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Teaching Generation Z

April 10, 2019 By Academy Staff 521 Comments

Reading – Generation Z

Share your experiences teaching Gen Z.  What are their characteristics?  What are some of the challenges?  What strategies could be used to manage these challenges? 

What types of technology do you use in your teaching practices to engage your students? Share any resources, links or strategies you have found to be effective.

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Daniel Simpson
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Daniel Simpson

In 2020 I had a group ranging all the generations. The bby boomer was keen to practise his skill, Gen X were comfortable with the tech, and gen Y & Z really had to be stimulated from a new angle regularly to maintain their attention.

Just when I thought I had the style down, I had to adjust to suit another gen!

Reply
20 days ago
jeanette Hagan
Guest
jeanette Hagan

When I was asked to switch my face to face class to MS Teams or Adobe connect it was a shock to most of my students as they were in that age group that felt unsure of using a new platform. I reassured them it would be ok and we will all learn together. To my surprise, most of them researched google to read up on MS Teams. In every class, they mentioned that they prefer being on campus connecting with friends and collaborating in a class atmosphere rather than on MS Teams. A few of the students did not… Read more »

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1 month ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

As someone else mentioned, I also found it interesting during COVID last year when we had to switch our delivery to online via MS Teams. Although most of the students coped with it, young and old alike, they mostly seemed to prefer the face to face classes. The one positive that I saw was some of the quieter students more willing to participate in the chat pod. I have used Kahoots and MS forms in the classroom successfully to create a blend of these environments and will look for more opportunities to engage learners in the mediums they are most… Read more »

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1 month ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

Something that I learned from teaching online in 2020 due to Covid 19 was that most of my students (young adults, both domestic & international students), like technology but really value the face-to-face teaching as well. Some of them really struggled with the technology and didn’t like the assumption that Gen Z and Gen Y are all tech savvy. They struggled and many were embarassed to ask for or accept help. When we returned to face-to-face teaching I found that some “hybrid” techniques worked well. For example I might run an in-class activity by providing a link to a Google… Read more »

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1 month ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

Hi Erica, I had similar experiences to you. I often use email, but will shift some of my notifications to sms and maybe even a Facebook or WhatsApp group, much faster uptake of info.

Reply
1 month ago
jeanette Hagan
Guest
jeanette Hagan

Hi Julie and Erica
I set up a WhatsApp class for all my students to go into. Worked great!!! The students tend to use this app more than others. If they were sick, they sent a message through WhatsApp or any other information

Reply
1 month ago
Daniel Simpson
Guest
Daniel Simpson

I had a class in ’20 that had a whatsapp group already setup. It was a great way to get info to students who missed a lesson, as well as get reminders out the the group.
The students really did look out for each other and share info quickly.

Reply
20 days ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

As an adult ed language teacher I don’t see many students in the Generation Z category. The few that have attended class are usually very good with technology and are happy to help their classmates. They can get bored especially if they finish work quickly. I then usually have extension work for them or I ask them to help a classmate. We use a SMART board and desktop computers as well as students’ personal mobile phones. I have used Kahoot as a warmer and for revision. I have found WhatsApp and MS Teams to be effective for connected learning. Gen… Read more »

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1 month ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

Hi Kim, it’s great that you have such an engaging classroom. I will have to employ these technologies more often.

Reply
1 month ago
jeanette Hagan
Guest
jeanette Hagan

Hi Kim, What a great idea for providing those students that finish early extension work.

I used the SMARTboard with my TVET students while the students used their personal mobile phones. It worked very well with that class. They love their Technology

Reply
1 month ago
Peter O'Kelly
Guest
Peter O'Kelly

A great way to reach students of Gen Z is via the use of tehir mobile phones. Because they are wired all the time to their phones, to use apps like Kahoot, I find that they become instantly more engaged. Communicating important information like enrolment confirmation and assessment work due and online meeting times, I find responses are much better when sms is used rather than email.

Reply
2 months ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

Yes I too have found that responses from my adult ESL Learners are better via WhatsApp messaging rather than emails.

Reply
1 month ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

I have found the same with Facebook Messenger but only when I’m teaching social media and therefore can contact them that way. Texting works but only if it’s appropriate to contact them that way.

