Teaching Millennials and Generation Z: Bridging the Generational Divide

Abstract

Most undergraduate students today are part of the millennial generation. However, the next wave of students-Generation Z-are just beginning to enter universities. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have unique characteristics that create challenges in the classroom. Incorporating technology, engaging students with adaptive learning activities, and understanding basic generational differences are ways to limit the effects of generational conflict while keeping both millennials and Generation Z students engaged in learning. It is important to understand basic differences and distinctions across generations for developing pedagogy that reaches these unique student populations.

Stimulating Intrinsic Motivation in Millennial Students: A New Generation, a New Approach

“…The online environment already exerts great influence on education, and present‐day students prefer easily accessible technological options for learning (Tanaka et al, ; Croffoot et al, ; Lysak et al, ). However, providing such options to students is often challenging for educators (Puertas et al, ; Shatto and Erwin, ), as many lack the motivation (Cook and Artino, ; Abdel Meguid and Khalil, ) or technological expertise (Ommering and Dekker, ; Luthar, ) to incorporate these tools in their teaching repertoire.…”

“…Hence, their employment in health care is driven mostly by a desire to improve their world (Orsini et al, 2016a). They tend to be competitive (Lysak et al, 2018), aspire for higher monetary compensations (Puertas et al, 2013;Shatto and Erwin, 2017) and are willing to make sacrifices to their personal lives (Barie and Ho, 2012;Cianciolo et al, 2016). The Baby Boomers currently account for the majority of active health care professionals (Rosenman et al, 2014) and occupy most positions of responsibility (Desy et al, 2018).…”

Facing the Generation Chasm: The Parenting and Teaching of Generations Y and Z

“…Shatto & Erwin (2017) add that the Millennials and Gen Z possess characteristics that are unique to growing up in the Digital Age. Information is shared and streamed in real time, with civil uprisings being organized via social media.…”

“…According to Shatto and Erwin (2017), Millennials were the first generation to have computers in their schools and, together with Gen Z, are characterized by a propensity to multitask. Both generations also seem engaged when given the autonomy and freedom in their use of digital technologies.…”

“…Naomi Baron as cited in Barnes, Marateo, and Ferris (2007, p. 2) felt that "the move to incorporate technology, reduce lecture time, and reshape assignments to engage impatient Net Geners merely caters to a lack of discipline"; frequent use of electronic tools does not mean increased literacy or critical thinking skills. Shatto and Erwin (2017) indicate that innovative teaching using different forms of technology is required to fully engage Gen Z. Examples of forms of teaching technology are incorporated in Table 6.…”