis on Western civilization and the American experience is intimately related to the Millennial emphasis on community, inclusivity, and patriotism. And ISI’s emphasis on liberty and conservative thought helps to educate students and faculty regarding the importance of hope, optimism, and a balanced realism.
The opportunities university educators face today are unique and monumental. Next year will exhibit one of the largest numbers of university applicants in recent years. Thousands of Millennials will be pursuing a university education. Faculty need to be prepared to understand this generation as well as to provide sound and timely educational content delivered by appropriate pedagogical means.
