The “millennial generation” seems to support remote learning rather than traditional schooling. The below post looks into things modern students expect from education.
What Millennials Expect from Education
It’s no secret that many millennials, or the so-called generation Z, rely more on remote education than on traditional. They believe that traditional schools limit human freedom of choice. On the web, they can study only those disciplines that they consider important for their future careers. A traditional 4-year university does not seem appealing to them any longer. Besides, in the virtual world, there is enough place for everyone who wants to study, especially if the amount of places in a particular university is limited. Statistically, the acceptance rates have gone down sharply in the last several years.
So, the question is, “What do millennials look for in education?” Thanks to the research by the Mayo Clinic, we know what helps the new generation thrive in a learning environment:
– Collaboration
– Feedback
– Individual approach
– Technology
– Mentorship
In traditional education, students have to do a lot of teamwork. They don’t get to brainstorm or collaborate with whoever they want. Besides, many schools limit their access to modern technology.
So, are millennials most educated generation? Below, we list things modern students value today based on the recent millennials education statistics.
Millennials Crave Quick and Flexible Learning
First of all, it is much faster to get a degree you want with the help of online courses. Basically, people can pick some courses at any age. Educational platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy allow one to select courses one needs and accomplish them much faster than in the case of traditional education. Such services even provide young people with counseling services that may help them pick a future occupation. There are also services that assist students who cry out loud “do my homework, someone, please!” by performing their complicated and lengthy assignments.
Millennials Are Looking for Education That They Can Afford
Gone are the days when people were ready to spend the last of their money to get into college or university. Young people today believe that students and their families should not dig deep into their pockets to have a shot at getting a university degree. Most students now support the idea of free education for everyone. Of course, there is no free learning platform online that provides you with official diplomas that will be generally accepted by everyone. They won’t be valued the way degrees from the top-ranking universities are. However, one can save plenty of money by signing up for some affordable online courses.
Traditional colleges and universities also offer online courses upon completing which one can get prestigious certificates. One of the examples is Aston University which has a program in Business Management, it being one of the most sought-after degrees these days.
Flexibility is perhaps the most important thing students are looking forward to getting today. They wish to have an opportunity to choose a personal schedule and subjects, as well as be able to accomplish courses at their own pace.
Millennials Want to Have More Independence
What most students dream of today is the opportunity to have their own educational programs. When it comes to distant learning, they can switch between various study options as well as create their own approaches. For instance, they can share flashcards or other study materials with each other. The point is that there is no need to prove that you have an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject to anyone. Students pick only those courses they haven’t yet mastered, and only if they wish to. Difficult courses such as online MBL degree are also available, making it easier for both working and full-time millennial students.
Millennials Dislike the Traditional Model
Millennials education institutions provide students with more opportunities than traditional ones. In the latter, students are rarely asked to express their ideas in front of their teachers and classmates. If they do, they risk getting a low grade because their instructor may have a different opinion. Unfortunately, this discrimination still exists in the traditional learning environment. Students taking online courses either deal with the tutor directly or attend virtual classes where everyone behaves in a more business-like style. Online platforms for studying make it possible to create student communities for open discussions and feedback exchange.
Finally, there are numerous expectations studying abroad. Many Asian, African, and Eastern European students go to the United States or the United Kingdom to study English and have access to advanced educational technologies. Also, they are looking for more freedom of choice and new opportunities. Thus, it’s safe to say that millennials prefer remote education or studying and living abroad. So, isn’t it time for changes in the modern educational system?
