14 Outdated School Practices That Shock Gen Z
Many school practices from the past seem outdated or surprising to members of Gen Z.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Schools used to rely on rules and methods that are now seen as old-fashioned or unnecessary. Many of these practices focused more on control and routine than on learning outcomes. To Gen Z, these habits appear extreme or difficult to understand today.
1. Corporal Punishment
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In many schools, teachers were allowed to physically punish students for misbehavior. This included paddling or slapping hands with rulers. These actions were often approved by school policies and supported by parents. Today, physical punishment in schools is banned in most regions.
2. Cursive Writing Drills
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Students used to spend long periods practicing cursive handwriting. These drills were often part of daily lessons and required accuracy and speed. Cursive was seen as essential for reading and formal writing. Many schools no longer require cursive, and some students today never learn it.
3. Filmstrip Projectors
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Before digital media, classrooms used filmstrip projectors for lessons. The teacher would manually advance each frame with a beep from a cassette. The process was slow and could easily break down. Most Gen Z students have only used digital video or interactive content.
4. Pulling Cards for Behavior
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Many classrooms had color-coded card systems to manage student behavior. Green meant good, yellow was a warning, and red meant punishment or parent contact. Students had to walk to the front of the class and change their cards. This public system often caused embarrassment and stress.
5. Mandatory Gym Uniforms
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Some schools required students to wear identical gym uniforms every week. These often included uncomfortable polyester shirts and shorts. Students could be penalized for forgetting them or not dressing out. Today, many schools allow more flexible clothing for physical education.
6. Textbook-Only Learning
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All subjects were taught straight from printed textbooks without access to online tools. Students read chapters and answered questions at the end of each section. There was little room for multimedia or updated content. Most modern classrooms now use a mix of online platforms and digital resources.
7. Computer Labs with Floppy Disks
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Technology education was once limited to a weekly session in a shared computer lab. Students used floppy disks to save and open files. Programs were basic and computers were slow. Today, most students use laptops or tablets regularly in class.
8. Handwritten Book Reports
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Before typing became common, students had to write entire book reports by hand. Some teachers required multiple drafts and penalized messy handwriting. This made the process slower and harder to revise. Now, most students use digital tools for writing and editing assignments.
9. Silent Lunch as Punishment
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Talking during lunch could lead to an assigned “silent lunch,” where students ate in complete silence. This was used to discipline disruptive behavior in the cafeteria. It was enforced by teachers or monitors walking around the tables. The method is rarely used now due to concerns over its emotional effects.
10. Film Days on Large TV Carts
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Classrooms used large box TVs on tall rolling carts to show educational videos. A VHS tape would be played, and the entire class watched together. Audio and video quality were often poor. Most classrooms now use smart boards or digital projectors.
11. Chalkboards and Chalk Dust
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Classrooms used large chalkboards that had to be cleaned with erasers or water. Chalk dust often filled the air and coated surfaces. Teachers sometimes had to write notes repeatedly by hand. Today, whiteboards and screens have replaced chalk in most schools.
12. Weekly Spelling Tests
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Every week, students were tested on a long list of spelling words. They had to memorize the list and write words perfectly without mistakes. These tests were often given without context or practical use. Now, spelling is usually taught in writing activities instead of isolated lists.
13. Assigned Seats for Lunch
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Some schools required students to sit in assigned seats in the cafeteria every day. They couldn’t choose who they ate with, even during free time. This rule was meant to reduce noise or prevent behavior issues. Today, most schools let students choose their own seats unless there is a problem.
14. Overhead Projectors with Transparencies
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Teachers once used overhead projectors to display notes written on plastic sheets. These projectors used strong lamps and reflected text onto a wall. Teachers had to write in marker and manage stacks of transparencies. These tools are now mostly replaced by digital screens and slideshow software.