Reply
1 month ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

Unique Characteristics about Gen Z is about technology and being connected on line. I find it challenging when their phones are a distraction in a class lesson environment which can be distracting to me a as a teacher. Strategies i have used is asking them how we can create a win win solution so it’s fair to both myself and them which seems to work. I like to use SWAY for presentations and photos of their work and send links to students which they find helpful and easy to access on their phones. Students who require more one on one… Read more »

Reply
3 months ago
Marie
Guest
Marie

Caterina, getting students to publish their work for their peers to see is a great way of getting them invested in the content of the lesson.

Reply
3 months ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

Marie I agree. I have used Padlet where the whole class can publish their work, leave ideas or build texts as a class. It can be anonymous, this can motivate less confident learners to become more involved.

Reply
1 month ago
Carol Robinson
Guest
Carol Robinson

Another thing I find is that they often lack the concentration is on 1 task for too long whether it is a practical skill or on technology. And when on technology if they don’t find what they are after ASAP there is frustration setting in too quickly and it is someone else fault they can’ t find what they are after.

Reply
3 months ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

Carol, I agree with you as I have found the same issue.
I have had to now design my class programs where there is more practical activities to break up the theory component to keep them engaged.

Reply
3 months ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

We need to encourage students to use a range of technology and resources that support their learning. Sometimes i notice that students get hooked on a particular piece of technology or program that is not adaptable, they then get stuck… and need to be encouraged to try new resources.

Reply
3 months ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

Cassie, I agree however I need to update myself with the technology so I can keep up with this generation.

Reply
3 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

A characteristic I regularly find when teaching Gen Z students is that they have access to multiple alternative sources of information on the subject that we are learning about.
My key challenge is to point out to them to ensure the credibility of the source as otherwise they may get misguided.
The strategy I use is to constantly ask them to access credible sources only. (For example if they are studying about the economy of Australia the Reserve Bank of Australia website will be a credible source, however most times they will access a non-credible source by web browsing).

Reply
3 months ago
Marie
Guest
Marie

Not everything on the internet is a reliable source. Your suggestion to help them to weed out unreliable sources of information when conducting research is an important life and academic skill to impart to students.

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3 months ago
Peter O'Kelly
Guest
Peter O'Kelly

That’s a very good point Dylan. I have seen learners refer to law from another country when asked about Australian Law.

Reply
2 months ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

I have this issue too because US websites are more likely to pop in Google. I find I have to teach my young adult students how to effectively use Google through “key words”. This means getting them to think about the information they need and working backwards from there, adding “Australia” or “NSW” depending on what they’re looking for. My skills in this have improved through learning about search engine optimisation for websites from teaching Marketing!

Reply
1 month ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

I enjoy teaching gen Z since i need to continuously dance on my toes, it keeps me “alive”. They do tend as Chris was saying rely a lot on technology, but if you use that reliance to your advantage and provide students with a lot of engaging platforms you do get a high level of student participation.

Reply
4 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

Thats a great idea Ijiljana – to provide students with the details of engaging platforms.

Reply
3 months ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

Technology is an advantage we have as teachers that supports participation

Reply
3 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

One of the main challenges I have noticed with teaching generation Z is their tendency to be dependent on technology. As a teacher who has taught in schools, universities and now in vocational institutions, students ability levels in writing, spelling and using correct grammatical rules has diminished greatly. They are also overly reliant on google. That said, using some of this technology within classes to reach students who, in the past have been unable to participate (think students with disabilities and learning difficulties) has been great, so technology has been a bit of a double edged sword.

Reply
4 months ago
Colleen
Guest
Colleen

I agree they do tend to be dependent on technology more and they are losing the writing levels, they’re losing the ability to communicate and hold proper conversations that aren’t through text messages.

Reply
3 months ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

True….and these skills are often essential for employability

Reply
3 months ago
Carol Robinson
Guest
Carol Robinson

I too agree Chris with Colleen and Cassie, they need to be able to keep the practical hand writing skills whilst navigating technology.

