Introduction. The authors of the article believe that the next change of the generation of students requires a significant adjustment of the teaching methods of all disciplines both at school and at the university, taking into account the psychological and social characteristics of adolescents. It is necessary for teachers - representatives of the older generation - to clearly understand what exactly these features are, as well as an understanding of the direction in which the methodology should be adjusted. Methods. When conducting the study, the results of which are reflected in the article, a set of theoretical and practical methods was used. The main theoretical methods were analysis, synthesis, generalization, abstraction, study of pedagogical experience and documents (summary reports, descriptions of the experience of specialized classes, etc.). Among the practical methods, priority was given to the methods of observation, questionnaires and interviews. Results. The authors considered the characteristic features of representatives of different generations. The factors influencing the formation of the personality of a person born in the era of global digitalization were identified. The article analyzes the results of a survey of senior school teachers and teachers of educational organizations of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia, the purpose of which was to identify the causes of difficulties in the process of teaching and educating young people. The prerequisites for the methodological transformation of the educational process are outlined. In particular, proposals are presented to change the ratio of time allocated for independent and classroom work. The procedure for selecting applicants for admission to educational organizations of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia, measures for early professional orientation and increasing the motivation of school graduates to study are considered