How to Teach Gen Z Students

August 21st, 2021, after a year and a half of remote learning, the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus came back to life as freshmen students moved back on campus. It had been a while since I was last on a university campus so it was quite exciting for me to see the new generation of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed college students getting ready for their new adventures. These students, wearing their Princess Polly outfits and Nike Air Force 1s, looked completely different from my peers during my undergraduate days. We call this new breed of students born after 1996 Gen Zers (also known as Centennials or iGens).

I don’t usually interact with Gen Z college students, but when I do, I am always so astounded by their level of maturity. As a millennial born in ‘94, I used to always think the main difference between us and Gen Z was the way we dress. In fact, there are a ton of videos on Tik Tok making fun of millennial fashion. The reality is that Gen Z students are very different from millennials; yes, they might have a shorter attention span but they are also a bit more serious and less judgemental. Upon understanding the characteristics of this new generation, educators can change their curriculum to one that fully allows Gen Z students to thrive in a data-driven, internet-accessible world.

PEW Research Center; Defining Generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z Begins

Below, I have listed some of the characteristics of Gen Zers and how teachers can support these students’ learning journeys by using technological tools and resources.

1. Gen Zers have access to more information and data than ever before.

In today’s globally connected world, students can get any information they need simply by using the Google search engine.

With the internet, students no longer need to passively absorb and regurgitate information. Teachers should encourage students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject by having students interpret, analyze, synthesize and evaluate that information. To make use of the massive amount of data students have access to, teachers should encourage interdisciplinary learning.

The bottom line: Encourage cross-discipline projects.

2. Gen Zers have more ways to communicate.

With over 7 billion mobile phones in the world, students have more ways to connect with each other. They send videos, audio clips, texts, emojis, etc to convey what they are thinking.

With the rise of technology comes different communication tools. Instead of simply doing speech presentations, teachers should encourage students to communicate using different mediums such as audio recordings or videos. The cool thing about being more flexible with how students communicate is that it opens the door for students with disabilities to participate in the conversation.

The bottom line: Writing is not always the best way to communicate effectively.

3. Gen Zers are digital natives.
Millennials took classes on how to use the computer. Gen Zers, on the other hand, are using it without the help of formal training.

Gen Zers see technology as a tool to help them achieve their goals. Teachers should only use technology if it supplements the learning goals. Do not use technology for the sake of using technology.

The bottom line: Be selective on the technology you use in class.

4. Gen Zers have shorter attention spans.
Surrounded by devices and the Internet, Gen Z students are used to having sensory overload, resulting in them having shorter attention spans.

Teachers can experiment with using micro-lessons of various mediums to teach a class. For example, instead of having a 45 min lecture, consider using a combination of videos, powerpoints, interactive activities, etc.

The bottom line: Mix it up so the class stays more engaged.

5. Gen Zers are entrepreneurial.
13% of Gen Zers already have their own business. They want to take ownership of their future.

Teachers should get students involved in planning their education path by understanding their interests, way of learning, and motivations. Students will be more engaged if they feel the ownership of their futures, thus motivating them to have a successful outcome.

The bottom line: Get students involved in planning their own education.