Navigating Generational Gaps: Challenges Faced by Millennial Social Studies Teachers in Engaging Gen Z Students

Princess Joy Gerasol

Department of Teachers Education, UM Digos College, Digos City, Philippines.

Vince Dhony R. Escalante

Department of Teachers Education, UM Digos College, Digos City, Philippines.

Noemae Jane M. Tampoli

Department of Teachers Education, UM Digos College, Digos City, Philippines.

Al Justine L. Lesmis *

Faculty of the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, Department of Teachers Education, UM Digos College, Digos City, Philippines.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Generation Z students presents new challenges for Millennial Social Studies teachers due to generational and technological differences. This paper explores Millennial Social Studies teachers’ challenges, strategies, and insights in handling Generation Z students. This single-case study examined the challenges faced by Millennial Social Studies teachers in Matanao, Davao del Sur. Using purposive sampling technique, seven (7) Millennial Social Studies teachers were selected as participants of the study. Data were gathered through interviews and analyze using thematic analysis explicitly following the Colaizzi Methos (1978), the researchers analyzed the data to identify recurring themes associated with Millennial teachers’ challenges, strategies, and insights. Findings reveal that Millennial Social Studies teachers faced challenges in engaging Generation Z students, including generational and technological gaps, and offer strategies for enhancing Social Studies education. Ultimately, this study is essential for educational institutions, school administrators, and teaching professionals as it highlights how Millennial Social Studies teachers address generational gap challenges by employing various strategies and valuable insights, thereby enhancing a more dynamic and engaging learning environment for teachers and students.

Keywords: Generational gap, generation z students, millennial teachers, millennial challenges, strategies in teaching


How to Cite

Gerasol, Princess Joy, Vince Dhony R. Escalante, Noemae Jane M. Tampoli, and Al Justine L. Lesmis. 2026. “Navigating Generational Gaps: Challenges Faced by Millennial Social Studies Teachers in Engaging Gen Z Students”. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies 52 (1):766-84. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2026/v52i12813.

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