Bauerlein and Howe’s interview discusses the authors’ two very
different viewpoints on the Millennial Generation. Howe ,writer of Millennials
Rising: The Next Great Generation, claims that the Millennial generation is one
of innovation similar to the GI generation. Howe believes that our generation
has the ability to shape the nation into a better and safer society. Through
developments in technology the Millennial generation has been provided with a
plethora of venues for growth in communication and education, perhaps aiding in
the steady incline of IQ scores.
Mark Bauerline presents his own views on the Millennial
generation in his book, The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies
Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future. As clearly as it is stated in the
title, Bauerline believes the Millenial generation to be the least intelligent
generation in history (RUDE!). He claims that our generation has no depth, as
result of our access to unlimited social networking and gaming technology.
Bauerlein also claims that the Millenial Generation is self obsessed and missuse
their access to technology.
I enjoyed the interview and hearing both arguments about whether
I, and my generation, are the nations saving grace or inevitable downfall. Oddly
enough I agree with both sides of the argument. I do believe that facebook,
twitter, halo, etc. have created a more self absorbed generation, yet these
same networks allow us a window of communication to peers all over the globe!
It is important as teachers that we use our knowledge of the millennials to
better instruct and engage our students.
I enjoyed your response to Bauerlain and Howe's arguments. I found thier points interesting but ultimately I could not agree with either point of view. Like you, I could see both sides of the argument. However, I found the sheer logistics of comparing different generations to be rediculous. How can one compare this generation with one from decades ago. Life is so different that it seems illogical to attempt a comparison.
ReplyDeleteI too see both sides of the arguments. It is interesting to me how you related the debate to your own experience as a Milennial. I am not a Milennial so I found this a particularly interesting reflection. It is good to have colleagues of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences to collaborate with.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I found most interesting about Baurlein and Howe's discussion was the fact that neither of them offered any thoughts about the relevancy of their argument--of course, they might want to avoid that topic, since it could render their argument moot. After all, no matter how much they talk about whether millennials are smart or dumb or the saviors of mankind, the fact is--we're here. And neither praising us nor condemning our poor study habits will make us go away. So what should we do now, fellas?
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your candid assessment of Bauerlin's assertion that Millennials are the most shallow generation. Like you, I personally disagree. If I take pride in anything, it is that I consider my educational experience to be deep and meaningful. I also think think both Bauerlin and Howe make valid points, but each also makes some invalid generalizations.
ReplyDelete