Reply
3 months ago
Alison
Guest
Alison

Share your experiences teaching Gen Z. Gen Z want to learn when they see the purpose and fun way to work together to produce an item that they can share with the rest of the group. They are eager to use technology in this process. What are their unique characteristics? Most Gen Z students find writing for periods of time tiresome to the point of aguish. They are energetic groupwork/team players unaware of the noise they make. They want to publish and perform what they’ve created/researched/typed. What are some of the challenges? Encouraging students to proof read their projects and… Read more »

Reply
4 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

Yes I agree. Proof reading may be a little old fashioned but is certainly a good way of improving the quality of any written response required of them,, especially in thier assessment tasks.

Reply
3 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Sizable number of VET students where I teach comes from Gen Z. The most noticeable characteristic of this cohort in my opinion is the lack of communication and participation. They are generally quiet and don’t tell if they are having any difficulty. I encourage them to let their teachers know if they need any help. The message does not seem to be getting through as we lose several students halfway through the semester. When we try to contact them via email, normally we don’t hear back. One possible explanation is that they might have enrolled in a “wrong” course. As… Read more »

Reply
4 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

Hi Amir, I totally get that, have experienced this with some of my cohorts as well. EALD is a big challenge in the VET sector as is lack of knowledge and understanding around communication via email and phone.

Reply
4 months ago
Carol Robinson
Guest
Carol Robinson

Amir I totally agree they do lack how to communicate unless it is through a device. They don’t seem to like to reach out for help or follow up if they do read emails.

Reply
3 months ago
Sheila
Guest
Sheila

Technology is a great boon for education, the immediacy of information at your fingertips. However, conceptual learning and retention may be a problem. I used to think it didn’t matter if you could not recall information, because all you had to do is search again, and there it is again–and it may be an updated version.

Reply
5 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

Sheila, I agree, there are some professions that you definitely would want the person to know how to do it, without having to go and look it up again (i.e. surgeon), but in many professions because of technology there is no longer the inherent need to know everything off by-heart, which as you suggest does provide its own problems, both in teachers and in students.

Reply
4 months ago
Peter O'Kelly
Guest
Peter O'Kelly

Absolutely, recall is vital in some situations where the technology to research is not at hand or not permitted or the information is required as part of a problem-solving exercise.

Reply
2 months ago
Belinda
Guest
Belinda

I do find it hard to teach when students are looking on their phone. If you ask them to put them away its like you are punishing them or even physically hurting them. Its interesting hearing the statistics on this, they really have been raised to be addicted to these devices so we can’t expect any other behaviour.

Reply
5 months ago
Sheila
Guest
Sheila

As a matter of courtesy, I ask my students to put their mobile devices away. If they need to answer a call, then they asked to quietly leave the room. This is obviously much easier with adult learners.

Reply
5 months ago
sophie
Guest
sophie

I think that teaching Gen Z has its positives and negatives. Personally I have an 8yr old son who has Autism and technology has been amazing Ibn helloing him to engage and collaborate with peers. Something that he really has a hard time doing. I feel that as teachers and educators we need to adapt our teaching to meet the students needs and learning abilities;ities, no matter which generation they stem from

Reply
5 months ago
Alison
Guest
Alison

Sophie, I’ve worked with a range of children with varying degrees of autism. I found most of these children preferred quiet, calm learning environments and could not cope with noise. This seems very different to the general Gen Z group. All the children liked using technology and being able to type and use spell check and/or voice to type has been a game changer for their writing and project work.

Reply
4 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

As I teach in a trade class to engage students I give a research activity where they have to use YouTube to find a style they connect with then they have to create the style in class and then have a class discussion on the technique used.

Reply
5 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Connecting research activity with Youtube sounds good idea. If they produce the work, it is a good stratey.

Reply
4 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

Gen Z do see short text like language as the norm. The challenge is to keep them focused and retaining their interest throughout a session. I find variety and mixed modes of delivery the key. There are a wealth of resources around on youtube, TED Talks and games, crosswords, multiple choice on moodle.

Reply
5 months ago
Alison
Guest
Alison

Thanks for the tips, Joy. I have to agree that variety and mised modes of delivery is key. I also find if I give them choices, then they are show far more commitment and energetic in the learning process.

