What Kind of Education Does Generation Alpha Need? - Part 1

The Emergence of Generation Alpha

As the economy has continued to grow, each generation has developed its own characteristics. The children of baby boomers, who led South Korea’s economic growth, are known as the Millennial Generation (M Generation). Growing up with mobile phones and the internet, they prioritized individuality and self-expression. Their children, Generation Alpha, are experiencing rapid technological advancements, largely influenced by their parents and the digital era they are born into.

 

However, concerns about Generation Alpha are increasing. Economic difficulties have led to a declining birth rate, and children who are accustomed to interacting through smartphones and AI are perceived as having weaker social skills than previous generations. Given these concerns, it is important to consider how Millennial parents should educate their children.

[Source of generational terminology: GemPlay]

Developing Social Skills Through Analog Education

Generation Alpha has access to information more quickly and easily than ever before, thanks to their parents’ support. AI often provides more precise answers than their parents can. As a result, they may not feel the need to develop social skills such as teamwork and collaboration. Instead of relying on human interaction, they depend on machines, which can weaken their ability to communicate effectively and encourage a more self-centered worldview.

 

Experts and educators warn that if Generation Alpha’s self-centered perspective is disrupted, they may struggle with communication. The disappointment they experience when they do not get what they want may feel even greater than it did for previous generations. To address this issue, some suggest shifting part of the learning process from digital to analog methods.

 

At a time when society is moving beyond the digital age into the era of quantum technology, emphasizing analog education may seem counterintuitive. However, there is much to learn from traditional approaches. The process of trial and error in seeking answers helps build resilience, much like how great individuals grow through challenges. Even if the correct answer is already known, going through the process of discovery strengthens cognitive abilities. The ease of accessing information may actually hinder Generation Alpha’s cognitive development by oversimplifying the learning process.

Encouraging Learning by Searching for Answers in Books

Analog learning is not complicated. Parents can provide children with two or three books that likely contain answers to a particular topic. Then, they can set a time limit and ask their children to find the answers themselves. Children may complain, insisting that they could simply ask their smartphones. However, through this process, they will learn to browse the table of contents, identify relevant sections, and develop the habit of searching for knowledge independently.

Unlike AI, which provides instant answers, books require children to search, helping them absorb additional knowledge along the way. This method also enhances concentration in the short term and strengthens overall learning abilities.

 

Generation Alpha has easy access to information.
However, this convenience may hinder their social development and negatively impact their learning process. For Generation Alpha, adopting a more inconvenient analog learning method may actually be beneficial.
The trial-and-error process involved in analog learning helps strengthen
and support their growth, making them more resilient learners.

 

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