It’s common knowledge that each generation learns differently from the generation before them. And that previous generations are going to be a bit hard to convince that doing things differently is ok, maybe even better, for the generations after them.
Generation Z is composed of those who were born after 1995 with many of them currently in high school and college. But Gen Z’s learning style is so different from any other generation before because of how quickly technology has advanced during their lifetimes. These are the kids who were born into technology and have been basically using it from birth. They won’t have to grow up and learn technology because it’s something that was always a part of their lives.
Knowing that Gen Z must learn differently due to the radically different environment they’ve been raised in, what can we do to foster their learning? How do we support their learning styles, when the styles that older generations grew up with were so different?
Gen Z Learning Style
The learning style preferred by Gen Z tends to be more flexible and more individualized. The days of cookie-cutter, factory style, hands-off learning are starting to shift towards this new hands-on, interactive, and self-directed style of learning. While they enjoy learning in groups, they prefer doing the actual work on their own.
Gen Z likes self-directed learning at their own pace rather than the rigid structures of generations past. Self-paced learning allows them the freedom to be a little more in control of their learning which, while it sounds scary to older generations, is actually quite beneficial. Giving Gen Z autonomy over their learning enables them to follow their passions, work at times that suit their natural energy, and feel in control of their education. Supporting Gen Z in working at their best can only benefit them and their futures.
In addition to learning best in a more self-directed way, in order to effectively teach Gen Z, it’s important to stop avoiding and instead learn to lean into technology. This generation has been around technology their entire lives and it’s ingrained in almost every aspect of their lives. In addition, it’s going to continue to be an important part of life so there’s no reason to shy away from using technology and encouraging Gen Z to learn about technology. This can only continue to benefit them moving forward.
Tools for Gen Z Learning
Many of the available tools for Gen Z to learn are self-paced, self-directed, and virtual. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have found themselves unable to physically attend classes. Since virtual learning is the norm right now, there’s even more of a chance for Gen Z, and those that support their learning, to embrace technology and the tools that can aid in their learning during this time.
CliffsNotes
For previous generations, CliffsNotes books were available for purchase to help students learn about specific topics or books. But for Gen Z, CliffsNotes has moved online so that students can access condensed versions of literary titles for faster learning. There are also quizzes and audio to further aid students in learning.
Conects Q&A
For homework help in a hurry, Conects Q&A has experts ready to help in as little as 10 minutes. According to this report, nearly 80% of college students don’t have access to their TA’s during this time. Conects Q&A can help them solve tricky homework problems and talk them through the answers if they have questions to ensure they understand the solution. They are available 24/7 which aligns with students who may find they work best during off-hours.
Google Drive
In school, there is so much to keep track of. Assignments, handouts, notes, schedules, etc. Most people already use Gmail as their email provider, so utilizing Google Drive can be a game change to ensure that students have everything they need at all times.
Quizlet
The days of physical flashcards are basically gone. With Quizlet, students can create digital flashcards that they can access from any of their devices. No need to carry stacks of flashcards to study from. Plus, students can share their flashcards with others and access the flashcards of other students as well.
Supporting the Gen Z style of learning is going to take a lot of learning and patience from previous generations. But moving towards a more self-directed, flexible, technology-supported learning style will foster Gen Z’s natural learning style and allow them to find success.