Reply
4 months ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

Hi Joy, I agree with you, variety and mixed modes of delivery is a great way to keep students engaged especially in gen Z.

Reply
4 months ago
Alanna
Guest
Alanna

Sounds like he was just talking about my kids! I try to interact with my kids through Snap-chat etc but they generally just block me lol. My students however don’t (well most don’t). I set up groups on Whats App or Facebook in my ESL classrooms and i find its the younger students that contribute the most this way whereas in class they are often the quiet ones.

Reply
5 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Some TAFE teachers were successfully using Facebook and WhatsApp to keep their students focussed and engaged. Students used to post questions and their fellow students would comment and provide answers. I think current TAFE policies don’t allow teachers to use such apps.

Reply
4 months ago
Keryn Haberman
Guest
Keryn Haberman

Most of my students are very engaged with technology because they are migrants and refugees who are in contact with family overseas, they love music and enjoy having it on in the background during class and they like a lot of action in the classroom. They come from cultures that have a lot of music and dancing. Some of the challenges for me are using technology in meaningful ways (I am teaching English) and finding/creating technology resources that are interesting but adjusted for their level of English skills. Strategies to use could be noticing what and how they use technology… Read more »

Reply
5 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

I agree Keryn you have to keep it fun but as you say it is always about finding materials at a suitable level for their language development that will engage them.

Reply
5 months ago
sophie
Guest
sophie

I think its a fantastic way to engage your learners and make them feel comfortable, also a universal language 🙂

Reply
5 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

I find with teaching generation Z you need to keep it new and exciting. I often will have one outcome I want them to achieve and practice that skill or idea through various ways. I often will have 3-5 different tasks that achieve one outcome. Generation Z like to learn through practical means and pen to paper just doesn’t really engage them. This generation needs to feel engaged and as soon as they are not they want to focus on something else. Being flexible and keeping things new and exciting helps them to focus more.

Reply
6 months ago
Keryn Haberman
Guest
Keryn Haberman

Hi Jessica i tend to do the same thing – one outcome and attach it through a range of activities and because they are learning English – repetition.
it is great to give them practical work to do and work on together and keep the class lively so they feel it is an interesting class…they are quickly bored!!

Reply
5 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

I agree Jessica this also create a great atmosphere in the classroom.

Reply
5 months ago
Belinda
Guest
Belinda

I agree Jessica,
If you intend to sue technology in lessons it helps them feel engaged with the content. they also seem to like activities and games and this helps to cement the learning so I feel like its a good option to include in lessons.

Reply
5 months ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

I agree Jessica, these are the words fun and exciting for gen Z to keep them engaged. I find very inspiring to teach gen Z since I need to be flexible and think on the spot sometimes:).

Reply
4 months ago
Amanda
Guest
Amanda

The previous video made me rethink my expectations of how students “should” engage in a classroom. Even when I look at my own habits, I find I am getting better with multi tasking and interruptions, noise levels etc so I can see why my students can focus on more than one task or noise at a time.

Reply
6 months ago
Alanna
Guest
Alanna

Kudos to anyone that can multitask with interruptions and noise. The older i get the worse i am becoming at it lol

Reply
5 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

I also have to rethink my expectations and have understanding that this is how this generation learns as I prefer no noise or distraction to learn they are great multi skilled.

Reply
5 months ago
sophie
Guest
sophie

I agree Amanda, we must remember out target audiences are not always going to learn in a way that we think they should

Reply
5 months ago
Belinda
Guest
Belinda

That’s so true, we always talk about writing and communicating to your audience. we need to know what engages our students and try to teach to them as much as possible. This should increase class participation and assist students to achieve their goals and desired outcomes.

Reply
5 months ago
Daniel Simpson
Guest
Daniel Simpson

Agreed. It is another skill that is learned and can be practised.

