Abstract:

This scientific paper examines the changing demands on universities by Generation Z. In recent years, the university environment has changed significantly due to the Covid 19 pandemic accompanied by increasing digitalization. These realities have led to new approaches to teaching and learning. But how does Generation Z view these new developments? These considerations resulted in the following research question: What do academic teaching and learning formats of the future look like in order to best meet the needs of Generation Z? To answer this question, a quantitative (non-representative) online survey of students in Austria and Bavaria was conducted in May 2023 with 106 participants.

The most important results include that online formats are least desired. Personal contact with fellow students is important in everyday study and so the presence portion should definitely predominate. The survey also found that students feel they learn worst in online formats (whether asynchronous or synchronous). The main motivators for studying are still good job and career prospects, followed by curiosity and the desire to expand knowledge.

There is also a strong desire among students for classroom formats with a lot of interaction. Interactive lectures, discussion groups, project work or workshops were rated best. In addition, students are open to outdoor courses.

Students think they learn best with digital and analog teaching materials, as well as learning videos. The implication from these results is that interactive classroom formats should be supplemented with analog and digital learning resources and, for example, that students can create their own learning videos or make them available. Another implication is that higher education must continue to develop as a holistic teaching and learning concept in order to address Generation Z students in the best possible way and thus remain future-proof and future-oriented. Online formats and the classic lecture or frontal teaching are hardly accepted anymore. In contrast, outdoor formats, international events or workshops or project work are desired. In order to remain contemporary, the university must adapt to these circumstances and modernize its teaching.

Keywords:

Generation Z, new teaching format, digital, analog.