Born between 1995 - 2012
Entered college between 2013-14 and today
Beloit College's Annual List of Incoming Freshmen (Class of 2020)Characteristics
Generational Differences with Tech Initiatives
"Today, the population of learners who are age 25 or older is growing faster than the traditional college-age group, a surge projected to continue."
(https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2017/9/studentst2017infog.pdf)
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)
Become a Learning Guide
Embrace Technology
Encourage Educational Freedom
Teach Risk-Taking
Understand Speed of Access Matters
What skills do students need to learn as we teach discipline specific content?
Technical skills
Conceptual skills
Interpersonal skills
Entrepreneurial and Innovation skills
Producing a Generation of Problem Solvers
...education needs to become a dynamic activity, providing a combination of four ingredients:
Knowledge, starting with the basic skills of literacy and numeracy, moving onto knowledge of core content and then to higher order concepts and thinking skills, to challenge, question, adapt and apply knowledge in new ways.
Personal strengths and character development, including helping students find a sense of purpose and ambition, and building their resilience and persistence (knowing how to stick with it and overcome setbacks and obstacles).
Social experiences so they deepen their relationships with others, learn and think through dialogue and collaboration, and take action together to make and do things for and with other people.
Activities that give students a strong sense of agency, so that they learn how to turn knowledge and ideas into action to see that they can make a difference to the world so they can serve and contribute. (Ledbetter, 2016)
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
Most Helpful Tools for Gen-Z Student Learning: Barnes & Noble Report
(https://next.bncollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Gen-Z-Research-Report-Final.pdf)
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.
Generation Z (Phigital Generation)
Contact information:
Dr. Vickie Cook
Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service
University of Illinois Springfield
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https://sites.google.com/a/uis.edu/colrs_cook/
217-206-7317
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