Older Gen Z Working With Younger Gen Z in STE(A)M
Molly Marnella, Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg Campus
Keywords:
STE(A)M, Gen Z, Teaching
Key Statement:
College-age Gen Z students are teaching STEM lessons to younger Gen Z and elementary students. See the connections and differences between the two levels of Gen Z.
Abstract:
During a practicum (stage 3 – teaching experience) course in May at Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg campus, the college-age Gen Z students wrote and taught lessons about STE(A)M to multiple school districts of 4th-grade to 6th-grade younger Gen Z students. During these lessons, both Gen Z levels worked together to understand STE(A)M, with a focus on technology use. Learn about the connections and differences that occurred during these experiences between the two levels of Gen Z age groups based on formal and informal data collection: observations, qualitative and quantitative surveys.
Hear it from the author:
Transcript:
At Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg, college-aged Gen Z students led STE(A)M lessons—focused
on technology—for 4th to 6th graders across multiple school districts during their practicum experience.
This cross-generational Gen Z teaching moment revealed unique connections and differences in how
each age group engages with STE(A)M. Using both formal and informal data—through observations and
mixed-method surveys—we uncovered fresh insights into peer teaching, tech fluency, and generational
learning styles.
References:
Gallup, & Walton Family Foundation. (2023). Gen Z perspectives on STEM education. Next Gen Insights. https://nextgeninsights.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/resources/perspectives-on-stem/#:~:text=of%20Gen%20Z%20members%20report,related%20occupation%20in%20the%20future.&text=of%20middle%20and%20high%20schoolers,career%2Dexposure%20into%20more%20classrooms
Krakowski, T. (2024). How Gen Z is changing education. Goodnet. https://www.goodnet.org/articles/how-gen-z-changing-education
McMurtrie, B. (2024). Why Generation Z gives these professors hope. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/why-generation-z-gives-these-professors-hope
York, J. (2021). How Gen Z teachers are shaking up the classroom. Klassroom. https://www.klassroom.com/blogs/teacher-resources/gen-z-teachers-in-the-classroom#:~:text=Gen%20Z%20teachers%20can%20bring,social%20impact%20and%20encourage%20change