Gen Z students and teachers both agree that creativity is essential to future success, with 97% Malaysians agreeing that creativity is an integral part of future careers, the highest rating in the Asia Pacific region.

Adobe releases a study, Gen Z in the Classroom: Creating the Future, that provides insights into student and teacher perspectives on learning, creativity, technology, and the preparedness for a disrupted workforce. The study showed that Gen Z students (ages 11-17) are feeling unprepared for the problems the “real world” faces today, and want a greater focus on creativity and hands-on learning in the classroom.

The study surveyed 250 Gen Z students between the ages of 11 and 17, and 100 teachers in Malaysia.  The results showed 97% of teachers feel their Gen Z students will have careers that do not exist today. Gen Z students also shared that classes focusing on computers and technology among their favourites to take; it also hones their creativity, and will best prepare them for their futures.

According to the survey, Gen Z students in Malaysia see themselves as ambitious, curious and creative; but they are also nervous about their future careers. Almost 40% of Gen Z students feel unprepared for the future, and feel what they learn outside of the classroom is more important to their future careers than what they learn inside. Both teachers and students agree that the best method for learning and teaching is through a doing/creating approach, as well as through collaborating with others. 68% of educators wish to evolve the teaching curriculum, and 66% of them look for more opportunities for hands-on learning in their classrooms.

“Gen Z students in Malaysia have grown up in a tech-enabled and information-driven world. Access to technology and digital tools have offered unprecedented opportunities for them to explore their curiosity, draw inspirations from others, and efficiently express their own creativity,” said Janie Lim, Senior Director of Marketing for Digital Media, Adobe Asia Pacific. “The way Gen Z students consume and learn today are very different from past generations. Educators in Malaysia need to provide the right environment, updated tools, and creative outlets to bring out the best in their students, and foster innovative problem-solving skills the future workforce will need.”