Reply
20 days ago
Megan
Guest
Megan

I teach Beauty Therapy at TAFE and I’m a X Gen teaching Gen Z so yes my School and TAFE experience is very different to what my learners are experiencing now. They are so lucky as they have so many more recourses to engage and use and the learning technology has come such a long way. Most of my learners have phones where you can get them to look up information and you can also have fun with Kahoot games. Plus we use Google classroom plus we have Moodle that engage our learner where ever they are now on campus… Read more »

Reply
6 months ago
Amanda
Guest
Amanda

I agree with you Megan, we Gen Xers need to embrace new things and look at technology as a bonus not a barrier particularly during Covid where students maybe not be on campus. We have also tried live cooking demos via teams for our apprentice chefs.

Reply
6 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

Listening to the lecture earlier I can see these traits in my win children who are GenZ. The way they learn and how they function is vastly different to mine as I grew up with chalk and talk method of learning (I did not do well there). I, as a learner, did well in the adult learning context where student verbal participation is most common verbalised, I talk and learn, Gen Z I have found in my teaching does not work so well, but they express themselves well using their e language which is a recent development.

Reply
6 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

Hi Kay
At least these days we can upload files and keep e-porfolios as evidence for assessments. Also we can use our phones to document our observations which is handy.

Reply
5 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

I think this is a very important issue for educators, especially those of us who are from a very different generation and have been teaching as long as the age of Gen Z students. I still scratch my head sometimes why we still use very outdated methods (that we used as part of our education) of delivery and assessing to a generation who is used to a very different, modern technological world Personally, from an education perspective, as a responsibility to the next generation, we should be grasping and engaging and looking at both ways to better deliver as well… Read more »

Reply
6 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

I agree here. I also feel like they are teaching us. Which I too find very exciting. I think this is a great time to use the students to our benefit. Allowing everyone the opportunity to show their skills and teach each other in the classroom. I think we should definitely update our classrooms with a more modern approach to learning. Learning from one another not just from the teacher at the front of the room. Teachers should definitely be facilitating a lesson but students learn even more when teaching one another.

Reply
6 months ago
Keryn Haberman
Guest
Keryn Haberman

Hi Paul, I found your comments very interesting as i had never thought like this before. You are right though…. they are teaching us and keeping us up to date with their world and we need to watch and learn and use this information to underpin our classes. thanks for that insight.

Reply
5 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

I think once you have an understanding of the ability and actually comfort that students have in multitasking, working with distractions and noise….then it opens up exciting opportunities to assist your students to learn in this new environment.

Reply
6 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

Yes Jodie, not only understanding but possibly learning ourselves how to achieve this skill

Reply
6 months ago
Sheila
Guest
Sheila

I agree with your comments. I also think that once you have an understanding and appreciation of how younger students operate, your tolerance to this behaviour increases–Ie you understand why they feel so attached to their mobile devices.

Reply
5 months ago
Colleen
Guest
Colleen

I agree, understanding them and embracing the way they learn will hopefully teach us how to achieve a good part of this skill.

Reply
3 months ago
Erika
Guest
Erika

With COVID19 is challenging for many students to use technology. In many cases people don’t have the resources and money to access online education.

Reply
6 months ago
Amanda
Guest
Amanda

There is a genuine problem for some students to access online education but we need to make sure we don’t use this as a barrier,

Reply
6 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

I actually get these students to use their phones in class as tools for research and problem solving.
If they are using this time for social media i simply ask them if it is helping with research and problem solving. If it is helping they will volunteer the info quite happily. If they are using the time to ‘ not engage’ and chat with social media friends, this becomes a friendly reminder to re-join the class.

Reply
6 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

Adam, I agree so much with this. This is the technology they have access to, why are we not embracing it, learning from it and delivering from it

Reply
6 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

This is great. Making them use their phones as a learning tool in the classroom I feel helps them engage more effectively. After all this is most likely the same tool they would use at home when researching or looking for answers.

Reply
6 months ago
TRACEY
Guest
TRACEY

I think the generations bring a new and exciting challenge. We need to understand and relate to these students as we can, as they need. We need to learn as much as we can and involve each student in their learning. We need to remember they are part of a generation but also individuals.

Reply
6 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

so true Tracey and we need to remember that the learning is theirs and not ours, We are providing the context, tasks and experiences, but it is for our students and not for our teaching experience. Our teaching practice is defined by the k=learning characteristics of our learners, not the other way around.

