Coping with Generation Z
Coping with Generation Z
Zeynep İskenderoğlu Önel and Meral Güçeri
The 17th International IATEFL Slovenia Annual Conference was held between 11-14 March 2010 in Terme Topol?ica on the Alps.
The Conference focused on the characteristics of Generation Z and how we, as teachers, can cater to the needs and interests of this generation. Generation Z is a term used to define young people born between the mid-1990s and the late 2000s. The outstanding characteristic of this generation is their familiarity and comfort with the Net and the cyber world.
Some speakers labelled them as ?digital aliens? whereas some appropriated this definition as ?techno comfies.? At any rate, the aim of all the talks was to suggest ways to keep these highly technologically oriented young people motivated and on task.
There were quite a few sessions on the value of integrating feature films into language classrooms. Several sessions highlighted the importance oral presentation skills and getting Generation Z to talk.
Our session entitled ?Effects of oral presentations on EFL student?s performance? discussed how properly guided and organized oral presentations may help students become active and autonomous learners with the involvement of research and critical analysis in groups. The presentation offered an approach to teaching oral presentation skills involving a guided feedback cycle that may help students overcome the potential anxiety they will have and build confidence.
In the work that I do, I am frequently contacted by the parents of generation Z children. Their concerns are mainly to do with their teenager’s inability to function socially and live their life with any sense of confidence. It srikes me that there is a massive need for conferences and courses like yours, where people with responsibility for these teenagers can learn how to use technology to enhance their lives, instead of what seems like a reduction in their ability to function in the real world. It would be very interesting to hear more feedback from this conference and perhaps some key points. Thanks, Dan