TEACHING ENGLISH TO GENERATION Z: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This article aims to provide insight to teachers/lecturers into the potential challenges and opportunities of teaching English to generation Z. Generation Z, or those born in the year 1996, are the future hope of a country, including Indonesia. Being born in this digital era makes them unique. Teaching English to them is, therefore, quite challenging. However, with the challenges, come the opportunities. An observation to 100 undergraduate students was undergone in the quest. The results show that this generation have shorter focus span, so at times, it is better for teachers/lecturers to prepare a concise summary than a long explanation. Besides, they love innovation. On this ground, teachers/lecturers might want to change their traditional way of teaching to the modern one. This is in line with the uniqueness of this generation, namely the generation that is technologically advanced. With the skills to operate the devices they have, they can access information anytime from anywhere, so learning English becomes easier and more practical. Moreover, English is almost a second language for them, since they encounter it almost every day. With this in mind, teachers/lecturers can promote a fun yet meaningful English class, for instance by using authentic materials and real-life settings.