The only thing that doesn't
change is CHANGE. It is quite inevitable. Change is therefore the ultimate
reason as to why generations have differences, it is the reason why the times
are not what it is a before and it is the reason why we are experiencing technological
advancement in a dizzy pace.
The generation Y is conceived
with the people who were born from the year 1980-1995. They are said to be born
on the “traditional and post-modern” period. They are the product of the
amazing wonders of primary technological outburst that paved to the advancement
of today, thus termed as the “Millennial”. Generation Z on the other hand is
composed of the people who were born from the year 1996 and on wards. They are
the receivers of the improved technology, the pioneers of “Instant Mentality”,
and prominently referred to as the “Digital Natives”.
Today’s digital natives are quite
unique in their own learning styles. This is therefore a difficult challenge to
the teachers of today. To fill in the generation gap in order to fully
construct CONNECTIVITY among the students and the lesson at hand; to build
further rapport to improve relationship building among teachers and students.
These are few of the ways to eradicate the barrier and to build a bridge in
order to further reach out and hold on as one.
Connectivity
Indeed, as teachers we must always
realize that the traditional model of learning (which refers to the teacher as
the sole dispenser of knowledge) is not anymore applicable to the generation of
today. To fill in that gap we so loathe, we must become the “Native Speakers”
of the computer language. This is to ensure that the digital natives can
further comprehend the lessons at hand through the usage of these technological
advancements. We must therefore be updated with the current trends of the time.
If the learners of today can relate so much to social media, why not use
Facebook as a means of instruction. This will not only entertain them but this
will absolutely ENGAGE them to be INVOLVED with the lesson and PARTICIPATE in
the discussion.
New Breed of Learners
Generation Z is an epitome to
dynamic learning. For them learning is diverse and an intelligence is not
limited in the cognitive domain. We, as teachers, must adapt to the
technological upbringing of the learners in order for us to be clearly
understood and in order for us to teach the way they learn.
Hyper linked Information. The
learners of today would want something new in the instruction of learning.
Instead of referring solely into their textbooks (which at time they find it
boring), they want to be engaged in realm of multimedia where they can relate.
Using this tool can enable the students to perceive learning as FUN.
Audio-Visual Learners. 70% of our
receptors are derived from our eyes, thus it is most likely that we, along with
the generation of today can acquire information through our sense of sight.
This would therefore mean that when teaching it is important to incorporate
pictures, videos and music in order for them to be motivated and interested to
the topic at hand.
Experiential Learners. The
students of today are quite inclined with the discovery method of teaching as
they prefer to learn through doing. This would therefore mean that as teachers
we must incorporate activities to enrich their minds. They need activities
which would not entertain them but ENGAGE them.
Short Attention Span. As much as
possible, we must be interesting enough for them. Teaching the lesson in the
most interesting way will enable the students to be more attached to our
lesson. They may have short attention span, but take that as a challenge. This
will be the avenue to be more creative and innovative.
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