Coping with Zellenial learners in the “New Normal “

In this time of pandemic, everyone must adapt the new normal set up and we in the education sector is not exempted from it. We, teachers, seasoned or not are ought to follow this setting vis a vis dealing with the zellenials.

Who are the generation Z or otherwise known as the Zellenials? Are we familiar with their existence? Do you know that they are in your classroom every day? As teachers, do you wonder why there are “aliens” in your class?

One great lesson that I learned in Sun Tzu’s Art of War is that in order to win a battle we have to know ourselves and our opponent. In this age, teachers are beset with so many challenges. One of them is facing a bunch of students who have an entirely different set of values and mindset as that of their teachers. Needless to say, conflict arises.

The next question now is how do teachers deal with them in this so called “new normal” set up in education? How do they cope with the zellenials? Let us apply the Sun Tzu’s Art of War principle---know thy opponent.

To cope with them, we need to do paradigm shift. According to the Cambridge dictionary, paradigm shift is a time when the usual and accepted way of doing or thinking about something changes completely. Therefore, what a teacher can do to cope with them is to look outward. In order to do this, let us apply the following:

1. Know their characteristics. You as a teacher must acknowledge that your generation is different from their generation and must bridge the gap by recognizing strategies that could both work for each other. Employ different strategies that are best applicable for this new set up in education.

2. Learn their behavior. Most of the time, they tune in to internet. They are the generation that doesn’t know what life is without technology. Smart phones and different applications like google, Instagram, Facebook etc. are very indispensable tool for them. And since face to face learning is prohibited in this new set up, this can be a great advantage to the Gen Z, where virtual world is a reality. Teachers, likewise can use this for their advantage in the teaching and learning process. Make ways to reach out to them and maximize their time by making the internet a platform for learning and teaching.

3. Speak their language. As teachers, one must be creative to capture what they are interested in. Recognize also that we could learn from them and we do not just have the monopoly of knowledge.

4. Study their philosophy. They are pragmatic. They are into saving money and work hard to achieve more. Focus on these facts. Give them projects or activities that connote practicality. Make them aware that everything has a purpose and in doing so instill in them that hard work is the key to success.

With these ways of knowing the zellenials, surely we can deal with them harmoniously and productively especially in this new normal set up.

Every new and different type of students will bring challenges and changes in the teaching and learning process. This new normal set up in the Basic Philippine Education is indeed a big challenge not only for students but for teachers as well. Nevertheless, educators, whatever generation they may encounter, be it in face to face or virtually, are very much willing to give their heart for the success of their learners in order to prepare them for a brighter future.