Reply
6 months ago
Meagn
Guest
Meagn

Yes I agree all very exciting times to be a learner now in this environment

Reply
6 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

This generation is far more adaptable to the use of technology, which was recently demonstrated to me when we moved from face-to-face classes to connected delivery via MS Teams. The challenge for me has been to balance the variety of generations in the classroom and cater to all their needs with the move to connected delivery. Overall it has been positive. Students have been interested and engaged with the new methods of teaching.

Reply
7 months ago
TRACEY
Guest
TRACEY

I agree Barb challenging but an opportunity and overall very positive.

Reply
6 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

I too agree Barb, the challenge is trying to adapt with the many generations in the one classroom. I have found that the younger students are very willing to help the older students with any tech challenges.

Reply
6 months ago
jean
Guest
jean

its great to embrace the learners mode of learning however I find that organizationally we don’t have the equipment or resources to do so
Our methods of assessment are outdated and also don’t suit these skill sets that this generation have

Reply
7 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

This is a tough one Jean. Hang in there and remember you can only do what you can do,with what you are given.

Reply
6 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

Jean, yes you are right. We as educators can do our bit but until organisation tools such as assessments catch up it still makes it tricky for the students.

Reply
6 months ago
Brigid
Guest
Brigid

In F2F classes they see their mobile phones as mandatory. On the positive side, with many of my students having English as a 2nd language, they use their phones to look up a translation or something they don’t understand. On the negative side, they are also constantly checking their phones – messages, FB, Instagram. This fear of missing something is a constant challenge in the classroom, trying to keep them focused. Now with COVID and online teaching it is harder to monitor, (so heavens knows what else they are doing during online classtime!) although they do seem quite happy to… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
TRACEY
Guest
TRACEY

I often think are my very young students standing on their head? I wouldnt know. Overall though I find them engaged and participating.

Reply
6 months ago
David
Guest
David

In the COVID connected learning environment, I’m finding the Gen Z are engaging well. They will comment and interact far more than in a face to face situation. I have also noticed that they will help guide others in this connected forum. This is quite different in face to face where they will not offer as much assistance to others.

Reply
7 months ago
jean
Guest
jean

this comment is interesting as I teach health and find that this group of students have great computer skills but limited interpersonal skills essential for industry
Maybe their strengths need to be extended to real people

Reply
7 months ago
Alanna
Guest
Alanna

I find a lot of this generation have limited oral communication skills and do not like speaking on the telephone.

Reply
5 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

David, this is an interesting observation and definitely holds truth to what Michael has just been talking about.

Reply
6 months ago
Megan
Guest
Megan

Yes I have seen this a lot with our connected learning as well.

Reply
6 months ago
Lin
Guest
Lin

I deliver a lot of short live online courses using connected classroom technology where students are required to be visible and in attendance for a minimum of 6 hours. This is quite a challenge especially when the Gen Z students are wired to their mobile phones and are expected to focus on other forms of technology to successfully complete the course. They may also be in a classroom by themselves so I have adopted a method of ensuring I communicate with each student regularly and make a note of each time I have interacted with them. It is vitally important… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
Nardia Brown
Guest
Nardia Brown

With COVID-19 we are no longer able to teach face to face during the pandemic. I was nervous about going to connected learning methods. i.e. Microsoft Teams and how we would keep students engaged online. I find the conversation and interaction seems to be less in an online class, however, they will happily comment in the chat bar, or scan QR codes and complete Microsoft Forms, and also menti meter works well. I think we have to be constantly trying new things and be willing to adapt to working with the students in what formats they respond best too. I… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

My experiences with the move to connected delivery is similar to yours Nardia.

Reply
7 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

I suppose COVID has forced n-many educators to upskill in their capability in delivering online learning, which is a good thing if we are to be responsive to learners changing the way of learning. As most of us use these modes of delivery differently we need to become more creative in how we manage our learning experiences during online learning. I believe this is a very exciting time for teachers as it is shaking up what we do and how we do it, fantastic!!

