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#3: They Filter Out Data Quickly

GenY students are expert consumers of information. If they don't think the information you are about to present will apply to them, immediately, they will turn off and you will lose their attention.

This characteristic makes it especially difficult to teach new concepts to your GenY students. You can't blame them, really. They, and all of us, are confronted and inundated with huge volumes of information from many sources, at every turn. From computer screens to TV ads, billboards, cell phones and even advertisements while on hold on the phone, it is a natural human reaction to shield ourselves from the constant onslaught.

We do this by tuning out what is not of immediate interest, and GenYers do this with elegant alacrity. Which leads to Key #3:

Key #3: Make Your Topic Introductions Sizzle

You've got to make your case for a topic quickly, and compellingly, and show them how it's going to apply to them up-front or you will not have their attention. A headline for a newspaper or magazine advertisement is often considered the "ad for the ad." If people don't buy the headline, they won't read the article. Tell me which headline sounds more enticing:

Computers Are Getting Faster Each Year

-- or --

Technology That May Replace Your Brain by 2012

Now both articles could discuss the same data, yet the second headline is by far more compelling. At one point, Reader's Digest used to send out lists of headlines to some of their readers and ask them what headline sounded interesting. Based on reader response, whichever headline the readers liked the best, Reader's Digest wrote the article after the fact. So important is the headline to the success of the article, that they would not even write the article unless their audience liked the headline first.

So too, you must introduce your topics so compellingly that your GenY students cannot help but be interested. You need introductions that sizzle and command attention and interest.

#4: They Multitask Really Well

Because GenY grew up with technology, they are quite adept at multitasking and will often email and/or text during class. This doesn't necessarily mean you have lost them.

Key #4: Don't Get Offended At Other Activities

So if you see your GenY students texting and emailing as you present material to them, don't be offended. They are doing what they do everywhere, as natural as breathing. Although it could mean that you are either taking too long to make your point, or the information you are presenting does not apply to them (see above).