Deep vs. Surface Learning: An Empirical Test of Generational Differences

ABSTRACT Student learning and knowledge acquisition preferences influence pedagogy choices by instructors, particularly when critical thinking is a fundamental learning objective. Generational theory suggests that the Millennial generation, those born from 1981to 2000, prefer to acquire knowledge that is much broader and shallower than their Baby Boomer and Generation X predecessors.This study tests the knowledge aspiration differences between Millennials, Generation Xers, and Baby Boomers.Using a snowball technique originating with students in a senior business capstone course at a state university, an online survey was completed by 1,790 students. Results show Boomers scoring significantly higher on deep learning and lower on surface learning than Millennials and Generation Xers, and Millennials scoring significantly higher on surface learning than Boomers or Generation Xers