by Lillian M. Huerta

What I learned at the Lilly’s Conference 2017

I was awarded a scholarship to attend the Lilly Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning Conference courtesy of ACC’s Faculty Community for Teaching and Learning (FCTL). It was my first time attending and I certainly hope it will not be my last. The conference was engaging, inspiring and meaningful to say the least. It is like being in a candy store deciding amongst the array of interesting workshops from problem-based research to learning how to address the complexities of diversity and racism found deeply embedded within our educational systems.

Now for what I learned, and that’s the hard part because I learned A LOT, but what really captured my interest was understanding how to work with Generation Z. According to Dr. Gladys Childs from Texas Wesleyan University and presenter on Generation Z, the estimated time of birth of our Generation Z population is 1996. This puts the oldest Generation Z “er” at 20 years of age. As with any generation there are assumptions and exceptions. So, as faculty who strive to meet the needs of our diverse learners and seek to ensure the academic success of our students here are some key general ideas to keep in mind when working with Generation Z (Childs, 2017):

1.Generation Z are not like Millennials. Generation Z want to know you care about them. They are more concerned with how they relate to you versus having a teacher who has all the answers. They need your emotional intelligence to kick in. Share with them your personal challenges and how you overcame them. They want to hear your story.

2. They view technology in a different light. They have no concept of a world without cell phones or the internet. A cell phone for this generation is not simply a smartphone but rather a “portal to the world”. Consequently, incorporating the use of technology in the classroom is valued. According to Dr. Childs, research shows that this population reaches for some form of technology every 7 seconds.

3. Generation Z operate on 4D spatial thinking and are considered to be visual learners. However, they lack direction and situational awareness.

4. They prefer mobile devices/technology versus socially interacting with individuals.

5. Their attention span is lower than 8 seconds.

6. 42% of their self-esteem is influenced by social media.

7. The preferred way to engage this group of learners is to provide authentic learning experiences. Show them why an assignment is worth their time. Implement teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning, active learning, and opportunities to complete assignments that allow them creativity, such as artwork, video presentation, etc.

As faculty members who strive to provide a quality learning experience for all of our students we simply have to open our minds to teaching techniques that will capture the learning needs of our current and upcoming generations. Fortunately, we have great support, such as Lilly conferences that get us going in the right direction and of course ACC’s FCTL.