Talking About Their Generations, Harnessing the Power of Millennials

Abstract: This article identifies the different generations: the G.I. Generation, born from 1901-1924; the Silent Generation, born 1925-1942; the Boom Generation, born 1943-1960; Generation X, born 1961-1981; and the Millennial Generation, born since 1982. There are several differences between the generations, such as the ways they were raised, what values were important, and the emphasis put on education. As each generation gets older, the generation produces new types of ideas (as well as educators) who are very different than the people before them. When the last of the boomers retire, which will be in about 10 years, the educational system staff will be consist completely of Generation X and Millennial teachers and administrators. Newer education strategies must be put into place in order to reach the younger generations coming up.

Reflection: I thought that this article was helpful in my understanding of the different generations. I never actually knew where one began and the other one ended. I think that it is very important to promote respect across the generations, because newer people can learn a lot from a more experienced person. However, many times there will be situations where the newer person might feel held back or restricted because of their lack of experience.