June 01, 2021
The following article is from Zing News
Generation Z has created many new perspectives on higher education. Thereby, educational institutions have changed and improved their training models to meet the needs of students.
1. The training program needs to focus on career orientation: University was once considered a place for students to focus on discovering their passions, not entirely towards specific careers. However, today's students, especially Gen Z students, are willing to spend their time pursuing unrelated job opportunities at university. A survey conducted by ECMC Group and VICE Media showed that 74% of high school students think that education should focus on developing hard skills related to work (science, technology, engineering, math). In addition, 50% of people confirm they are ready to pursue a completely new field to prepare for the future.
2. Technology is indispensable: Gen Z is considered a "digital native". Therefore, they are tech-savvy and want universities to update and apply modern technology to their training programs. This is the reason many university institutions create related apps to support student learning. A report from Barnes & Noble College shows that Gen Z students are eager to use new tools such as digital textbooks, game-based learning, and online video.
3. Tuition model changes: Gen Z students are always interested in tuition fees and debts when going to college. Now, many people want to find an affordable education system. Therefore, many large universities are considering adjusting the tuition fee model to attract students to enroll, according to Collegis Education.
4. Diversity and inclusion become a priority: In the past, many universities were established to serve certain audiences, for example all-boys, all-girls or black schools. Currently, schools are expanding enrollment due to the changing needs of Gen Z. According to the Pew Research Center, currently only 52% of US universities are white. This proves that universities are starting to pay attention to diversity and inclusion in the school environment.
5. Students do not need to live in dormitories: In the past, university students in the US often lived in dormitories, very few students chose to live outside. However, a recent survey found that 20% of Gen Z students plan to attend a local school so they don't need to move into a dormitory. In addition, online learning is gradually becoming a trend, students do not need to go to school like traditional. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that the proportion of college students aged 15 to 23 participating in online learning has increased from 12% in 2004 to 37% in 2016.
6. Mental health care is essential: Gen Z is acutely aware of psychological problems and is always eager to provide related services. Thereby, higher education institutions have responded to the needs of students by enhancing psychological support services for students. Depending on the school, students can use counseling services, therapy, health seminars.