Gen Z is Not the Problem, But the Mirror: How to Create Meaningful Interaction in Education?

Discussions about Generation Z often swing between extremes—either viewing them as a group addicted to smartphones or as people who need constant entertainment. Neither view, however, captures the essence of the change currently taking place. The real challenge lies in a new relationship with the meaning of learning, authority, and the value of time. Dušan Sameliak, a lecturer at NEWTON University, answered our questions on how to engage these students and work with them effectively.

For today's students, learning is no longer a deferred investment in a future degree. It is a tool for immediate use. If an educator cannot answer the question, "How is this useful to me today?", students' attention drops dramatically. The role of education is thus shifting from merely transferring information to developing critical judgement and the ability to work actively with data.

Dušan, how does Generation Z differ most from previous generations in education?

It isn't just about new behaviours; it’s a profound shift in values. The most striking is the orientation towards the immediate applicability of knowledge. These students don’t learn for a distant goal like a diploma, but ask what meaning the information has now, in a real context. Questions like "What is this for?" are not a sign of laziness, but a logical reaction to a world where any fact can be found within seconds.

Does this mean the educator's role as the sole source of information is over?

Precisely. The mere transfer of information no longer has value on its own. Value is gained through the ability to make decisions based on that information and apply it in practice. The educator must move from the role of "provider of answers" to a guide through the thought process. Quality questions that force students to analyse situations and defend their conclusions become the key tool.

At the workshop, you spoke about the risk of "performative teaching". What does that entail?

It is the attempt to respond to Gen Z solely through attractive technologies or entertainment. But if the interaction remains only at the level of "engaging" and "entertaining", teaching becomes an empty performance without a deeper impact on learning. The real shift happens when we connect theory with reality and develop skills that are essential for the world of work.

3 Pillars of Successful Interaction with Gen Z

• Immediate Applicability: Students need to see a direct link between theory and everyday reality. 
• Real-life Scenarios: Instead of abstract examples, real-world practice scenarios work to develop decision-making skills. 
• Partnership in Dialogue: Students want to be active partners in the learning process, not just passive listeners.

Is this approach universal, or does it vary by country, as International Week showed?

Basic expectations are surprisingly similar across cultures. Students in the Czech Republic and abroad are looking for meaningfulness, engagement, and practical relevance. Differences are more in how they communicate these needs, but the essence remains—they want to understand how things work in reality.

What role does the digital environment in which this generation grew up play?

Digital language shapes the very way of thinking. It’s not just about apps, but a habit of fast feedback, visual communication, and the immediate availability of information. If an educator understands this "language" and structures teaching to match the students' reality, it prevents frustration and loss of trust.

What should be the main message for modern education?

That Gen Z is not the problem of education, but its mirror. They show us that the traditional model of knowledge transfer no longer fits today's world. The goal of modern teaching is not to fill memory with facts, but to create the ability to understand, connect, and use information in real situations.

About the Lecturer

Dušan Sameliak, MBA, MSc.

Lecturer of the Contemporary Management course at NEWTON University and founder of The Edge On. He has over twenty years of experience from international corporations in various managerial and strategic roles. Currently, he focuses on the development of managerial competencies, leadership, and connecting personal growth with practical business thinking.

Interested in what else happened at International Week?

Read more reports and articles, or watch a short report on YouTube.