Seminar to focus on Generation NeXt teaching challenges
Sept. 6, 2006Contact Information:Dustin Wardlow
575-5647/dwardlo@uark.edu
Alonna Still
575-2254/akstill@uark.edu
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A seminar on the challenges that “Generation NeXt” poses for university instructors is set for Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the University of Arkansas Union Theater. Dr. Mark Taylor, an educational consultant from Little Rock, will present a seminar in two sessions from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
The first session, “Generation NeXt Comes to College,” is about the challenges presented to educators by the unique characteristic and expectations of Generation NeXt, which Taylor says is “the first truly post-modern generation.” As a result of post-modern influences and social characteristics, Generation NeXt was raised in a very different social environment than previous generations, he says.
The second session, “Postmodern Pedagogy,” will explore issues of post-modern college education. Taylor says Generation NeXt students expect to be entertained and successful with little effort and are discontented with traditional teaching. The session will explore these issues and suggest ways to increase student involvement and facilitate more efficient learning.
Taylor has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, management and the helping professions. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology, a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in counseling, all from the University of Arkansas. He was the director of guidance services at Arkansas State University at Beebe until January 2006.
Taylor is now a full-time consultant on improving higher education services to Generation NeXt and other students. His resume reflects over 100 professional publications and presentations at state, regional and national events.
The event is part of the Justus Teaching Seminar Series sponsored by Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.