Seeking recommendations for a good Generation "Y" training course for trainers. I am looking for a course that trainers can attend to assist them in teaching Generation "Y" students.

Steve... if there is one thing that I've learned from being a facilitator for over 17 years, and teaching all ages from 10 year olds through nearly retired Army Generals, to admin assistants who have "been with the company and its owner since its inception in 1968"... its that there is no such thing as some special way to teach a particular generation of people.

This is not intended as a personal attack - it's a general commentary about the notion that everyone from a particular era fits some generational stereotype.

I would recommend that everyone start thinking and treating everyone else as individual human beings, rather than any particular grouping. Learning is learning. Provide a variety of things that stimulate learning and everyone will benefit, including yourself and your trainers. Send them to a workshop about learning - about how people learn. Try The Accelerated Learning Workshop (and the book that accompanies it) - Dave Meier. Also, have your trainers do some research about Lasanov and accelerated learning theory.

P.S. You might want to try using the Find feature to search these forums - there have been at least a few discussions about this over the years in here.

Thanks--I have actually purchased the Accelerated Learning book, based upon the many postings that rave about the book. I agree with you, that there are many ways to address individuals in the learning. I too have been involved in years of facilitating, and have found very much like yourself that we do not want to put anyone is a specific "box", for lack of a better term.
My reason for asking is based upon my situation where I will have brand new trainrs, and I want to provide them at least an overview of the Gen Y, more for tools than anything else. I am very clear with new trainers that we seek success for the student, that being the ultimate goal. I also encourage the many forms of facilitating using various stratagies. Would you not agree that the Gen Y population, like the Gen X and the baby-boomers have some unique qualities that trainers should be aware of?

Hi Steve -- actually, I'm sorry, but I'll have to respectfully disagree with the generational differences assertion regarding learning.

I emphasized in my previous post that I've been training for a while so that it would be clear where I'm coming from -- successfully facilitating classes for all manner of people from various age groups, cultures, experiences, etc. without ever incorporating anything about generational generalities. I believe that avoiding assumptions about a particular generation (or any pigeon hole) is actually more helpful than putting focus on it.

Perhaps if you could provide a specific example or examples where you feel it applies, I can see where you're coming from, and I could address it more specifically.

Hi Steve,
I have a variety of resources for you on that topic; I have spoken on generational differences to trainers numerous times. Drop me a line and I'll walk through them with you: michelle.sterling@buildingbsolutions.com