How to instruct the Generation Y medical students

Abstract

The obstacles of instructing a medical student probably come from the Generational and personalitydifferences between an instructor and a student. Since a current medical student is in the Generation Y whilealmost instructors are in the Generation X and Baby Boom, todayûs class would better develop 1) clarity incourse structure, 2) significant opportunities for student initiative, 3) awareness of stress-reduction and 4) acourse-long conversation on the ethical dimensions in order to match student's learning style. Moreover, personalitydifference shows a medical student prefers to participate in a group studying and learn more specific practicalpoint. Thus, instructors would be encouraged to aware an individual difference in order to improve educationalproductivity as well as promote relationship with a student.

Key words: Generation Y, Medical student, Instruction, Personality, MBTI, Myers-Briggs, Carl Jung