From Classroom to Client: Empowering Gen Z Through Collective Genius at Miami University

Authors

Keywords:

social learning, agentic engagement, Experiential Learning, Gen Z learning styles, interdisciplinary teaching

Abstract

Generation Z enters college with expectations that call for innovative teaching approaches. This article presents a case study of the First-Year Integrated Core (FYIC) at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, an experiential, cohort-based program integrating four interdisciplinary courses. The FYIC emphasizes collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a culminating “client challenge” project to help students navigate real-world complexity. Through gamified learning and the principles of Collective Genius (creative abrasion, agility, and resolution), the program develops team-based innovation and prepares Gen Z students for workplace readiness.

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Author Biographies

  • Rebecca Crews, Miami University

    Becky Crews is the Director of the First-Year Integrated Core (FYIC) in the Farmer School of Business. Dr. Crews works closely with the BUS 101, BUS 102, ESP 103, and BUS 104 team leads to integrate the four FYIC classes. Dr. Crews has research interests in business communication and interdisciplinarity and enjoys doing research projects with undergraduates. She also teaches BUS 102: Foundations of Business Communication. Dr. Crews has a Business Management undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University, a Written Communication Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Rhetoric & Writing PhD from Virginia Tech.

  • Joshua Ferris , Miami University

    Joshua Ferris is an Assistant Teaching Lecturer and team lead for BUS 104 at the Farmer School of Business. He holds a Mathematics undergraduate degree from York University and a Business Analytics Masters from Miami University.

  • Robert Gray , miami university

    Bobby Gray is an award winning faculty member and administrator currently teaching BUS101 - Foundations of Business and BUS102 - Foundations of Business Communication as part of the First Year Integrated Core (FYIC) in The Farmer School of Business. Dr. Gray has spent his career working in positions directly related to student success, career and professional development, academic advising, and classroom teaching. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from South University, a Master's of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctorate of Education degree in Leadership and Management from William Howard Taft University.

  • Ella Roberts, miami university

    Ella is a student at Miami University majoring in Business Economics and minoring in Fashion. She is blending the two completely different skill sets - the creative and the practical - to be a driving business-focused force in the fashion industry.

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Published

2026-04-22

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How to Cite

From Classroom to Client: Empowering Gen Z Through Collective Genius at Miami University . (2026). Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. https://celt.miamioh.edu/index.php/JECT/article/view/1195