New Age | Innovating teaching methods for Gen Z

GEN Z thinks and learns differently than the generations before it. This is why traditional teaching methods may not be effective, writes Shivananda CS

ACCORDING to Roberta Katz, a senior research scholar at Stanford’s Centre for Advanced Study in the Behavioural Sciences, Generation Z, Gen Z, iGen or the post-millennial, is a highly collaborative cohort as the first generation never to know the world without the internet and the most diverse generation yet.

Belonging to the older generations (millennial), my growing up was shaped by the world that was transitioning from analog to digital. We were the bridge between the pre-internet and internet era, learning to adapt as technology evolved. During my school years, I was independent and mostly education-oriented. Our schools relied heavily on books, where learning was more focused on individual efforts, and lacked effective teaching techniques to cater to diverse students.

As an educator today, while standing before Gen Z school kids, I see a different version of the student I once was. These students learn differently than you or I did, and that makes me question: Are we doing enough to teach them? This group of young people are compassionate and imaginative, and understanding the way they tackle problems may enable us to bring new and better ways of educating them. 

It might be time to update our teaching methods for Gen Z.

What is Gen Z like?

ALTHOUGH Gen Z is often stereotyped as a generation glued to their smartphones, they are much more than that. As digital citizens, Gen Z has grown up with technology at their fingertips, but they are not merely passive consumers of digital content. They are actively using technology to collaborate with their peers, seek purpose, and drive change. Gen Z is leveraging social media platforms to raise awareness, mobilize movements, and make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.

Most importantly, born into a world of immense challenges, from climate change to political unrest, Gen Z is stepping up to tackle these issues head-on. What’s more, they are facing this future relying on themselves and their peers to work collaboratively to solve these problems. Their optimistic yet realistic approach to the future is evident, as they balance aspirations for personal success with a desire for meaningful work that impacts society positively.

Additionally, Gen Z’s emphasis on mental health and work-life balance challenges older generations to rethink workplace norms, promoting a more inclusive and flexible approach to education and employment.

Teaching Gen Z better?

GEN Z thinks and learns differently than the generations before it. This is why traditional teaching methods may not be effective. A study by EY and JA Worldwide found that only 54 per cent of students are confident the education system is preparing them for the future of work — that is a 10 per cent drop in recent years.

Gen Z students are digital natives, which means they have little to no recollection of a world that existed prior to smartphones. Unlike previous generations who experienced the computer and internet revolutions firsthand, Gen Z has only known a landscape filled with advanced technological possibilities. To effectively teach Generation Z, educators must adapt their methods to cater to the unique characteristics and preferences of this digital native cohort. Incorporating interactive digital tools, online resources, and multimedia content to engage students and facilitate learning may be very effective.

Gen Z wants to know the why and how. They like understanding the practical applications and real-world relevance of what they are learning. Hence, teachers need to emphasise practical, skill-based education with certified extracurricular options. This is strengthening their theoretical as well as practical knowledge.

Simultaneously, Gen Z thrives on regular feedback and recognition. Offering timely, constructive feedback on their progress and performance, and celebrating their achievements is crucial for modern educators. In fact, understanding their needs and priorities can allow teachers to connect better with them as teachers and, in the long run, improve their own work-life balance.

Can old generations teach Gen Z?

OUR children in the classroom will continue to change. The way students learn will continue to change too. Therefore, older generations will always have the leverage when it comes to teaching the next one because they are more skilled and knowledgeable, particularly in critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. These competencies are essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. While Gen Z is adept at navigating technology, they can benefit from the wisdom and strategies that seasoned teachers offer. These competencies are essential now.

In short, this relationship can be reciprocal. Besides, Gen Z students thrive on interactive and engaging content, often preferring video and visual aids over traditional lecture formats. By embracing these preferences, older educators can create more effective learning experiences.

However, to effectively teach Gen Z, educators must adapt their methods to align with the digital landscape that Gen Z navigates daily. This includes incorporating technology into the classroom, using multimedia resources, and fostering collaborative learning environments.

It is not a matter of fault, but rather a need to adapt our teaching methods to serve the Gen Z students better. By making the necessary adjustments to our teaching methods, we can better engage and support our Gen Z students in their learning journey.

Dr Shivananda CS is principal at Glenrich International School Uttara.