Teaching Intuition: How Millennials’ Tech Mindset Can Revolutionize Education

For the better part of the last three decades, education research has focused on how students learn from a psycho-social perspective. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory has helped us understand that intelligence comes in many forms beyond traditional academics. This insight has led to an emphasis on differentiated instruction—an education buzzword that has consumed millions of dollars and countless hours of professional development.

The dominant strategy? Cooperative learning techniques. While cooperative learning can be effective, isn’t it ironic that we often revert to one core strategy when aiming to differentiate for a diverse range of intelligences? This approach feels both limiting and counterintuitive.

A Challenge to Traditional Thinking

Every semester, I start by addressing my high school students’ belief in their abilities. I tell them: “You are smart. Your grades may not always show it, but I know each of you are smart in ways that matter.” Without fail, I see skepticism. Some students look at me as if to say, “Sure, but I know I can’t do Algebra.”

To counter this, I run a quick experiment using their cell phones:

1. Students place their phones in a bag to be shuffled and redistributed.

2. They’re given one minute to figure out how to send a text using someone else’s phone. Without hesitation, they dive in, intuitively navigating unfamiliar devices.

Afterward, the conversation goes the same every time:

• Teacher: “Was the phone you used identical to yours?”

• Student: “No.”

• Teacher: “Did you figure out how to text without a manual?”

• Student: “Yeah. It was easy.”

• Teacher: “Why do you think that is?”

One time, a student responded, "Why would I use a manual? I just think like a cell phone!"

Millennials have been conditioned to think like computers (cell phones). They intuitively process technology, mastering new tasks without memorizing step-by-step procedures. So, why do we continue to teach academic subjects procedurally when students are already wired for intuitive learning?

Thinking Like Math

In math education, we often focus on procedures: “Follow this step, then that one, then another.” But as students advance, this approach becomes unsustainable. It’s nearly impossible to memorize every procedure for increasingly complex concepts.

Instead, I challenge my students to “think like math,” much the same way they “think like a cell phone.” They don’t learn social media by memorizing how-to guides; they intuitively explore, test, and adapt. What if we approached math—and all academic subjects—the same way?

The Shift to Intuitive Learning

Here’s what this shift could look like:

1. Student Responsibility: Students take ownership of their learning, exploring concepts deeply instead of relying on rote memorization.

2. Teacher Support: Educators shift from grading memorized procedures to fostering intuitive understanding.

3. Redefining Assessment: Traditional tests are replaced with tools that measure creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.

This mindset change won’t happen overnight, but the last decade of technological advancement has set the stage. Students already walk into classrooms with minds cultivated for intuitive processing. It’s up to educators to harness this potential.

Revolutionizing Education for All

By embracing this shift, we can create a more equitable and effective education system. Imagine students who approach math, science, and other subjects with the same curiosity and confidence they bring to mastering the latest tech. Imagine teachers empowered to nurture this intuitive mindset.

This isn’t just about better test scores or more engaged students—it’s about fundamentally changing how we teach and learn to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Conclusion

The tools are here. The mindset is forming. Now, it’s time for educators to take the leap. If we can align our teaching strategies with students’ natural strengths, we can revolutionize education and unlock limitless potential.

What do you think? How can we start fostering intuitive learning in classrooms today? Let’s discuss!