Generation Z: Learners’ Profiles and Teaching Challenges
Abstract
Given the significant differences among different generations, acceleration of changes due to technological developments, and characteristics of recent generations, it is necessary to recognize the characteristics of Generation Z, in order to be able to create an effective teaching-learning process. Under the influence of digital technology, Generation Z has undergone tremendous changes in several learning parameters, such as time and manner of focus, tendencies, and specific strategies. In this article, by reviewing the characteristics of this generation, the authors tried to provide practical points in teaching methods for this generation.
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18. Kirchmayer Z, Fratričová J. What motivates generation Z at work? Insights into motivation drivers of business students in Slovakia. Proceedings of the Innovation management and education excellence through vision. 2020:6019-30.
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22. Dolot A. The characteristics of Generation Z. E-mentor. 2018;74(2):44-50.
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26. Hampton DC, Keys Y. Generation Z students: Will they change our nursing classrooms. J Nurs Educ Pract. 2017;7(4):111-5.
27. Chunta K, Shellenbarger T, Chicca J. Generation Z students in the online environment: Strategies for nurse educators. Nurse Educ. 2021 Mar-Apr;46(2):87-91.
28. Wood S. Generation Z as consumers: trends and innovation. Institute for Emerging Issues: NC State University. 2013;119(9):7767-79.
29. Mohr KA, Mohr ES. Understanding Generation Z students to promote a contemporary learning environment. J Empower Teach Excell. 2017;1(1):84-94.
2. Hopkins L, Hampton BS, Abbott JF, Buery-Joyner SD, Craig LB, Dalrymple JL, et al. To the point: medical education, technology, and the millennial learner. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Feb;218(2):188-92.
3. Tolbize A. Generational differences in the workplace. Research and Training Center on Community Living. 2008 Aug;5(2):1-21.
4. Stevanin S, Palese A, Bressan V, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K, Kvist T. Workplace-related generational characteristics of nurses: A mixed-method systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2018 Jun;74(6):1245-63.
5. Vermetten YJ, Vermunt JD, Lodewijks HG. Powerful learning environments? How university students differ in their response to instructional measures. Learn Instr. 2002 Jun;12(3):263-84.
6. Schwieger D, Ladwig C. Reaching and retaining the next generation: Adapting to the expectations of Gen Z in the classroom. Inf Sys Educ J. 2018 Jun;16(3):45-54.
7. Plochocki JH. Several ways Generation Z may shape the medical school landscape. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2019 Oct;6:2382120519884325.
8. Wolff M, Stojan J, Buckler S, Cranford J, Whitman L, Gruppen L, et al. Coaching to improve self-directed learning. Clin Teach. 2020 Aug;17(4):408-12.
9. Berkup SB. Working with generations X and Y in generation Z period: Management of different generations in business life. Mediterr J Soc Sci. 2014 Aug;5(19):218-29.
10. Shatto B, Erwin K. Teaching millennials and Generation Z: Bridging the generational divide. Creat Nurs. 2017 Feb;23(1):24-8.
11. Iftode D. Generation Z and learning styles. SEA–Prac Applic Sci. 2019;7(21):255-62.
12. Cilliers EJ. The challenge of teaching generation Z. PEOPLE Int J Soc Sci. 2017 Jun;3(1):188-98.
13. Tjakradidjaja FA, Prabandari YS, Prihatiningsih TS, Harsono H. The role of teacher in medical student self-directed learning process. J Educ Learn. 2016 Feb;10(1):78-84.
14. Eckleberry-Hunt J, Lick D, Hunt R. Is medical education ready for Generation Z? J Grad Med Educ. 2018 Aug;10(4):378-81.
15. Eckleberry-Hunt J, Lick D, Hunt R. Is medical education ready for Generation Z? J Grad Med Educ. 2018 Aug;10(4):378-81.
16. Chicca J, Shellenbarger T. A new generation of nurses is here: Strategies for working with Generation Z. Am Nurse Today. 2019 Feb;14(2):48-51.
17. Jurenka R, Stareček A, Vraňaková N, Cagaňova D. The learning styles of the generation group Z and their influence on learning results in the learning process. In2018 16th International Conference on Emerging eLearning Technologies and Applications (ICETA) 2018 Nov 15 (pp. 251-260). IEEE.
18. Kirchmayer Z, Fratričová J. What motivates generation Z at work? Insights into motivation drivers of business students in Slovakia. Proceedings of the Innovation management and education excellence through vision. 2020:6019-30.
19. Csobanka ZE. The Z generation. Acta Technol. Dubn. 2016;6(2):63-76.
20. Desai SP, Lele V. Correlating Internet, social networks and workplace–a case of generation Z students. J. Commer. Manag. Thought. 2017;8(4):802-15.
21. Seemiller C, Grace M. Generation Z: Educating and engaging the next generation of students. About Campus. 2017 Jul;22(3):21-6.
22. Dolot A. The characteristics of Generation Z. E-mentor. 2018;74(2):44-50.
23. Carter T. Preparing Generation Z for the teaching profession. Srate J. 2018;27(1):1-8.
24. Hariadi B, Sunarto M, Sudarmaningtyas P. Development of web-based learning application for generation Z. Int J Eval Res Educ. 2016;5(1):60-8.
25. Marshall AL, Wolanskyj-Spinner A. COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Educators and Generation Z Learners. Mayo Clin Proc. 2020 Jun;95(6):1135-7.
26. Hampton DC, Keys Y. Generation Z students: Will they change our nursing classrooms. J Nurs Educ Pract. 2017;7(4):111-5.
27. Chunta K, Shellenbarger T, Chicca J. Generation Z students in the online environment: Strategies for nurse educators. Nurse Educ. 2021 Mar-Apr;46(2):87-91.
28. Wood S. Generation Z as consumers: trends and innovation. Institute for Emerging Issues: NC State University. 2013;119(9):7767-79.
29. Mohr KA, Mohr ES. Understanding Generation Z students to promote a contemporary learning environment. J Empower Teach Excell. 2017;1(1):84-94.
| Issue | Vol 22 (Continuously Published Article-Based) | |
| Section | Review Article | |
| Keywords | ||
| Digital Technology Habits Intergenerational Relations Learning | ||
| Rights and permissions | |
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
How to Cite
1.
Shirazian S, Vatanpour M, Guity P. Generation Z: Learners’ Profiles and Teaching Challenges. Front Dent. 2025;22.
