Assalamualaikum and hey there!
Today, I want to share some dilemmas I’ve been grappling with over the past few years, especially since the pandemic turned our world upside down. While I can’t claim decades of teaching experience, 12 years in the classroom have opened my eyes to some noticeable shifts in students. Of course, these insights are based on my own observations and experiences, so they might not resonate with fellow educators. But here goes:
Digital Fluency
Firstly, I can say that students these days are better equipped with technology and its usage in the classroom. This is different from the past, when I needed to provide step-by-step instructions on how to use particular software or apps. For example, back when I was using Padlet, I’d receive questions like, “How do I post my reflection on Padlet?” In contrast, today, students often suggest effective alternatives to Padlet themselves. However, being digitally fluent comes with its own disadvantages, as they may overuse or abuse the privilege. For instance, the current implementation of AI in various tools like Quillbot, ChatGPT, and Gemini gives us access to powerful resources, but the thinking process is sometimes stunted. I, for one, would never prohibit my students from using these tools, but I tell them to be smart about using them. The end product must reflect their own thinking process, with the tools serving to enhance their work. However, some of them are, as they say, “asleep at the wheel,” so my words may go unheeded. But, would this demotivate me? Of course! But would it stop me? NEVER!
Communication Gap
Secondly, I’ve noticed that I’m losing my connection with students more and more—not literally, but communicatively. I guess the generation gap is becoming more prominent, especially when I hear terms like “delulu,” “demure,” “rizz,” “cap,” “bussin,” and “sus.” For now, I’d say the gap is manageable since I’m on TikTok and familiar with the jargon, but I’m not so sure about the future, especially when Gen Alpha enters university (Lord, help me!). Beyond the vocabulary, I’m also concerned about how some students seem to be losing a sense of respect and common sense regarding their duties and responsibilities as students. I don’t expect songs of praise or anyone kissing my feet, but they should at least show respect for themselves as students. If not, what’s the point, right? Still, one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch, and I have hope for the future generation. As a teacher, I’m committed to finding ways to bridge the generational gap and foster a mutually respectful and productive learning environment.
Attention span and learning style
Thirdly, and to wrap up this post, let’s talk about a major challenge: shorter attention spans. The pandemic forced everyone into online learning back in 2020, and we all had to adapt to whatever tech we had, from shaky internet to limited devices. I noticed that students’ attention spans shrank significantly with online learning—and sadly, the trend seems to continue in physical classrooms. Students might be all in for the first 30 minutes, but then their focus starts to wander. It’s not entirely their fault; our gadget-dependent world plays a big part. Plus, students don’t just want to sit and listen for hours. They crave movement, challenges, and opportunities to lead. Thankfully, current UHLB courses are catching up with these needs. I’m all in on active learning and adding some gamification to my lessons. My hope is that, while not all students might get into it, some will find these approaches engaging and useful.