They patiently listen as children learn to read. They quickly resolve dilemmas about uppercase and lowercase letters and help chase away the fear of numbers. They tell fascinating stories from the past and take children on journeys around the world. They help connect thoughts and ideas, encouraging children to take their first steps into the wider world—the world of adults, knowledge, and responsibility.
Their role is not simply to teach facts from textbooks, but to awaken curiosity, inspire a spirit of inquiry, and encourage critical thinking. They are a source of support when children feel uncertain and a driving force when courage is needed. They discover hidden talents, inspire their students, and remind them that making mistakes is perfectly acceptable—because mistakes are an essential part of learning. Teachers, alongside parents and family, have one of the greatest influences on a child’s growth and development.
Marija Vujanović is exactly that kind of teacher. “Uča,” as her students affectionately call her, is not simply someone who teaches lessons—she is someone who helps children discover their abilities and talents through play, conversation, and meaningful connections, while developing communication skills and gaining valuable life knowledge that cannot be found on the internet.
We spoke with her about how schools and teachers are adapting to the challenges of the digital age, how they encourage creativity in children, and where the true value of education lies.
1. Attention spans have significantly declined due to the rise of short and simple forms of content. How is the school adapting to this?
I completely agree. Schools and the education system are adapting to these changes rather slowly and with considerable difficulty.
2. Do you think it would be a good idea for a school to have a TikTok profile where it posts short educational videos?
For me, this idea still feels like something out of science fiction. Personally, I think it would be excellent. It could be highly valuable and motivating, with benefits for everyone involved in education. Of course, in that case, great care would have to be taken when selecting the topics to be presented.
3. How can creativity in children be encouraged in today’s digital world?
Creativity can certainly be encouraged in children, especially those of primary school age, even in today’s digital world. Creativity is the freest form of self-expression. Everything depends on the content we offer children and the way we present it. Technology can certainly help, but just like fire, it can be a good servant and a bad master.
4. Which book would you recommend to children and teenagers that is as “addictive” as a Netflix series?
Children usually become “hooked” on books that are not part of the compulsory school reading list. Based on both my professional and personal experience as a parent, I would recommend the Famous Five adventure series, books by Jasminka Petrović and Vesna Aleksić, Slobodan Stanišić’s books on Serbian history, as well as the Night School series.
5. How can children stay focused on learning despite the constant distractions of smartphones?
At school, just as in life, we do not only do or learn the things we enjoy. Children naturally find it easier and more enjoyable to entertain themselves by watching content on their phones than to concentrate on schoolwork and studying. I believe the role of adults—especially parents—is crucial. It is important to establish clear rules for phone use together with the child and to follow those rules consistently. Children need healthy boundaries regarding screen time so they can maintain concentration and be more productive in their learning.
6. Can social media become a useful educational tool?
Social media certainly has the potential to become a valuable educational tool, but at the moment, this depends largely on the goodwill and enthusiasm of individual educators. I believe this will change in the future.
7. Is it true that it is difficult to get children to spend time outdoors today, or are older generations simply nostalgic for the past?
Children are, and always will be, children. They crave attention, play, friendship, and a sense of belonging. I would not generalize, but I do not think it is difficult to encourage children to go outside. What truly matters is what we offer them and how we present those opportunities.
8. What is the most important thing students can learn at school that they cannot learn on the internet?
The most important thing students learn at school—something the internet cannot teach—is social skills. Through everyday interaction, children learn to think critically, exchange ideas, discuss different viewpoints, recognize and understand both their own emotions and the emotions of others, and develop essential communication skills.
This interview with teacher Marija Vujanović has been reproduced in its entirety from the website boljionline.rs.