Understanding Our Students

Today’s students are learning in a very different social, political, and digital environment from previous cohorts. Many established approaches in higher education still work well, but others do not always align with the expectations, experiences, and pressures facing current students.

The Understanding Our Students project focuses on Generation Z students (born c.1997–2012) at Ulster University, exploring what their experiences mean for teaching, assessment, feedback, engagement, and wellbeing in our specific Northern Ireland context.

The Understanding Our Students Project is a developmental project.  Its purpose is to support colleagues by building shared understanding and highlighting practical, evidence‑informed ways to design learning that is flexible, inclusive, and authentic.

The project recognises that Gen Z students have grown up amid sustained change  including digital immersion, global uncertainty, and the ongoing legacy of social and political division. These factors shape how students engage with learning, experience feedback, and navigate wellbeing and belonging. Understanding this context helps staff make informed decisions about learning design without relying on assumptions or deficit narratives.

What can I do now?

You don’t need to wait for formal project outputs. Staff are encouraged to start small, reflect, and adapt in ways that make sense for their own context and student cohorts.

• Use the Quick Guide for practical ideas you can apply in teaching, assessment, feedback, and student support now.
• Read the blog and reflection the themes influencing Gen Z and how they can be best supported in Learning and Teaching and the challenges that may arise.

These resources are intended as conversation starters, not checklists.

Staff Support

If you would like space to explore these issues further in relation to your own practice, programmes or school, support is available. Learning Enhancement are happy to facilitate informal discussions or workshops for programme teams, schools, or cross‑disciplinary groups to help consider how the project themes relate to your students and discipline.

A Quick Guide to

Understanding our Students

This Quick Guide shows how Gen Z have diverse perspectives, values, and preferences shaped by technology, global events, and shifting social expectations.

Supporting Gen Z Learners

Evidence and Practice informed reflections discussing practical ways staff can support Gen Z students across Ulster.