The students are not the problem, the school system is. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and changing societal norms. This rapid transformation has given rise to a new generation of students.
Students who are often criticized for being disengaged, distracted, and less motivated than their predecessors.
However, it’s time to challenge this perception and consider that students themselves are not the problem. Instead, it’s the educational system that has failed to adapt to their changing needs and expectations.
When I tell people I use to be a teacher they always think I left the profession because of the students. But it was because schools failed to provide adequate tools for me to support and prepare them that I left.
The Changing Landscape
The students of today belong to Generation Z, a cohort that grew up in an era marked by constant connectivity, instant access to information, and an array of digital tools and platforms.
They are digital natives who have never known a world without smartphones and the internet.
This digital upbringing has shaped their way of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world. It makes a large world seem very accessible.
They are no longer limited by geographical spaces for growth or on a teacher for information.They now have a variety of online tools to help them.
The Mismatch Between School and Students Today is the Problem not the students
Despite the seismic shift in the world outside of schools, the traditional educational system has remained largely unchanged.
Many schools still rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing rote memorization, standardized testing, and passive learning. There is a huge cost to quantifying learning instead of monitoring growth
This misalignment between the needs and expectations of students and the educational system has created a disconnect. This disconnectoften leads to frustration and disengagement. The students have a hard time engaging with the tasks related to school. While Teachers compete with the all the alternative ways of learning.
Gen-Z Needs individualized Learning
Generation Z students thrive on personalized experiences.
They are accustomed to tailored content and recommendations on social media platforms and streaming services.
Yet, in the classroom, they often encounter a one-size-fits-all curriculum. This curriculum doesn’t cater to their unique interests, abilities, or learning styles.
Schools need to embrace technology and pedagogical approaches that allow for more individualized learning experiences and pacing.
Students need an Integration of Technology
Technology is an integral part of the lives of today’s students. Yet many schools struggle to effectively integrate it into the learning process.
Rather than viewing smartphones and laptops as distractions, educators should harness the power of these tools to enhance learning.
This includes utilizing online resources, interactive learning platforms, and digital collaboration tools.
Somebody needs to show the students the power of the tool they carry in their pockets. The school I worked at previously decided to implement a zero cellphone policy. This was devastating as we had very little access to computers or iPads. Phones are a tool that was used in my classroom as a timer, note taker, agenda, research tool etc.
I always felt it was my duty to show them that their phone could do more. Their phones are loaded with possibilities other than tiktok and snap chat.
Not using cell phones in the classroom is reminiscent of a time when math teachers use to say, “you wont have a calculator at the tips of your fingers!” Nonetheless, that is exactly what we have! Instead of avoiding change at all costs, the focus should be on adapting to new realities and tools. These will be useful for their success in the future.
Relevant Content applicable to the Real World would help Students not be the problem
Generation Z students are acutely aware of global issues, and they desire education that is relevant to the real world.
Traditional textbooks and isolated classroom activities may leave them feeling disconnected from the issues that matter to them.
Schools should focus on project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and community engagement to make education more meaningful and applicable. Students thrive in the real world and can learn valuable lessons for their future.
This also means teachers need appropriate structure and planning time to organize and structure their classroom to support students in this approach.
Soft Skill Development Is Necessary
Soft skills such as critical thinking, team work, creativity, communication, and adaptability are highly valued in a rapidly changing job market.
Unfortunately, the rigid structure of many schools does not adequately foster the development of these skills. Educators should place a stronger emphasis on nurturing these abilities through collaborative projects, problem-solving activities, and extracurricular opportunities.
We have everything to gain by connecting with our youth and modeling how a member of society contributes to the better good.
Now You Know Why the System is the Problem and Not The Students
It’s time to shift the narrative and stop blaming students for the challenges they face in the current educational landscape. Instead, we should recognize that their generation has changed, but the school system has not. It is our roles as parents and educators to demand more accurate systems of teaching.
To truly prepare students for success in the 21st century, schools and teachers must adapt, embracing personalized learning, technology integration, real-world relevance, and soft skills development. By doing so, we can ensure that students are not the problem but rather the solution to building a brighter future.
Most Educators are already well aware of the challenges mentioned above. Some institutitons started looking towards themselves to see how they can better adapt to the needs of our youth. The rigidity of standardized testing means teachers are spending more time showing students how to memorize and regurgitate information than preparing them for the real world. Using School as a way to arm our children with the tools they will need in the future seems like the only logical choice.
Change needs to start with the question,”What should school prepare them for?” Than and only than can there be a relevant shift to support our struggling youth. The students are not the problem, they system is.
