The Soft Skills Divide: Comparing Student Perceptions on Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z Teachers

Abstract

This research investigates the soft skills of Generation X, Millennial, and Generation Z teachers in the classroom from the students' perspective. Specifically, it aims to (1) identify and compare student perceptions of soft skills among teachers from different generations, (2) examine which soft skills are most valued by students across generational groups, and (3) establish whether there are any meaningful differences in perceived soft skills based on teachers' generational group. Adopting a multicase study design, the research collected data from two teachers from each generation and their students as participants. The data were collected through focus group discussions in order to allow students to identify and describe teachers' soft skills such as communication, empathy, adaptability, and leadership. The KJ Method was used to perform qualitative data analysis by identifying patterns and themes among the different cases. The findings show that even if all generations of teachers have certain strengths, students value a combination of new and old approaches and soft skills manifestations. Generation X teachers are viewed as organized and disciplined, Millennials as team players and student-centered, and Generation Z teachers as highly relatable and technologically equipped. These conclusions make it imperative that there is constant professional development aimed at enhancing soft skills across the generations, thereby conducive to improved classroom interaction and engagement.