Owing to the pandemic there is a drastic change in every sector. We are paving away and facilitating ourselves with the new normal. Change is inevitable coping and modeling ourselves accordingly is what it demands. Certainly, this has created an impact on the Educators and pupils.
Greater demand to initiate a shift from old school methods and acquisitions of modern technology did cause a huge impact on the teachers. Online learning cannot substitute classroom teaching. However, the need for enhancement in teaching methods is very important as we see the shift in the generation.
Generation gap is a common term in Indian schools and colleges from professors and teachers end as well as from the student community. The mutual blame gap is on without giving much heed to the necessary aspects of change that take place over time. How inconsistent the old school method proves with the modern age Students. Same time the level of difficulty teachers from old school face while handling this smart generation.
Baby Boomers and people who belong to Generation X would be wondering – we didn’t feel the generation gap. We found it simple and there was no room for arguments during our time – Generation X. Well, that’s true. The time was untouched by technology. Whereas the age millennials brought in the revolution. Revolution in terms of technological availability.
Before we move on with the generation talks let me make you aware of these terminologies and the age range they belong to from the most recent to the oldest. However few articles would showcase different breakouts of age range.
- Generation Alpha – 2010 and above
- Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials Born 1996/1997 – 2010/2015
- Millennials or Gen Y Born 1977 – 1995
- Generation X Born 1965 – 1976
- Baby Boomers Born 1946 – 1964
- Traditionalists or Silent Generation Born 1945 and before
The major student community now in schools and colleges belongs to Generation -Z. iGen comprises individuals who belong to the age group of 11 years to – 24 years. They are the ones who are heading towards their puberty and are in their emerging adulthood. They are 100%, digital natives. The generation before this was born during the world of TV and cable. However, the advancement of the internet was in full swing when GenZ was born. They are the ones who are completely carried away with the virtual world. Digital communities are a part of their life. Most of their learning is directed from internet-based sources. The major educational demand of these student communities from schools is How to learn rather than what to learn
As educators, we have to accommodate ourselves and make the right choice to deal with the new generation of students. It’s not just about teaching it is also about getting to know your students better which is very essential to connect with them.
There are several possible sets teachers can adapt and implement in their classes.
- First of all, understand that Generation Z is technology natives. They are born with technology and are well aware of using it. The world is at their fingertips and their life is run by instant responses. As educators, we need to keep this in mind and bring in some changes in the style of lectures that we deliver.
- As teachers, we need to incorporate more visual aids and reduce the heavy text. As they possess less attention span. They are run by rationale whatever makes sense or yields results that all fascinate kids of this generation.
- Students of this generation are diverse. Well, the education system is expanding and students connect all over the globe. It’s quite common for students to travel across cities and states. This poses a challenge for teachers to adapt to this multicultural group. However it’s very important, to connect with students teachers should be open to these diversities and be able to relate to the cultural shift and the approach.
- Add your personal touch – This generation learns from storytelling. They are interested to know what you have to offer to them instead of pouring out the texts. It is a challenge for teachers to guide the curriculum and focus on the connection. It’s essential to have the right balance. However, overlooking building the connection in the race of curriculum completion isn’t rewarding.
Well, all together it turns out to be a real challenge to jell together with Generation Z and to understand their demands. It’s very important on the educator’s end to change a few aspects to match with the current generation and build up a strong foundation for the future. Thereby I conclude with a quote from Sir Robert John Meehan – Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding.
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