Generations Research

I was talking to my dad about generations theory. It makes sense of my experience of society, but my dad finds it suspect. Its a difficult field to study because in order to see larger patterns you'd have to carefully study multiple generations over their entire lives. The elusive aspect of generations theory is how the generations relate and whether there are largescale cyclical patterns. Nonetheless, less ambitious research has been done which shows actual differences between generatioins.

http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=gcm_pubs

http://www.coe.iup.edu/ace/PAACE%20Journal%20PDF/PDF2001/Cambiano2001.pdf

Generation X

• In order to maintain a prime learning environment for Generation
X, instructors should maintain a very structured environment.
Generation X needs carefully laid out plans of what is
expected of them in the learning situation, including knowing
assignments that are due in the future, the parameters of each
lesson, and the sequential steps involved in all assignments, with
the instructor leaving nothing to interpretation.

• Adult educators need to understand that the prime learning time
for Generation X is in the evening. Flexibility in scheduling
should be considered.

Baby Boomers

• When instructing Baby Boomers, it is important to keep in mind
their preference for a physically warm learning environment.
Bringing sweaters, being able to adjust the room temperature,
and having warm coffee available would be a few considerations.

• Also, Baby Boomers have indicated that they prefer tactile learning.
This finding indicates that Baby Boomers expressed a need
for hands-on learning activities using three-dimensional and
manipulative materials, i.e., touchable and moveable materials.

Silent Generation

• The Silent Generation prefers to learn in the morning. This preference
needs to be considered while scheduling in order to tap
into the Silent Generation’s highest energy levels.

http://blog.vovici.com/vovici_blog/2008/09/age-demographic.html

In 1974, 51% of Boomers were interested in saving for retirement; at a comparable age, in 1998, 73% of X-ers were interested in saving for retirement.

Where 63% of Boomers were concerned “about understanding my own reasons for doing things”, only 27% of X-ers were in 2002, at a similar age.

In 1967, as incoming college freshman, 82% of Boomers were going to college to “develop a meaningful philosophy of life” (the number one reason); in 2003, that was the last reason for X-ers, 74% of whom said “being very well off financially” was why they were attending college.

http://agency.travelwisconsin.com/Research/MarketResearch_Active/boomerxer.shtm

Differences Between Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers

1. Generation X-ers are more likely to be single, and those singles are more likely to travel as a group. Single Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers tend to travel with a romantic partner.

2. Among Generation X-ers, men seemed more likely to be involved in making travel arrangements than in the older group. In both groups, the reservation-makers were mostly women, but the gender difference was smaller in the younger group. In both age groups, there were more men than women willing to travel without hotel reservations.

3. The younger group was more likely to use the Internet to research vacation destinations, although many in the older group did that too. Currently, both groups were equally unlikely to make reservations online.

4. At least one Empty Nester/Aging Baby Boomer focus group put great value on quiet rooms in their lodging. This was not mentioned by Generation X-ers.

5. As could be predicted, the recent and predicted changes in their travel habits had to do with children. Gen X-ers visit their parents and in-laws. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers visit their kids. Gen X-ers who already had young children admitted that changed their destinations and activities, but didn't complain. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers were giddy (in some cases) with freedom from long drives with squabbling children, choosing destinations that would interest kids, or worrying about leaving semi-reliable teenagers behind. Some said they took advantage of off-season discounts because they weren't tied to the school year anymore.