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“This new generation doesn’t have the same work ethic.” “My grandparents just don’t get the new technology.” It’s common to hear people talk about generations and how they differ from each other. And while administrators should avoid blanket stereotypes, research shows that there are generational trends and attitudes formed by significant events and changes in technology.

In “Unpacking the Generations: Insights for Education Leaders,” the first in a series of three edLeader Panels in Trailblazing Leadership Week, the panelists discussed these trends and how administrators can leverage the strengths and address the challenges for a more effective working and learning environment.

The Silents (1928-45)

Key characteristics

• Marrying and having children young
• Strong work ethic
• Deep respect for authority
• Tendency for loyalty to family, company, and country

Technological advances like the vacuum cleaner and frozen meals started freeing up time from household chores and gave women more leisure time. In addition, significant events like the Great Depression, which imparted a focus on frugality, and World War II, which emphasized patriotism, helped define them. This created a generation known for resilience and strength, as well as community-mindedness, but they also tend to be slow to embrace change and modern equity movements.

Application in education

While many of them may have left the workforce, they are still voting and influencing community decisions. Highlight their ability to preserve institutional knowledge and instill a legacy-building mindset in teachers and students.

Boomers (1946-64)

Key characteristics

• Commitment to career and financial success
• More traditional in approach to work and education
• Slower to adapt to new technology

With televisions becoming more commonplace, gatherings moved from being outside of the household to families sitting around their set. The lunar landing also showed the possibilities of technology. Major events, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, pushed activism to the forefront and had them questioning the government in ways the previous generation had not. While this generation often displays optimism, a belief in progress, and collaboration skills, they also tend to put work over their personal lives and resist relinquishing leadership roles.

Application in education

This generation can excel at being mentors regarding interpersonal skills, but they need ongoing professional development to help them learn and embrace new technology.

Generation X (1965-79)

Key characteristics

• Independent, resourceful, and self-reliant
• Strong focus on work-life balance
• Skeptical and resistant to authority

Known as the “MTV Generation,” this group has adapted to technology that rapidly switched from record players to cassette tapes, to CDs, and finally to streaming. In addition, computers were added to homes, making the workspace more personal. The Challenger disaster, though, highlighted the vulnerabilities of technology, and the Iran-Contra affair deepened distrust of the government. While they can be pragmatic self-starters, they are often overlooked.

Application in education

From this group, you might find your next innovators and teachers willing to lead pilot programs. They can also help you focus more on achieving a work-life balance. They too, though, need support for the pace of digital transition in the classroom.

Millennials (1980-94)

Key characteristics

• Tech-savvy
• Seek immediate feedback and opportunities for growth
• Highly collaborative and adaptable
• Value experience over possessions

As they came of age with smartphones and social media, this generation is one of the first to start looking outside their communities for information and feedback. Similar to The Silents, the Great Recession impacted their views on personal and world finances, and 9/11 influenced their views on world politics. A culturally aware generation, they advocate for equity and representation, but their high expectations for progress can lead to frustration. Also, their reliance on tech can hinder interpersonal relationships.

Application in education

Involve them in technology integration in schools, but provide them with mentors to encourage interpersonal skills.

Generation Z (1995-2012)

Key characteristics

• Digital natives
• Expect transparency and authenticity everywhere
• Inclusion should be the norm
• Desire stability and structure

From iPods to iPhones to streaming, technology has rapidly changed every moment of their lives. They trust influencers more than celebrities and look to them for reviews, information, etc. They are also incredibly conscious of the impact of the pandemic, the global financial crisis, and environmental change. So, while they have brought mental health awareness into the public conversation, they also suffer from greater levels of anxiety and depression.

Application in education

Let them lead your digital and social transformations, but also make sure that they have access to mental health resources. And, as this generation enters your classroom workforce, make sure that you are paying attention to their desire for flexibility.​ While this can be difficult in schools, you can work with them to understand what flexibility and balance could look like for them.

Alphas (2013-?)

Key characteristics

• Native users of AI—expect personalized learning everywhere
• Short attention span and reliance on tech
• Social isolation due to time spent on screens

These are the students now—the ones who went through a pandemic during their formative educational years, who have a more global perspective than previous generations, and who are redefining tech integration. They are also navigating uncertainties due to environmental and social crises.

Application in education

Let them lead their own education as you implement adaptive educational technology. But you must also help them work on their face-to-face interactions and mindfulness. Most importantly, schools should be focusing on transferable, enterprise skills that go beyond the basic subjects. Teamwork, empathy, leadership, creativity, and resilience are just a few of the qualities that they will need to navigate life in school and beyond.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Unpacking the Generations: Insights for Education Leaders, presented by ERDI.

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Article by Stacey Pusey, based on this edLeader Panel