Precepting Gen Z Learners

Marissa Cullen, PharmD, BCPP
Clinical Pharmacist
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA

About Gen Z

Generations are often used to define an age cohort of people, typically spanning a 15–20-year period.¹ The current pharmacy workforce is composed of three generations; Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965 to 1980), and Millennials (born 1980-1996). The next generation to enter pharmacy school and the workforce is Generation Z (Gen Z) born 1997-2012. As Gen Z becomes a significant part of our profession, we must adapt precepting strategies for these learners to align with their preferences to promote learner success.

Strategies for Effective Precepting

Experiential rotations offer a unique way to actively engage Gen Z learners. Preceptors are imperative in building on foundational knowledge and facilitating hands-on application. Here are a few strategies to consider.

1. Incorporate Technology: When discussing Gen Z learners, it’s hard to ignore the influence of technology. Born into a world immersed in technology, these learners are heavily influenced by digital media.² They value visual stimulation and prefer seeking information videos rather than reading text. Preceptors should aim to incorporate technology as part of their learning process. For example, utilizing resources available online such as baseline knowledge quizzes, instructional videos, and virtual simulations can benefit Gen Z learners. AAPP.org has some great videos to show learners around Psychotropic Long Acting Injectables (LAIs) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) which can be used to demonstrate complex concepts and skills.
   Preceptors can also incorporate technology by watching videos of desired skills with learners, taking time to pause the video and allow for demonstration in person. This approach allows for visual learning and the immediate application and feedback. Educators should also include guidance for the most appropriate use of technology as well as communicating clear expectations of learners. As preceptors, we can model the appropriate use of digital tools in a professional setting.
2. Encourage Self-Directed Learning: Gen Z learners are used to having access to large amounts of information and are often self-motivated to seek out information independently. They thrive in environments where they can control their pace and explore topics they are interested.³ Preceptors can encourage self-directed learning by offering independent research, self-assessment, and personalized rotation goals and prepare them to be life-long learners. Fostering self-directed learning instills a greater sense of autonomy.
3. Emphasize Hands-On Learning: In the classroom and on rotation, Gen Z learners prefer more kinesthetic and visual representation of concepts. They benefit from hands-on opportunities allowing them to apply concepts in practical settings. Advanced Professional Practice Experiences (APPE) are a great opportunity for hands-on learning and it’s imperative to foster these experiences. An interprofessional, intergenerational clinical environment is also extremely beneficial to Gen Z learners to help them develop skills and mitigate any misunderstandings that may come from intergenerational differences.⁵
4. Engage as a Mentor: In addition to modeling clinical skills, preceptors can exemplify professional behaviors and attitudes of the pharmacy field. Preceptors can serve as guides by prompting learners and encouraging them to apply decision making skills while encouraging learners to develop their own style.³ Gen Z learners have high expectations of their preceptors. They look up to and value close mentorships with authority figures expecting open and honest communication and tend to respond to direction well if there is good communication.⁴ Incorporating both immediate and routine feedback can provide an opportunity for growth as they develop as practitioners. ⁵

Conclusion

Precepting Gen Z pharmacy learners requires a creative approach. APPE and residency rotations can be valuable to Gen Z learners as they often incorporate preferred learning styles. By integrating technology, fostering self-directed learning, and providing timely feedback preceptors can aim to effectively engage Gen Z learners. Adapting precepting strategies is important to align with the changing generational characteristics and prepare the future of pharmacy for success.

References

1. Pew Research Center. Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins. Pew Research Center; 2019 Jan 17 [cited 2024 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/
2. Petrelli HW, Schoelles JL, Cimino LH, Van Amburgh JA. Pharmacy education, make way for Gen Z. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023 May 22;87(4):8811.
3. Medina MS, Pettinger TK, Niemczyk M, Burnworth M. Teaching A to Z for a new generation of pharmacy learners. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2021 Jul 9;78(14):1273-1276.
4. Eckleberry-Hunt J, Lick D, Hunt R. Is Medical Education Ready for Generation Z? J Grad Med Educ. 2018 Aug;10(4):378-381.
5. Isaacs AN, Scott SA, Nisly SA. Move out of Z way Millennials. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2020 Dec;12(12):1387-1389.