Three Trends in Learning for 2024 (that might stand the test of time)
New year, new trends am I right?
From hearing that you have to be on TikTok to learning that 90’s fashion is back and if you are in your mid 30’s you are cringing.
Trends come and trends go and one place that we KNOW this is a constant is education.
Platforms, initiatives, behavior techniques, rapport building exercises, virtual learning and more change faster than the Super Bowl betting predictions.
As an educator with over a decade of experience in the standard high school classroom and another half decade in adult education via online business I would say I am more than skeptical about trends in general.
I want the tried and true because I know it works and can last the test of time.
Therefore, I scoured the internet for trends in learning for 2024 and with my intense critique rivaling that of Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada I present to you 3 trends in learning that (might just) last!
Let’s get into it ⬇️
3 Trends in Student or Adult Learning That Might Actually Last
1️⃣"Snack media"
No, this isn't the Jetson's microwave that automatically makes food for you. And no, not even like the Disney Channel Movie "Smart House" PAT (Personal Applied Technology) system to make you a snack.
Nope, snack media is also called "nano-learning"
This is a learning trend that leans into Gen-Z's proclivity to keep everything short and sweet.
This allows learners to learn what they need quickly with short form videos, infographics, podcasts and even interactive activities.
Basically it helps teach one specific skill and cuts the fluff that you might see on a traditional course.
Why is this important to your students?
➡Your students ARE Gen Z (if not Generation Alpha) and they are growing up with instant gratification and quick results.
➡Your students actually want to learn, you might just be not “hitting” it right for this new generation. Try something new that gets to the end of the lesson faster!
Why is this important to you as an entrepreneur?
➡Your clients habits are changing with technological advancements (and it's not just Gen Z, millennials also prefer short form learning)
➡People want to acquire new skills faster (and will pay for that experience)
➡People want to learn. This includes your clients. Have you thought about how a client experiences your learning activities?
2️⃣Gamification
Teachers, are you rolling your eyes yet? You already know kids are loving Gimkit, Blooket, Quizlet Live and [insert the next trendy platform that we’re hit with 🤪].
I get it, if you have to learn another game you might just go crazy. But I hate to be the one to break it to you… gamification is probably here to stay.
And guess what? If you grew up with a gameboy, super nintendo or even playing the snake game on your cell phone (GUILTY!), you started this trend.
Gamification is a learning technique that weaves in game-like elements like prizes, rewards, points, badges, quests and more. For the main purpose of making learning more interactive and engaging.
A whopping 67% of students agreed that gamified learning is more motivating than a traditional course. And when I say students, I mean ALL students regardless of gender, age, status or profession.
And it’s not just motivating, it actually increases the overall performance of the learner. So my fellow educators, it’s time to game it up!
Why is this important to your students?
➡Your students want to be entertained. That doesn’t mean you need to be a stand up comedian. You can pass some of that “work” off to games like Blooket, Gimkit, Quizizz and Kahoot.
➡This is another way to give your students a quick break from lecture or group work.
➡ Going off script and reminding you that games in class don’t have to be on the computer. You can incorporate many in person games like review Jenga, Connect 4, Grudgeball and Stinky Feet. Check out this blog post from The Not So Wimpy Teacher for directions on these review games.
Why is this important to you as an entrepreneur?
➡Your clients like a challenge. Can you implement it into your course, membership or coaching? Maybe a 5 day reading challenge or 45 Grit like Jenn Boughey (check out her highlights).
➡Games introduce awards into your programs. What are some ways you can recognize your clients? Maybe a client spotlight in your newsletter or even a monthly snail mail prize for a client.
➡If you have an online course, there are many built in apps for gamification. If you need help navigating this hit reply and let the G&G Team help you add this to your client offerings.
3️⃣Upskilling
Upskilling is exactly what it sounds like, acquiring new skills to level up! Students and Adult learners love an achievement (like we talked about in gamification).
A global study in 2023 found that Gen Z’s (including current 12 year olds to 27 year olds) have a desire for power and achievement. Even more so than millennials, gen X, boomers and the silent generation.
Providing an opportunity to provide upskilling can help satisfy your learners craving for achievement.
That is why more and more Americans spend money on online training, hiring coaches or spending money learning in other ways.
Why is this important to your students?
➡Your students are going to eventually leave your class. What are they leaving with? Is there a certification you can provide them with? In the Career Technical Education world we have commonly seen ServSafe, Youth For the Quality Care of Animals YQCA, Financial Education EverFi and National Career Readiness Certificate or NCRC.
➡Some students aren’t headed to college (and we are perfectly OK with that at G&G). Even still, there might be a way to provide them a certification or at minimum career skills to help them land their first job outside of high school.
➡ If you teach littles, we get that this is a little outside your realm. Upskilling can be as simple as tying shoes, lining up silently in the hall or holding the door open for other people. Those are mighty important skills for your students to learn as people!
Why is this important to you as an entrepreneur?
➡People who undertake Upskilling earn around $8,000 more than peers who haven’t taken training.
➡Think about you! What type of upskilling would help you elevate in your business?
➡People want to be on the “up-and-up” to stay relevant in the job market. What can and do you provide your clients to serve this need?
➡If you have an online course, you are already doing this. What do your clients get to show for their learning? Is there a blurb that you could provide them for their LinkedIn or Resume?
So, trends come and trends go. (Personally I am thankful for the outdated trend of puka shell necklaces.)
I am 87.5% certain that these trends will be here to stay at least until Generation Alpha decides to shake up the whole world.
With these timeless trends (a little bit contradictory, huh?) I’m curious to know, which one will you focus on first? At G&G, we’re personally leaning into SNACK MEDIA, so connect with us on Instagram and let us know what you’re up to!
