wisewizard on Nostr: Supporting #genz with #adultlearning and #andragogy principles in #highereducation ...
Supporting #genz with #adultlearning and #andragogy principles in #highereducation #highered
How Colleges Are Adapting to the Changing Needs of Gen Z Students
Colleges and universities are evolving to meet the needs of a new generation: Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z students are digital natives who have grown up in an era of constant connectivity, fast-changing technology including touch screens, and increasing social awareness. They approach education differently than previous generations, and higher education institutions are starting to shift their strategies to better engage and support them.
One of the most significant changes is the focus on flexible learning options. Gen Z students value the ability to control when, where, and how they learn. This trend resembles what we know of adult and non-traditional learners, but at an earlier age than with prior generations. Traditional, lecture-based models are being supplemented (and sometimes replaced) with hybrid and fully online courses that offer more autonomy, particularly since the lockdown response to the pandemic. For example, at many universities, students can now take part of their coursework online while still having in-person lab or group work, allowing them to balance education with part-time jobs, internships, or personal commitments. This trend increases the need to incorporate andragogical principles into program and course design.
Another area of focus is mental health support. Gen Z is more open about discussing mental health issues, and they expect their schools to offer resources for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Colleges are responding by providing expanded mental health services, including teletherapy, wellness centers, and peer support groups. A friend of mine, who teaches at a state university, recently shared a story about a student who was struggling with anxiety during midterms. In response, the campus offered an impromptu “Mental Health Day” complete with workshops, stress-relief activities, and extended counseling hours. The student later said that this small adjustment helped her feel supported and refocused for her exams.
Colleges are also adapting their career services to better prepare students for a fast-changing job market. Gen Z is particularly entrepreneurial and focused on gaining practical, hands-on experience. As a result, schools are offering more internships, career coaching, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
From offering more personalized learning paths to addressing mental well-being and future career readiness, colleges are working hard to meet the needs of Gen Z students. By embracing these changes, higher education institutions are not only helping students succeed academically, but also supporting their overall development in a way that resonates with this unique generation.
How Colleges Are Adapting to the Changing Needs of Gen Z Students
Colleges and universities are evolving to meet the needs of a new generation: Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z students are digital natives who have grown up in an era of constant connectivity, fast-changing technology including touch screens, and increasing social awareness. They approach education differently than previous generations, and higher education institutions are starting to shift their strategies to better engage and support them.
One of the most significant changes is the focus on flexible learning options. Gen Z students value the ability to control when, where, and how they learn. This trend resembles what we know of adult and non-traditional learners, but at an earlier age than with prior generations. Traditional, lecture-based models are being supplemented (and sometimes replaced) with hybrid and fully online courses that offer more autonomy, particularly since the lockdown response to the pandemic. For example, at many universities, students can now take part of their coursework online while still having in-person lab or group work, allowing them to balance education with part-time jobs, internships, or personal commitments. This trend increases the need to incorporate andragogical principles into program and course design.
Another area of focus is mental health support. Gen Z is more open about discussing mental health issues, and they expect their schools to offer resources for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Colleges are responding by providing expanded mental health services, including teletherapy, wellness centers, and peer support groups. A friend of mine, who teaches at a state university, recently shared a story about a student who was struggling with anxiety during midterms. In response, the campus offered an impromptu “Mental Health Day” complete with workshops, stress-relief activities, and extended counseling hours. The student later said that this small adjustment helped her feel supported and refocused for her exams.
Colleges are also adapting their career services to better prepare students for a fast-changing job market. Gen Z is particularly entrepreneurial and focused on gaining practical, hands-on experience. As a result, schools are offering more internships, career coaching, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
From offering more personalized learning paths to addressing mental well-being and future career readiness, colleges are working hard to meet the needs of Gen Z students. By embracing these changes, higher education institutions are not only helping students succeed academically, but also supporting their overall development in a way that resonates with this unique generation.