What Kind of Education Does Generation Alpha Need? - Part 2

The Emergence of Generation Alpha

As the economy has continued to grow, each generation has developed its own unique characteristics. The children of the baby boomers, who led South Korea’s economic growth, are known as the Millennial Generation (M Generation). This generation grew up with mobile phones and the internet, prioritizing individuality. Their children, known as Generation Alpha, are growing up in an era of rapid technological advancement, influenced by their parents and the technological environment they are immersed in.

However, societal concerns about Generation Alpha are increasing. Due to economic difficulties, birth rates have sharply declined, and these children, who are accustomed to communicating through smartphones and AI, are perceived as having weaker social skills compared to previous generations. Given this situation, it is important to explore what kind of education Millennial parents should provide for their children.

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Traditional Games That Foster Cooperation

The traditional games featured in Squid Game have become difficult for Generation Alpha to experience firsthand. Since they mostly play games on mobile phones or tablets, they miss out on the fun of engaging in hands-on activities and working together with others. One of the marble games from Squid Game, for instance, incorporates elements of both math and physics. Players must calculate the right angle to throw the marbles while also using probability to determine whether their opponent has an odd or even number of marbles. Additionally, this game helps players analyze an opponent’s strategy and mindset.

Traditional games encourage teamwork by requiring players to cooperate with teammates while blocking opponents. The childhood games once played in neighborhood alleyways can serve as a valuable educational tool for Generation Alpha, helping them develop collaboration skills and the ability to understand human psychology—skills that they may otherwise lack.

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Solving Puzzles Together with Family

Solving a puzzle requires a high level of concentration. Since puzzle pieces often look similar, finding the correct match can be challenging. When attempting to complete a puzzle with over 100 pieces alone, one may quickly lose interest. However, solving puzzles as a family makes the process enjoyable and rewarding. Seeing scattered pieces slowly fit together to form a complete picture creates a sense of accomplishment.

Although puzzles can sometimes feel tedious and repetitive, working on them with family allows for meaningful conversations and teamwork. By dividing the puzzle into sections and taking responsibility for their respective parts, children can develop a sense of cooperation and empathy. In this way, solving puzzles can help Generation Alpha, who may lack social skills, learn the values of teamwork and consideration for others.

 

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