PolyU HKCC - 教與學 - Engaging Gen-Z Students 2018-09-28

Eunice Chan

2018-09-28

Gen-Z students have become the most visually stimulated learners as they have been growing up with cable TV, smart phones, video games, computer software and internet (Mohr & Mohr, 2017). It is understandable that this group of students have less attention span that we have to seek various strategies to stimulate and engage them for effective learning. Some understanding of the Gen-Z characteristics may allow us to find better ways to stimulate and engage our students. The following characteristics and learning styles of Gen-Z students identified in Cook (2015), though in the US context, can be used as a reference:

They prefer shopping online for almost all their purchases.
They don't want to be tracked, preferring Snapchat, Secret, or Whisper to communicate.
They want to co-create and help to make up the activity as they participate.
They pay attention within 8 seconds to learning materials. About 10% of Generation Z in US have experienced a diagnosis of ADHD.
They prefer communicating through images, icons and symbols.
They like visuals and videos.
They favor online learning, which allows for flexible learning and flexible attendance.

According to Wondergem (2017), there are some strategies which we may adopt for engaging these learners. To arouse their attention, let's make it simple and brief in delivering the concepts. There are many interesting and well produced videos from YouTube, but it possibly takes us some time to choose suitable ones for use during the lectures. We may also allow students to use their mobile devices and incorporate them into activities. For example, after a theory or concept is explained, we may obtain instant feedback from students regarding their understandings by giving them a survey or questions through Poll Everywhere or Socrative. In addition, we can set up a social community for learning beyond the classroom. We may have to make ourselves available through social apps for questions. Facebook, WhatsApp or other social media may be used as a platform for raising questions for discussions.

Above all, students have their unique characteristics and learning preferences. Hence, we have to be flexible and open-minded to explore appropriate strategies in different situations.

References:

Mohr, K. and Mohr, E. (2017). Understanding Generation Z Students to Promote a Contemporary Learning Environment. Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 9.

Cook, V. (2015). Engaging Generation Z Students. Center for Online Learning Research and Service, University of Illinois Springfield.

Wondergem, K. (2017). Here comes Z: strategies to engage a new generation of college students.

Source: HKCC Learning & Teaching Weekly Bulletin