What is the Currency of a Generation?
I heard this term used earlier in the week and can’t stop thinking about how important and overlooked this concept is to the structure of our society today.
The currency of a generation refers to the values, beliefs, and cultural norms that are most important to a particular generation at a given point in time. It describes the group’s collective mindset and priorities based on their similar life experiences and perspectives. The currency of a generation generally changes over time based on the shifts in societal, economic, and political conditions.
Reflecting on the shifts that have taken place in the world over the past decade, I’d say there has never been a greater change in what people value and believe in.
One of the key contributors to this change? The access we all have to information.
This abundance of information has empowered people to educate themselves on a wide range of topics and stay informed about current events. Research has found that an average person today can process as much as 74 gigabytes of data a day…that is as much as watching 16 movies!
With this abundance comes a natural challenge, one that asks the question of how to navigate this vast amount of information available while deciding what and who is a credible source. This challenge has drastically shifted the values and mindsets of our society, with more information being thrown at us than we can actually process, sending mixed messages and narratives based on the outlet we consume it through.
So, what happens when you’re trying to send the same message to five generations all at once? Also, what happens when that message is dictated by a handful of people who never truly understand the currency of these generations?
Sounds like a losing effort, right?
Well, welcome to modern-day education.
A Profound Impact On Learning
Today, the average age of an employed teacher is 42 years old.
This age range is categorized as Millennial.
Yes, those Millennials, are now technically middle-aged and boy has this generation’s currency changed over the years.
Growing up in the ’80s and ‘90s, Millennials are the last generation to remember life pre-internet. In a simpler time, unknowing of social media, smartphones, and DVRs, the currency of this generation started out with Saturday morning cartoons, boom boxes, and baggy jeans. In the 2000s and 2010s, the currency of this generation was defined by the focus on inclusivity, social justice, and technological innovation. These experiences had a significant impact on their education. Now their leadership as educators puts a large priority on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their curriculum, and embracing technology as a tool for learning and collaboration.
In any school building today, there can be upwards of five generations, all having significant differences, which can have a profound impact on learning outcomes. These differences can be seen in a variety of ways, including teaching styles, learning preferences, and attitudes toward education.
Let’s think about what has shaped the currency of each generation simply by looking at their defining experiences:
The Baby Boomer Generation: (born 1946-1964) this generation has driven many of the major social and cultural movements of the 20th century, including the feminist movement, the environmental movement, and the anti-war movement.
Generation X: (born 1965-1979) has had a significant impact on society, culture, and the economy, they have been trailblazers in the world of technology and entrepreneurship.
Millennials: (born 1980-1994) are known for their unique characteristics, values, and behaviors, tending to be more politically and socially engaged than previous generations.
Generation Z: (born 1995-2012) as digital natives, they are the first generation to grow up entirely in the age of the internet. They are known for their ability to multitask and their preference for visual content.
Gen Alpha: (born 2013 – 2025) thanks to technology, they are known for their diversity and global awareness. They are the first generation to grow up in a world of smart homes, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.
Now that we have our history lesson covered, take a minute to think about how a message conveyed within a school building might be received by each member of these generations. How does this message align with multi-generational stakeholders and their values, beliefs, and personal experiences?
Creating Cross-Generational Learning Environments
By understanding the currency of a generation, educators can better tailor their lessons and activities to resonate with their students, fostering deeper learning, while also creating a culture that not only accepts but encourages and understands different mindsets.
Here are a few areas of education where understanding the currency of a generation can create major ripples within a building:
Technology. The younger generations of teachers and students within a building have grown up with technology and are often more comfortable using it than their older counterparts. This can lead to a disconnect between teachers and students, particularly in how they use technology in the classroom. Creating cross-generational mentor groups (students included) is one strategy that immediately supports older generations with the adoption and understanding of modern technology.
Processing information. Older generations may prefer a more structured approach to learning, while younger generations may prefer a more hands-on, experiential approach. This can make it challenging for teachers to create lessons that appeal to all students and can result in some students feeling disengaged or bored. Creating the “Why” and the “How” behind these learning experiences with students can help build buy-in on the importance of the information.
Attitude. Older generations may view education as a means to an end, while younger generations may see it as a way to explore their interests and passions. This is one of the most difficult areas to solve in education, but if done right, can result in different motivations for learning. This is where personalized learning comes into play, maximizing the expertise of teachers within a building, followed by pairing them with students who are interested in this area of expertise. This structure creates a culture of success both academically and sparking interests outside of the classroom as well.
Learning Outcomes. Students from different generations have experienced very different levels of success in school. What might have been common practice for Gen X, may no longer be relevant for Gen Alpha. Teachers must be aware of these differences and adapt their teaching methods to accommodate them. This means using a variety of teaching methods, including technology and hands-on learning, creating a more inclusive environment that values and respects the different learning preferences and attitudes of all generations.
For any of these areas to be impactful, building administrators must create a culture where the currency of generation is explored and innovated upon. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that allows all students and teachers to thrive academically and personally.
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