How does the new Generation Z learn? | Blind Experts

We live together several generations, generation X, Baby Boomers, Millennials and Centennials or also known as Generation Z, or post-millenials. The latter are those who are entering the world of work, those born between mid-1997 and 2012. They are the first generation that has grown up in a digitalized and connected world, and they have experienced a very different education than previous generations.

Overall, the way Generation Z learns is very different from the way previous generations learned. Some of the most important innovations in the way you learn are:

• Use of technology and digital education : This generation is very familiar with technology, and in particular, online learning. From virtual classes to YouTube or TikTok tutorials, digital education is a fundamental part of your educational experience. Unlike previous generations, who learned through books and handwritten notes, they have access to a wide range of online resources and digital devices, allowing them to learn at their own pace and from anywhere.
• They require personalization of learning : Generation Z is used to a highly personalized experience in their daily lives, from online advertising to movie recommendations on Netflix. As a result, they expect education to also be personalized and tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Adaptive learning systems and personalized online education are gaining more and more popularity in the education of Generation Z. The negative part is that networks often condition the content that reaches them and that can make them “manipulable.”
• They prefer collaborative learning : This generation's group values ​​collaboration and teamwork when learning. They are accustomed to sharing information and working in groups through social networks and other online channels. As a result, they prefer to work in groups and collaborate with others in the classroom and/or outside of it. And that gives richness, because when they are put together the result is usually higher than the sum of the parts, some ideas lead to others, thereby increasing the options through collaborative intelligence. This is one of the most valued skills in organizations, teamwork and collaboration.
• Value practical and applied experiences : they like to learn by doing and experimenting. Unlike previous generations, who often learned through reading and memorization, Generation Z values ​​practical experience and the application of concepts and theories. For this reason, they benefit from instruction that focuses on problem solving and project-based learning.
• Informal learning prevails : this generation is used to learning outside the classroom, through informal education and autonomous exploration. From searching for information online to participating in forums and discussion groups, Gen Z youth are self-directed learners and are making the most of their access to online information. For them it is even more relevant to have a 70:20:10 approach to learning.

This generation of post-millennials is also often characterized as an impatient generation due to their tendency to seek quick results and expect instant gratification. Some of the reasons that lead us to this argument are:

1. Technology : They have grown up in a time when technology has made information and communication instantly accessible. They have a habit of obtaining information quickly through the Internet and social networks, and they expect immediate answers to their questions and needs.
2. Entertainment : Nowadays the entertainment offer is vast and easily accessible through streaming platforms and online video games. So it is natural for them to have immediate access to their favorite entertainment and they may feel frustrated if they have to wait for something.
3. Ambition : It is often seen as an ambitious and motivated generation. They want to be successful in their career and in life in general, and they may become impatient when they feel that things are not moving as quickly as they would like.

In conclusion, Generation Z has a very different learning experience than previous generations. With your familiarity with technology and your preference for personalization, collaboration and hands-on experience, teaching must be tailored to meet your needs and expectations and above all with immediate, easy and fast access. As technology and education continue to evolve, it is likely that the way Generation Z learns will continue to evolve as well. It is a challenge both for the Learning & Development areas and for the rest of the generations that coexist in an organization with Generation Z to promote learning for and among everyone.

About the Author

Rut Roncal is Manager in the Aragon market of Cegos Spain

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rut-roncal/