Keeping Up With Changing Times in Education: Fostering Lifelong Learning of Millennial Learners

Abstract

Not only must the 21st-century psychiatrist adapt to a rapidly advancing science and changing health care climate, he or she must also consider how to most effectively educate the psychiatrists of tomorrow. Psychiatric education is changing and is influenced by the experiences, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of today's learner. The Millennial Generation, the cohort of individuals born between 1981 and 2000, now represents the majority of the trainees entering medical school and psychiatry residency. This column provides an overview of generational differences in medicine and gives the reader a set of concrete strategies for working with Millennial learners in psychiatry most effectively. In general, Millennials enjoy collaborative learning, perform well in groups, are technologically savvy, appreciate clear expectations, and expect frequent and individualized feedback about their performance. Educators must determine what works best for each individual, create a culture of inquiry, and, most important, fuel a spirit of lifelong learning.