Generation Z Speaks Out: What Teens Really Want from Their Colleges and Schools

Vivaan Malhotra

Thu, 24 Apr 2025

The young students of today are the future of tomorrow. It is, therefore, imperative that they receive an education that equips them with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. However, educators are failing to provide students with the tools needed to thrive in the 21st century. Here, we explore what young students need in terms of their classrooms, colleges, schools, and universities and what educators can do to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the future.

The Need for Personalized Learning

Today's students have diverse learning needs, and educators must provide them with personalized learning experiences that cater to their individual learning styles. Unfortunately, many classrooms still rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, which does not adequately address the unique needs of each student.

To address this issue, schools and universities should offer students personalized learning experiences that leverage technology, including virtual and augmented reality. These tools can help students visualize complex concepts and gain a deeper understanding of the material.

In addition to personalized learning experiences, educators must also ensure that students have access to mentors and coaches who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their academic and professional careers.

The Importance of Soft Skills

In today's fast-paced world, soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are becoming increasingly important. Unfortunately, many students are not adequately prepared to develop these skills, which are essential for success in the workplace.

To address this issue, schools and universities should provide students with opportunities to practice these skills through group projects, experiential learning, and real-world internships. This approach allows students to develop these skills in a practical setting and provides them with valuable experience that will help them succeed in their future careers.

The Need for Multicultural Education

In today's increasingly diverse society, it is essential that schools and universities provide students with a multicultural education that prepares them to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Unfortunately, many schools still rely on a country-centric curriculum that fails to provide students with a broad perspective on the world 

To address this issue, schools and universities should provide students with a curriculum that reflects the diversity of the world. This approach helps students develop empathy and understanding of different cultures and provides them with a broader perspective on the world.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

In addition to developing technical skills, students must also develop emotional intelligence, which allows them to understand and manage their own emotions and those of others. Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, where employees are required to work collaboratively and manage complex relationships.

To address this issue, schools and universities should provide students with opportunities to develop emotional intelligence through social-emotional learning programs. These programs help students develop self-awareness, empathy, and relationship skills, which are essential for success in the workplace.

The Need for Digital Literacy

As technology continues to transform every aspect of our lives, it is essential that students develop digital literacy skills that allow them to navigate and utilize technology effectively. Unfortunately, many students are not adequately prepared to develop these skills, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

To address this issue, schools and universities should provide students with opportunities to develop digital literacy skills through coding classes, robotics, and other STEM programs. This approach helps students develop technical skills and provides them with the foundation they need to succeed in a technology-driven world.

Conclusion

The young students of today face a rapidly changing world that requires them to have a diverse range of skills and competencies. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that students are adequately prepared to succeed in this environment. To achieve this goal, we must provide students with personalized learning experiences, opportunities to develop soft skills, a multicultural education, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy skills. By focusing on these key areas, we can help young students develop the skills.