In my SS3 year, on the verge of final exams, we experienced an enlightening career day where our tutors provided valuable guidance on choosing career paths.
Amidst our apprehensions about the challenges of university life, one teacher stood out, assuring us that the transition wouldn’t be as daunting as rumored.
According to them, university was essentially a continuation of our secondary school learning, offering a reassuring perspective.
Upon entering the university with the goal of achieving a first-class degree, I attended lectures and observed that many lecturers lamented our apparent reluctance, as 21st-century students, to engage in reading.
Despite the abundance of resources at our disposal compared to their generation, we struggled to answer even simple questions. This prompted me to contemplate the shifts that occurred between these two generations.
Born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, Gen Z students are often labeled as “digital natives.”
Given the wealth of information available at our fingertips, one might expect us to excel in the classroom. Surprisingly, the opposite often appears to be the case.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind why many Gen Z students struggle in Nigerian universities.
Teaching Methods Stuck in Time
Initially, it’s crucial to recognize that the prevailing traditional teaching methods employed by many Nigerian universities were originally tailored for Generation Y (Millennials) and Generation X. However, Gen Z represents a distinct paradigm.
Raised in an era dominated by smartphones, tablets, and instant access to information, their perspectives and learning preferences have evolved uniquely.
The conventional lecture-based approach predominant in most universities leaves Gen Z students feeling disassociated and disengaged. Adapting to the rigid classroom and teaching style embraced by previous generations becomes a formidable challenge for them.
This disconnection often translates into academic struggles for Gen Z.
Digital Natives Crave Digital Learning
My research revealed that Gen Z is the first group that’s grown up with lots of digital stuff. They’re used to finding tons of info online, chatting with people worldwide on social media, and doing many things at once.
It’s time for Nigerian universities to use these digital tools to make learning better for Gen Z students.
Some argue that introducing technology in the classroom will replace traditional teaching methods, but I firmly believe it’s about enhancing them.
Digital tools can assist students in accessing information, collaborating, and creating in ways that align with their learning preferences. For instance, interactive online platforms and educational apps can inject vitality into lectures, rendering them more engaging and interactive.
Adapting to Generation Z’s Learning Style: How?
To better accommodate Gen Z, Nigerian universities can adapt their teaching strategies to cater to their learning style. Here are a few strategies I believe can bridge the gap:
- Interactive Learning: Engaging Gen Z in interactive learning involves encouraging active participation, fostering discussions, facilitating group projects, and promoting debates. This generation excels when given the opportunity to share their thoughts and engage.
- Adaptive Assessment: Enhance assessment strategies for Gen Z by incorporating a range of methods such as digital quizzes, peer evaluations, and project-based assessments. This approach allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of their diverse skill sets.
- Real-World Application: Help Gen Z see how what they’re learning connects to the real world by showing how it can make a difference in practical situations.
By incorporating these practices, Nigerian universities can acknowledge the distinct traits of Generation Z and tailor their teaching approaches to foster an environment where these students can excel.
By Elaska Mark
