Dear Teachers,
If you’ve been in the classroom for more than a decade, you’ve probably noticed that teaching is no longer what it used to be. Gen Z and Gen Alpha students are different. They have shorter attention spans, ask more questions, and refuse to accept anything that doesn’t engage them. If we don’t evolve, we lose them.
So, how do we teach them effectively while keeping our sanity intact?
Step 1: Speak Their Language
- Use relatable examples – Instead of saying “Imagine a businessman calculating profit”, say “Imagine you are an influencer calculating your YouTube earnings”.
- Use memes and videos – A well-placed meme or video can explain a concept better than a 15- minute lecture.
Step 2: Make Learning Hands-On
- Gamify lessons – Use Kahoot!, quizzes, or board games to test knowledge.
- Real-world connections – While teaching math, make students calculate their pocket money savings. While teaching science, have them test air pollution levels around their school.
Step 3: Keep Attention with the 10-2 Rule
- For every 10 minutes of teaching, allow 2 minutes for interaction (a question, a quick discussion, or an activity). This keeps their focus sharp.
Teacher’s Checklist for Engaging Lessons:
- Use at least one interactive activity per lesson
- Ask students for examples instead of giving them yourself
- Use storytelling or real-life scenarios
Our students are changing, and so should we. When we make learning engaging, students don’t just listen—they remember.
