Teaching generation alpha

Abstract

Generation Alpha, referred to as Gen Alpha, is the first generation born completely within the 21st century. 2.5 million Alphas are born every week, and by 2025, they will be making up almost 2 billion of earth's population, which by then will exceed 8 billion. As such, it is crucial to understand the dynamics into which this generation is born and the contextual stimuli which will shape this generation. The 21st century, while ripe with innovative digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented and virtual reality, also houses high rates of poverty, overpopulation, pollution, global warming, extinction and war. This chapter explores the social and psychological influences of the current century on Generation Alpha. The chapter also examines the necessary skills teachers must obtain and develop in order to be able to better understand, communicate with and educate Generation Alpha. The chapter thus aims to provide an understanding of the current context of Generation Alpha, and equip the teachers of Generation Alpha with the required competencies to help their students better realize their potentials in the rapidly changing milieu of the 21st century. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.