Digital Age Education: Dialogue to Understand Gen Z

Generation gap is always an issue of concern to many people, especially in the context of Gen Z gradually maturing, playing an important role and gradually becoming future leaders of society.

Dr. Tran Si Chuong believes that to narrow the generation gap, we need to start with listening - Photo: HO NHUONG

How to understand each other, this is the conversation content of Dr. Tran Si Chuong - author of the book Talking with Gen Z , at the event Education and Gen Z - New Generation Dialogue.

Generation gap in education

At the event, many attendees, from businesses to students, teachers, and lecturers, asked questions to seek understanding between generations.

According to Mr. Le Thang Loi - Director of the Southern Center for Education and Training Development, Ministry of Education and Training - in the digital age, when technology reshapes life, education faces both opportunities and challenges, with Gen Z at the center of those movements.

Therefore, listening and understanding each other becomes necessary, the education sector cannot continue to follow the old path. It is necessary to innovate teaching and learning methods, consider learners as the center, integrate 21st century skills into the program, and especially open dialogue channels between school - family - society - learners to listen and understand.

Dr. Tran Si Chuong said that one of the reasons he is particularly interested in Gen Z is because they grow up in a completely different context from previous generations. While their parents grew up with books, television or print newspapers, Gen Z has access to the Internet and social networks from a young age.

"This creates both opportunities and challenges: opportunities to break through and be creative, but also makes it easy for students to be confused and pressured by countless choices," he said. The generation gap has therefore become a question of interest to many people.

Listen to understand

One of the issues highlighted at the event was the story that parents often want to guide their children to pursue fields that they consider safe and suitable, while young people nurture dreams and ideals that go beyond their understanding and desires. This difference makes it difficult to balance between parents' peace of mind and children's aspirations, and even easily leads to conflicts.

According to Dr. Tran Si Chuong, it is important that the two generations sit down to listen and understand each other. When they know how to listen, understand and respect each other's differences, parents and children will find a common voice, and at the same time, the younger generation will also have the "adaptive spirit" to master themselves and the times.

Participants shared the difficulties in educating children when the generation gap is growing - Photo: HO NHUONG

Adaptation, according to Mr. Chuong, is not only about knowledge but also about psychology and spirit. Young people need to keep themselves steady, know how to observe, handle situations sensitively, and especially not be afraid to face challenges. Life and work are never smooth, so it is important to practice to have the courage to adapt, both to master oneself and to master the changes of the times.

In addition, in the working environment, there are many cases where employees want to express opposing opinions but are easily labeled as "arguing" or "speaking against", leading to a shy mentality, making it difficult to maintain frankness while still maintaining harmony with superiors.

Regarding this issue, Dr. Tran Si Chuong believes that the cause comes largely from behavioral culture. In Vietnam, differences in viewpoints are sometimes viewed negatively. This easily creates a habit of beating around the bush, avoiding, and in the long run can hinder development.

According to him, the solution lies not in silence or compliance, but in an open and sincere dialogue, along with the choice of delicate words to express goodwill. The core of every relationship, whether at work or in life, is still mutual respect.

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HO NHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giao-duc-ky-nguyen-so-doi-thoai-de-hieu-gen-z-20250913133633156.htm