2019 FSI Engaging Gen Z Students

https://go.uis.edu/FSI2019

Who is Generation Z
- Born between 1995 - 2012
- First entered college between 2013-14

Gen Z students tend to thrive when they are given the opportunity to have a fully immersive educational experience and they even enjoy the challenges of being a part of it.

51% of surveyed students said they learn best by doing while only 12% said they learn through listening.

"Kids today have grown up with technology. They're looking for experiences that use tech purposefully, not frivolously," Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow (emphasis added - https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2018/08/generation_z_prefers_learning_from_youtube.html)

Gen Z: The Phigital Student
Universities don't meet the expectations of Gen Z Students
- One-third of students feel student administration systems do not meet their expectations.
- Study found that 7 in 10 students would recommend that their universities review and change its digital strategy.
- 49% of students reported taking fewer courses per semester and 45% reported not registering for a course because of the high cost of textbooks.
- 64% of students opted out of buying textbooks for the first day of class
- Students are choosing not to study business and computer science because of the cost of textbooks.

Undergraduate Gen Z students & digital technology

Available at: http://info.unit4.com/rs/900-SZD-631/images/U4-EDU-GEN-Education-research-infographic.pdf

Teaching Strategies for Gen Z?

Think Digital in all assignments, assessments, activities
Break content into short segments
Make information graphical and bite size
Rethink how you communicate
Be relevant. Respect the time of the Gen Z student
Provide individualized instruction - think adaptive learning
Use Social Media approaches to learning
Set up students for a career
Provide access to resources to help eliminate student loan debt
Acknowledge that this generation sees themselves as Smart, Creative, and Hardworking

Gen Z in the Classroom: Creating the Future - Making a Difference

Unlike Millennials, who pursue personal fulfillment more widely than financial goals or job titles, Gen Z values college most as a means to secure a good job. (Malat, 2016)

(End at 2:02)

Advising Strategies for Millennial and Gen Z Students

In a recent survey (Schauffhauser, 2018)

36% of both Millennial (over 25 years of age) and Gen Z (under 24 years of age) students indicated time management was their top barrier to success.
35% of both Millennial (over 25 years of age) and Gen Z (under 24 years of age) students indicated fear of failure was their top barrier to success.
30% of Gen Z students indicated study skills remained a significant barrier to success. Only 22% of Millennials agreed.
35% of Millennials reported being overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. Only 25% of Gen Z students agreed.

"The next wave of student success initiatives must grapple with an inescapable reality: Today's students are as likely to be derailed by life and logistical challenges — balancing working and learning, childcare, food and shelter — as they are by academics. If we want more students to succeed, we need to continue listening and develop systems, strategies and messaging that is more responsive to their needs." (Milliron, 2018)

Teaching 21st Century Teaching Skills Needed to Help Students Build a Career…

What skills do faculty need to teach content for today's students?

Become a Learning Guide

Embrace Technology

Encourage Educational Freedom

Teach Risk-Taking

Understand Speed of Access Matters

What skills do students need to learn to become robot-proof in the job market?

Technical skills

Conceptual skills

Interpersonal skills

Entrepreneurial and Innovation skills

Information Literacy

Humanistic Literacy

35% of Millenials

More than 1/3 of Gen Z students own or plan to own their own business.

(Fong, 2018)

Gen Z Students need:
- The ability to prepare for multiple career fields at one time and "slash" careers through development of transferable skills
  - I am a teacher/freelance writer
  - I am a business associate/waiter
  - I am an administrative assistant/photographer
  - I am a middle manager/adjunct faculty member

Learning Preferences

Generation Z: craves regular and technology-enhanced training opportunities. Looks for professional development that uses visually enhanced methods of training.

Attitudes toward Authority

Generation Z: is high maintenance and wants high intensity in relationships with those in authority, as well as their peers.

Special Interests

Generation Z: thrives on opportunity. Excel when they receive guidance in how to achieve their goals.

Cultivating Culture for Successful Learning Environments with Multiple Generations

Promote understanding, acceptance, and respect
- Each student is valued for individual contribution
- Each student is respected for their strengths
Communication is open.
Learning environment promotes project-based assignments that utilize the strengths of each member.
- Specific individualized guidance is provided.
- Function-based work projects are reduced or eliminated.
Technology is used to create interest and enhance content.