There’s no denying that Generation Z (also known as Gen Z or Zoomers), those born between 1997 and 2012, is a unique group of students challenging and changing what learning can look like. Gen Z students are intelligent, efficient, and eager to make a difference. So how can institutions and organizations meet the needs of these digital natives?
Pushing the status quo
The phrase “that’s how we’ve always done it” will almost always make Gen Z students roll their eyes. This group is known for pushing the status quo and offering critiques and critical assessments of the education system. From work-life balance to the cost of education, their attitudes are defining the way that institutions need to attract, communicate with, and retain students.
Here are the key progressive views Gen Z globally holds about education:
- Inclusivity and Diversity in Education: Gen Z places a high value on inclusivity and diversity within the education system. They support curricula that reflect a wide range of perspectives and histories, particularly those of marginalized communities.
- Mental Health Support: There is a growing demand among Gen Z for mental health resources in schools. They advocate for more counselors, mental health days, and educational programs to address mental wellness.
- Affordability and Student Debt: Gen Z is keenly aware of the financial barriers to higher education. They support policies that aim to reduce tuition costs, provide more scholarships, and eliminate or lessen student loan debt.
- Technology Integration: Gen Z advocates for increased use of technology in the classroom, not just as a learning tool but also as a means to personalize education through adaptive learning software.
- Climate Education: Many Gen Z members are strong proponents of integrating climate change education into the curriculum, reflecting their broader environmental concerns.
Growing digital dependence
Gen Z has little to no tolerance for being without digital resources. Fortunately, there are many ways that institutions can implement engaging educational technology. However, be sure that the technology meets the right digital needs of Gen Z.
- Digital Learning Platforms: Gen Z is highly accustomed to online learning environments. They prefer learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, which allow for easy access to course materials, assignments, and grades.
- Interactive and Engaging Tools: Technologies that promote interaction and engagement, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), gamified learning platforms, and interactive simulations, are particularly appealing to Gen Z students. These tools can make learning more immersive and enjoyable.
- Mobile Accessibility: Given their heavy use of smartphones, Gen Z students appreciate educational tools and platforms that are fully accessible on mobile devices. Mobile-friendly content and apps allow them to study and manage their coursework on the go.
- Online Collaboration Tools: Tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom facilitate collaboration and communication among students. Gen Z favors these tools for group projects, discussions, and remote learning.
- Social Media Integration: Gen Z is active on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Some educational institutions are integrating these platforms for educational purposes, such as announcements, sharing educational content, and creating community engagement.
- Accessibility and Inclusiveness: Technologies that support accessibility, such as text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and other assistive technologies are important for Gen Z students who value inclusiveness and equal access to education.
- Video Content: Platforms like YouTube and educational streaming services are popular among Gen Z for their ability to provide visual and auditory learning materials. Video lectures and tutorials are highly favored for their convenience and ease of understanding.
- Data-Driven Feedback: Gen Z students appreciate personalized learning experiences. Educational tools that provide data-driven insights, such as adaptive learning platforms that tailor content to individual student needs, are highly valued.
- E-Textbooks and Digital Resources: The shift from physical textbooks to e-textbooks and digital libraries is well-received by Gen Z, as these resources are more portable, often cheaper, and have interactive features such as search functions and embedded multimedia.
Meeting the educational needs of Gen Z not only helps your students learn and retain information more effectively, but it helps your institution push the boundaries of research, innovation, and possibilities. Around the world, Gen Z is ready to take on higher education. Are you ready to greet them? Learn more about how the reliable, secure, and innovative Michigan English Test (MET) can help your institution attract top Gen Z international students on our website.
References:
https://www.hanoverresearch.com/insights-blog/higher-education/engaging-and-recruiting-gen-z-students-in-higher-education/
https://harmonizelearning.com/blog/gen-z-education-trends/
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1407503.pdf
https://workshift.org/can-we-be-more-like-gen-z/
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/