You work each day to connect with your students. You adapt teaching methods to meet their unique needs. But are your standard methods and techniques working for Gen Z ? According to a from the Walton Family Foundation, iGeneration students (people born from 1997-2012) are looking for more meaningful and real-world experiences in their education. Now how can you bring those experiences to your classroom?
Brittany Hochstaetter and Chad McKenzie from Wake Tech Community College share their insights on how you can better understand and engage with students from this generational cohort.
Connection
Before you can connect with your Zoomer students, it’s important to understand them. Often referred to as the "digital first generation," they’ve grown up with technology and the internet at their fingertips. Constant connectivity has shaped their expectations and interactions.
More than 25% of Gen Z respondents said they could only make it an hour or less before wanting to use the internet. "This generation likely had an iPad in their hands before they went to kindergarten," commented Brittany.
While previous generations primarily focused on the internet as a tool, Centennials use the internet for so much more. Connection. Entertainment. You name it. Understanding how to help students connect with and use digital resources in your curriculum can help you become a better educator.
But how do you find the right curriculum that works for you and your students? No matter which certification you teach, we have digital tools that work for you. You can get more details here.
Authenticity
That said, the tools will only get you so far. To truly connect with Gen Z students, to truly help them learn, you need to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Show your students that you really care about them. Be yourself.
As Brittany advises, "When you are being yourself, the camaraderie comes naturally." If your students trust and connect with you, they’re more likely to engage with what you teach.
But it’s important that the authenticity and rapport not be one-sided. Students deserve a chance to speak their minds too. “Do the research. See what is happening in class. Talk to your students and get their feedback," Chad urges.
By understanding students' thoughts and incorporating them into lessons, educators can create a more personalized and impactful learning experience. And remember, nothing is permanent. It never hurts to try out a new idea. “Try one new thing and see what happens,” advised Chad. “If it doesn't work, try something else."
Humor
What’s an easy way to start a quick connection? Be funny. Chad emphasizes, "Humor boosts attention and engagement." And he’s not wrong. Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, Stanford University professor and lecturer, respectively, found that .
Incorporating humor into your lessons can be a simple joke or even breaks to dive into memes. Chad said, “I love using memes and keep adding them to my coursework. They bring some cheer to my classroom.”
Not only does it add levity to often serious teaching moments, humor can also break down barriers. This more relaxed atmosphere helps alleviate the anxiety that many Zoomers students experience. Adds Brittany, "Anxiety is something that these students struggle with a lot. Anything that we can do to set them at ease, and make them feel more comfortable, helps them to build that bridge between us and them."
So go ahead. Crack the joke. Wear the goofy outfit. Toss a meme into the PowerPoint. Make learning fun.
Are you ready?
Connecting with Gen Z requires a willingness to learn, experiment, and grow alongside your students. You need to find digital tools that work for you. Connect on a meaningful level. And with luck, you can crack a few jokes along the way. We know the journey will be worth it.
Learn more from Brittany and Chad on the CERTIFIED Podcast .