Reply
6 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

Attitude is certainly the first characteristic that comes to mind and after session one mentioning that I am part of this Gen-Y bracket I can see these shifts even in myself and the way I have learned or learning. Always leaving things till the last minute is another but the most interesting is they are able to do anything on a phone including emails but unable to do them on a laptop or desk top; also including emails. Challenges are keeping them engaged and keeping them on a schedule (to get assessments in on time). Technology used to keep them… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

I find phones really useful for recording results of group activities such as observations of appearances of test samples etc – this is useful for reports on the investigations. Also group tasks recorded on the whiteboard etc. If they are recording what they see in the microscope their hands are much steadier than mine – younger or better fine motor skills?

Reply
7 months ago
jean
Guest
jean

I find some students unable to mix both interpersonal communication and gross motor skills i.e. in showering a client
perhaps being a Gen z is a disadvantage in the real world?

Reply
7 months ago
Carol
Guest
Carol

I agree with many on here. I have found that allowing students to use their phones as part of their learning helps in keeping them interested and engaged.
Also, encouraging the students to take a little control of which content they want to explore and which activities they would like to do, can make the classroom experience more enjoyable for all.

Reply
7 months ago
Nardia Brown
Guest
Nardia Brown

I agree with you, I use Microsoft Forms often and students can just scan the QR code, they seem to just jump in and do it, however, if you were to ask them to hand write answers, they would put off doing it.

Reply
7 months ago
David
Guest
David

Carol I totally agree. The mobile phone is the Gen Z note pad and pen !!

Reply
7 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

I agree with your comment Carol.

Reply
7 months ago
Kaye
Guest
Kaye

Having flexible students means I do not have the F2F problems with Gen Z, but they do want links on where they can find information and expect instant answers from the sites.

Reply
7 months ago
Neryl
Guest
Neryl

There is an assumption that Gen Z have great tech skills – I feel they have great Social Media skills – but need help creating a work document, or inserting a table!
It is sad they avoid taking risks – with risk comes reward

Reply
7 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

This may vary – some young people have no qualms in doing operations and not worrying whether it will do something bad, unlike people who are afraid of doing anything in case it mucked something up.

Reply
7 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

I tend to agree with Neryl here as I have come across the same characteristics. Students have been whizzes on their phones i.e. messages (they type so fast!) understanding how to engage others on FB, Instagram and even use email however short the sentence but once they are on a desk or laptop seem to struggle to put together a word doc or attach it to a email not to mention formatting.
I’m sure there are others that debate this but this is only my experience in my short time of online teaching.

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

I have noticed that Gen Z students are always easily distracted by the messages on the phones They are always connected on social media and feel like lost if they are asked to switch off their phones in class. I find their distraction becomes less if they are given some visual presentation and are using technology to learn.

Reply
7 months ago
Brigid
Guest
Brigid

I agree, rather than fight it, use it by getting students to find information or research something relevant that they can contribute to the class discussion.

Reply
7 months ago
Mounir El Ahmadieh
Guest
Mounir El Ahmadieh

My experience with generation Z is that they expect to be connected and able to access information at any time. My approach to is to use teaching methods that engage them through the use of technology.

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

Agree with this , Gen Z like technology for learning very much.

Reply
7 months ago
Nardia Brown
Guest
Nardia Brown

I agree with this too, we used to email out resources, however, have now created an online learning profile with very clear sections and all information is available when they want it. Very well received.

Reply
7 months ago
David
Guest
David

Mounir I encourage Gen Z to use their phones as part of the lessons and set tasks that use this technology. I often say the mobile phone is Gen Z note pad and pen!!

Reply
7 months ago
Fiona Christopher
Guest
Fiona Christopher

I find that the experience of teaching Gen Z is that they often come to a classroom with substantial prior knowledge of the subject being taught. Teaching trade skills to high school students that interest them, ensures that they are well researched via social media, facebook , ista and YouTube clips . The main challenge is demonstrating and gaining their acceptance that I am also an expert in my field and guiding them to resources that are indeed excellent in the social media realm. Many short sharp activities, group discussions, whole class discussions work well. As long as everyone has… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
Tamar Manoukian
Guest
Tamar Manoukian

I find Gen Z to be confident and tech savvy. The challenges for this group of learners is they have short attention span, they become bored quickly and skim through things.
Strategies I use to engage my learners is to be more specific and to the point, to be done in chunks and give regular breaks.
Resources used are light probe, desk computers, powerpoint presentation and email. With COVID-19 and remote delivery use of Microsoft teams meetings, smart phones, Microsoft forms and electronic documents.

