Educating College Students: The Reality of the 'Gen Z Gaze'

Entering each semester, I always felt a wave of nervousness, given the unpredictable nature of classroom dynamics.

There were challenging years, particularly for those students who had been in high school during the COVID-19 outbreak, where sparking even the smallest interaction among them was difficult.

Often, I would issue directions to the students, and they would simply look at me blankly. Whether we were doing introductions or I asked someone to speak up, their silence was palpable. It left me questioning whether my approach was flawed.

The Shifting Engagement Post-Pandemic

Following the pandemic, I noticed a significant rise in disengaged students. This lack of participation made initiating class discussions much more difficult, as even basic engagement became a challenge.

I needed at least a basic introduction from my students: their names, backgrounds, and interests in art, to facilitate communication.

In the immediate years after COVID, I opted to have students prepare answers to discussion questions beforehand. However, some still refrained from writing, leaving me at a loss on how to proceed.

Preference for Screen Over Live Interaction

Generally, physical attendance should foster interaction, yet students often viewed recorded lectures despite being present in class. It's as if screens provided a buffer, easing the complexities of direct interaction.

The reliance on virtual tools due to pandemic-imposed isolation significantly altered these students’ social capabilities. While digital proficiency is vital for future careers, the essence of in-person education lies in tailored guidance and interactive learning.

The Impact of a Pandemic on Education

The COVID-19 era left lasting marks on students' educational paths, curtailing both their academic and social development, ultimately influencing their readiness to join the workforce.

This period was deeply impactful for their mental health as well. For youth with critical developmental years during this time, it was almost as though societal systems failed them profoundly.

Addressing this, it's crucial to expand mental health resources nationally, as the lingering effects of the pandemic are far from over.