Gen Z includes anyone born between 1996 and 2012, currently aged 9 to 25. The youngest are still in elementary school, while the oldest are entering the workforce. As Millennials transition out of higher education and Gen Z enters, colleges must understand this new generation’s values, behaviors, and perspectives to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation and is on track to be the most educated. According to the Pew Research Center, 57% of 18-21-year-olds in this group are enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college.
Growing up with the internet, Gen Z has a unique mindset. While Millennials are seen as digital pioneers, Gen Z-ers are considered “digital natives” with little or no memory of a world without smartphones. This familiarity with technology makes them comfortable with online learning.
Here are four key insights into the Gen Z mindset:
1. Flexible Knowledge
Gen Z’s knowledge base is adaptable. They excel in quickly acquiring new skills and prefer hands-on, creative learning experiences over passive lectures. They adapt by learning the rules and using their research skills to thrive.
Access to online libraries, databases, and workshops aligns with their learning style, creating resource hubs that are easily accessible, even from mobile devices.
2. Learning Style
The internet provides Gen Z with a wealth of information, enabling proactive learning. They use technology to connect with others and are very social. They excel at translating online instructions into real-world experiences, creating hands-on learning opportunities.
Communities around hobbies like sewing and cooking thrive online, fostering experimentation and teamwork. Podcasts and articles expand knowledge, while platforms like YouTube and TikTok are popular for learning new skills, often using comment sections for troubleshooting.
To support their learning style, provide multiple ways to access information, such as videos or audio clips alongside text. A searchable library of student resources, recorded webinars, and workshops also help.
Gen Z benefits from group work, so include breakout rooms during Zoom meetings and group activities during orientation or workshops.
3. Pragmatic and Value-Driven
Gen Z is thoughtful about finances, driven by pragmatism and security. Many witnessed their parents’ financial struggles during the Great Recession, influencing their approach to money and education. They carefully choose their majors and strive to balance economic choices with supporting their values.
They prefer companies that align with their values and thoroughly research products and colleges. Gen Z wants to support those making a positive impact, so institutions should highlight their missions and actions, like eco-friendly practices or charitable donations.
4. Feelings of Uncertainty
Gen Z tends to view the future with uncertainty, having experienced significant historical events like 9/11, the 2008 Housing Crisis, and Covid-19. Their access to real-time media coverage of global disasters adds to this feeling. Despite their organizing skills, they often feel overwhelmed.
This generation needs encouragement and direction. Practical experiences like internships and work-based learning offer a clearer view of the adult world and provide necessary tools. They need strategy, practice, and guidance.
Conclusion:
Gen Z are quick, tech-savvy learners and strategic spenders. They are determined, creative, and collaborative students who aim for positive change and a stable future. Here’s how colleges can cater to them:
Takeaways:
– Ensure websites are mobile-friendly
– Include hands-on experiences, even in online learning
– Provide collections of information, like searchable databases and video libraries, to suit their learning style
– Offer multiple ways to access information, such as audio or video clips along with text
– Encourage group work and breakout rooms during orientation to foster collaboration
– Incorporate work-based learning to give students direction, with workshops on job interviews and resume writing
– Offer charity or community programs for student involvement
– Collaborate with students on campus changes
– Promote community work to showcase college values
