5. They are team oriented.
Think about it. They grew up with Barney, played soccer, learned in groups at school and often wore uniforms. Community is as important as individual accomplishments. Many date in groups. Some only want a leadership position if they can serve alongside a team and share the responsibility. On the DISC profile, one research study discovered that almost half of these Millennials indicated they were high “I” in the test. They are peoplepersons. They love relationships, even though their people skills are often poor. One book called Bowling Alone suggested a difference between Baby Boomers and Millennials. The book said while Baby Boomers are bowling alone on Wednesday nights, Millennials are playing soccer in teams.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Politics, Christians and the Kingdom of God
It's official. I actually love my New Testament class at Regent University. This week's assignment is one reason why. Below are the assignment instructions. I will post my response tomorrow, or the next day.
The 2008 U.S. presidential election campaign is already in full swing. It is predicted that it will be one of the most wide-open and interesting races to take place in decades. In the last several presidential elections, the "Religious Right" has played a significant part in the outcome of the elections. As Christians, we are both members of the "Kingdom of Heaven" and the nation of the United States (or another country). Should our understanding and commitment to the "Kingdom of God" affect how we participate in the upcoming election? Should the religious, moral and ethical convictions of the candidates sway our vote? Should we vote for a candidate because they claim to be a "Christian" or should we vote based upon their official stands on such issues as abortion or immigration, fiscal policy or same-sex marriage? Should we even involve ourselves in the political process and is participating, or not participating, in harmony with Christ's proclamation of Kingdom of God?
Today's Student: Descriptor #4
4. They are mediavores.
These students are addicted to media. It’s not uncommon for them to do homework, listen to a CD, watch TV, and interact on-line simultaneously. They give new meaning to multi-tasking. They can handle fast—paced images in commercials and they love the rush of high speed internet searches, text messaging their buddy or locating friends on MySpace or FaceBook. No doubt, there is a danger to their familiarity with technology. One evangelical university I recently visited reported that 60% of their male students were watching pornography on the internet. And an equal amount of women were participating in chat rooms, which can be just as harmful. Technology is a mixed blessing, but they are addicted to it.
These students are addicted to media. It’s not uncommon for them to do homework, listen to a CD, watch TV, and interact on-line simultaneously. They give new meaning to multi-tasking. They can handle fast—paced images in commercials and they love the rush of high speed internet searches, text messaging their buddy or locating friends on MySpace or FaceBook. No doubt, there is a danger to their familiarity with technology. One evangelical university I recently visited reported that 60% of their male students were watching pornography on the internet. And an equal amount of women were participating in chat rooms, which can be just as harmful. Technology is a mixed blessing, but they are addicted to it.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Wikipedia Ban
Professors continue to ban Wikipedia as a research tool, citing too many incorrect entries. Designed as a user generated and edited encyclopedia, anyone can contribute to or change a Wikipedia entry. One professor at the University of Brighton has gone even further, banning the use of Google. Calling it "white bread for the mind," she objects to the easy answers to complex questions with little sorting of shallow ideas from serious referenced work. She states, "Google is filling, but does not necessarily offer nutritional content." (Inside Higher Education January 14, 2008)
Today's College Student: Descriptor #3
3. They are confident.
Millennials believe they can make a difference. Many already boast about their power and potential, even as kids. They will be more self reliant and ambitious than Generation X. A surprising percentage have started their own business before reaching age 21. They don’t seem to lack the confidence to put their ideas into action. Many believe they will take part in changing the world. In one recent study, 82% of college students said they believed the next “Bill Gates” was in their generation. 51% said they believed they knew the next “Bill Gates.” 24% said they believed they are the next “Bill Gates.”
Millennials believe they can make a difference. Many already boast about their power and potential, even as kids. They will be more self reliant and ambitious than Generation X. A surprising percentage have started their own business before reaching age 21. They don’t seem to lack the confidence to put their ideas into action. Many believe they will take part in changing the world. In one recent study, 82% of college students said they believed the next “Bill Gates” was in their generation. 51% said they believed they knew the next “Bill Gates.” 24% said they believed they are the next “Bill Gates.”
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Today's College Student: Descriptor #2
2. They love family.
They rely on family as a sanctuary from the troubles of their world. They’ve been sheltered by many kid-safety rules and devices. They grew up with the “Baby On Board” sign on the mini-van. Many are the focus of what I call “parental paranoia.” The result? They love their family. If they aren’t a part of a nuclear family, they create one. (This explains the unorthodox communities and gangs we hear about today). In a recent annual U.S. survey of teenagers, students were asked: Who is your hero? For the first time in twenty years, the number one response was not an athlete. Number one was: mom and dad. Number two was: grandma and grandpa.
They rely on family as a sanctuary from the troubles of their world. They’ve been sheltered by many kid-safety rules and devices. They grew up with the “Baby On Board” sign on the mini-van. Many are the focus of what I call “parental paranoia.” The result? They love their family. If they aren’t a part of a nuclear family, they create one. (This explains the unorthodox communities and gangs we hear about today). In a recent annual U.S. survey of teenagers, students were asked: Who is your hero? For the first time in twenty years, the number one response was not an athlete. Number one was: mom and dad. Number two was: grandma and grandpa.
Monday, January 28, 2008
10 Desriptors of Today's College Student: #1, They Feel Special
Instead of writing one long post, I decided to include these 10 descriptors of today's college student over 10 days. This resource is taken from Dr. Tim Emore at Growing Leaders.
1. They feel special.
Movies, government focus, and parents have all made this generation believe they are vital to our future. Most of them feel good about themselves. In fact, they’re often preoccupied with themselves; some surveys found a contradictory self-assessment—they are happy with their lives but they worry a lot about themselves and their future. Their self-consumed lives can be alarming. On Mother’s Day 2006, USA Today carried an article on what young people were giving their moms for her special day. Thousands had decided to give themselves something, in honor of their mother. The gifts ranged from getting a haircut, to putting money in their own bank account, to cleaning up their apartment. And the mothers were pleased with those gifts. Their children played such a central role in their own happiness, that mother’s felt great about the vicarious gift.
1. They feel special.
Movies, government focus, and parents have all made this generation believe they are vital to our future. Most of them feel good about themselves. In fact, they’re often preoccupied with themselves; some surveys found a contradictory self-assessment—they are happy with their lives but they worry a lot about themselves and their future. Their self-consumed lives can be alarming. On Mother’s Day 2006, USA Today carried an article on what young people were giving their moms for her special day. Thousands had decided to give themselves something, in honor of their mother. The gifts ranged from getting a haircut, to putting money in their own bank account, to cleaning up their apartment. And the mothers were pleased with those gifts. Their children played such a central role in their own happiness, that mother’s felt great about the vicarious gift.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
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