Reply
7 months ago
Mounir El Ahmadieh
Guest
Mounir El Ahmadieh

I agree with the challenges Tamar outlined. To overcome these challenges I use multiple teaching/learning methods, use technology and get them to contribute to their own learning.

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

Agreed, these are good ways to get their attention in the class

Reply
7 months ago
Jennifer De Goursat
Guest
Jennifer De Goursat

Students are NOT all ‘tech savvy’. In fact, the whole myth of the ‘digital native’ overlooks the fact that kids simply use technology as a tool, as when they need it. This is different from being ‘tech savvy’ . What young people are is less worried about technology then older people, simply because they have grown up with it. They don’t worry about making mistakes. However, they do push back when technology is imposed on them unexpectedly ( as in the recent lock up of the world), and the suspension of face to face classes. So many assumptions are presented… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
Fiona Christopher
Guest
Fiona Christopher

I agree with Jennifer- like so many others having to teach digitally due to COVID whilst delivering to high school students, I had a expectation that the majority of the students would breeze through the tech part. This was definitely not the case. As well as some students lacking the ability to engage online,I also experienced a degree of push back.

Reply
7 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

Some students dealt with the connected learning fine – others didn’t . It seems to be quite variable. Having access to good internet is paramount as well though.

Reply
7 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

Agree Jennifer, this is how I have found them to be! Not necessarily tech savvy but using technology only when needed, as a tool. I also find that they are afraid to push buttons, it is only a computer generally anything you do can be undone…

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

In 2020 i used ZOOM to communicate with the student for Home Learning.. Due to COVID 19 lock down.

For the lower grade disability students, I set up SEESAW which is a primary level of technology platform.

Reply
7 months ago
Jennifer Wills
Guest
Jennifer Wills

I teach YK and my students ask me to look up informations on subjects such as sharks and spiders on google. The use of books as information is almost redundant. Although I provide opportunities for them to undertake “hands on” learning, IT is unsurpassable – saves time finding specific information and engages students with video.

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

Hi, I use a lot of books, and take the student to the library each week. As a student to read a book to you, see how they remember a certain story part on specific pages.

Technology keeps changing. I still prefer to read a chapter from a book and ask the students to extend (imagination) how would they change the story or a paragraph.

Reply
7 months ago
Jennifer De Goursat
Guest
Jennifer De Goursat

Books are like technology in that they are also a tool for learning. Reading a book is actually more comfortable for many. Click and search is more about finding initial information. As well, if you are researching, you will print out the article so that you can 1. Keep it to remind you of its existence, 2. Make notes all over it. Much better than ipad and pen on many cognitive levels.

Reply
7 months ago
Nanette Stacey
Guest
Nanette Stacey

Younger students love to interact and be given responsibility to help out. They enjoy stories that show a little vulnerability on the part of the teacher and love to tell their own stories.

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

Yes i agree you must be an early childhood teacher or Kindie, The foundation of the literacy and imagination begins here. And exploring with creative art hands on activity is sensory engagement and exploring. That is one thing an I Pad is restricted at providing all the different feelings of material in one ART trolley. i do like technology… But, i still see the benefits in the original way of teaching, reading books, writing on paper, constructing messy art work and exploring ideas by experiments, take now the notes and reflect on the notes before writing review.

Reply
7 months ago
Jacquelyn Dixon
Guest
Jacquelyn Dixon

Younger students always have their phones in the classroom, they feel lost without them and we have to work out how to use the tool of their phone in an engaging and collaborative way – Kahoot is a great example of how to use technology as a weekly review of work form the previous week and its is also fun. My experience is that all students love Kahoot and we often have lots of laughs – which also assists relationship building

Reply
7 months ago
Carol
Guest
Carol

Totally agree! Kahoot is great 🙂

Reply
7 months ago

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