The best minds in the education industry find new age learning and engagement methods that provide an effective learning experience for both students and educators.
During short periods of time, driven by increasing reliance on technology, multitasking and instant gratification, these features best define the average GenZ student today. They belong to a generation that echoes ‘I am me and you must respect me the way I am’.
Although they deeply value education as a key element of their personal growth, their preferred learning methods differ from previous generations, especially in the post-epidemic world. Their choice is often seen in the case of need-based learning that is done at the right time to solve a specific problem through a combination of online platforms. Amy Memon, Regional Head, AACSB International sheds light on how the epidemic has revived these teaching methods, some of which can never be reversed. “I have seen educators move away quickly, that is, emergency response teaching. From ‘sage on stage’ to ‘convenient’ mentality has changed. Also, there has been an increase in reconsideration of the role of technology as well as constructive and authentic evaluation, ”he said.
Suresh Ramanathan, Dean, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, claims that the focus is on going through this crisis by equating the education system with entertainment through entertainment. “A study in the United States that looked at how advertising evolved in the 60’s revealed that about 10 percent of advertising was dedicated to entertainment. Today that number is 40 percent. A clear battle. The average duration of a millennium, just 2 seconds to decide whether it works when watching a video on YouTube, “he explained.
There are plenty of sources from which these students can meet their information needs. So, the real challenge is how and for how long an educator keeps him engaged and engaged. “The more busy we are, the more we arouse their curiosity. Curiosity must be aroused at all times. Engagement should be about cognitive engagement first and then mental engagement, ”he believes.
Monica Khanna, Director, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai Mumbai quotes from Aristotle – “It is a sign of an educated mind that is able to entertain without accepting a thought.”
For him, it is important for an educator to think about the purpose of education. “Today, when we talk about the VUCA world, we need critical thinking. One must have good observation power. A great way to apply Bloom’s taxonomy theory here. One’s focus must be on high-order thinking skills, ”he commented. He suggested how tools such as chalk and talk, case studies, conferences, experimental learning platforms, personal and group assignments, mentor classes, live industry projects, etc. are essential to drive an enhanced learning experience among students.
Madhu Birraghavan, Director, TAPMI Manipal further explains that students’ engagement is driven by character, ability, customer and quality. He emphasizes four tested strategies that engage students well – role-playing, voting techniques, buzz sessions, and inviting guests to class.
All the experts maintain that the foremost idea is to give maximum pleasure to the students. And it comes in handy when you give them autonomy, where they learn on their own, through competition that stimulates and relationships.