GENERATION X: STUDENTS IN THE 21st CENTURY

Rodney O. Fong
Santa Clara University

Introduction:

In 1997, the deans of the ABA law schools met at a three-day workshop. The major topic of discussions was Generation X. The deans returned to their respective law schools and shared the information with their faculty and staff. Here are some of those observations:

• “As deans we should use what authority and resources we have to be responsive to the students….”
• “Faculty and staff are expected by current students to spend more, not less time being available….”
• “…effective teaching must itself be entertaining.”
• “Technology use is expected…because it is the expected medium of education.”
• “…the learning process requires using greater levels of feedback…supported by educational psychologists….”
• “Students are current and ultimate consumers….”
• “They want their money’s worth in terms of short term practical return.”
• “They will not trust faculty or staff to do the right thing or assume that institutional rules and traditions have sound reasons.”

Since 1997, little has changed.

In working with Generation X, here are some issues to consider:

• Sense of entitlement: Students believe, that along with the right to free speech, bear arms, competent counsel, jury trial, voting, and drinking, they have a right to an education, including a legal education. They believe that they have a right to be in law school, especially after paying their tuition.
• Ultra-consumerism: Student’s are paying around $20,000 to $25,000 a year in tuition and another $10,000 for living expenses per year. Law school is no longer an intellectual experiment. It is now an investment towards a career as a lawyer.
• Trust: Trust is not automatically present. Your credentials and accomplishments account for little if it does not help the students achieve their goals.
• Respect: It is not automatically present. You have to earn their respect and not disrespect them. Also, you must show respect for the learning process.
• Teaching model: Good teaching requires familiar context, immediate and constant feedback, and presenting the material in interesting and stimulating ways.

The future:

The events contributing to the views and values of Generation X have not and probably will not change. Thus, the changes we make for Generation X will be useful for future generations. In conclusion, we need to change some of our ways to become more effective when working with students of the 21st Century.

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