WHO IS THE CONTEMPORARY LEARNER?

Who is the contemporary learner?

How will the characteristics of our Gen Z learners depicted in the Meet GenZ video define their engagement in the traditional classroom snippet?

Students in the Z generation do not have the attention span to be sitting there listening to a teacher for a whole lesson. They need to be stimulated and engaged with various audios, visuals and fun activities to keep their brains working. Teaching in the aspect of relevance will engage students. 

Referring to the ideas presented by Willis and Robinson, is this level of creativity in evidence in the schools you have attended, both as a student, and as a preservice teacher? Furthermore, is this level of creativity in evidence in your University units? As secondary pre-service teaching students, you will experience a variety of approaches to teaching, learning and course design in your discipline studies. Why were your previous studies presented in that particular way? How could they have been presented?

As a previous student in school, this was not as evident as it is today. It depended on the teacher and how they liked to teach. As a teacher aide in a school, I see this to be more evident. As a pre-service teacher having done placements etc, I have used some of these techniques as we are taught to. In previous studies as a university student, creativity with pedagogy has been highlighted in some areas, while reflecting, I believe other subjects and lecturers could use the pedagogies and strategies Willis has mentioned. 

What do you think the implications are of a curriculum that is linear, progressive, aimed at a single learning outcome for the development of both individuals and the society we live in?

All students are different which means all students learn different. As a learning support teacher, I struggle with internally fighting the curriculum. Most of my students cannot sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher the whole lesson. They need stimulation, sensory learning, taking breaks, talking it out in discussion etc. It is frustrating to see t6he rise of anxiety in students within classroom as they struggle to focus or to maintain knowledge. Failing assignments and exams based on this is sad to see. When the curriculum is linear, individuals struggle.

How can ICTs help you in the development of a professional learning network? How are you feeling about this?

I think ICT can help me collaborate learning with others and my students to ensure the outcome of their learning is a success. I am feeling excited to learn more. I am excited to help students that need to be engaged with learning in this way. I am excited to see students thrive just by using ICT in the classroom.