Educating Generation Alpha are children born from about 2010 onward that requires us to recognize that learning is not simply the transmission of knowledge but the transformation of individuals. As the text so eloquently states, our task as educators is to move students from one point in their learning journey to another, which is a complex and deeply human exercise. For Gen Alpha, whose lives are shaped by rapid technological change, global connectivity, and unprecedented diversity, understanding their identity is more important than ever.

Gen Alpha students are born into a world where cultural, linguistic, and social diversity is the norm rather than the exception. Their identities are shaped not just by their families and communities, but also by the digital spaces they inhabit and the global issues they witness. Like every generation, they do not choose their starting point—be it their family, culture, or language—but they are constantly making choices that shape their future and the societies they will help build.

The text reminds us that our role is not to make students assimilate into a single, dominant culture, nor to ignore the differences that make them unique. Instead, we must help them understand and value their own heritage while learning to respect and negotiate with the heritage of others. This means fostering environments that support civic pluralism—where all students are seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Gen Alpha learners, with their creativity and mobility, are particularly well-placed to thrive in such environments. However, identity tensions—us vs. them, majority vs. minority—still exist and can play out in the classroom. As educators, we must consciously address these issues, helping students navigate and negotiate.

Example:

A teacher has a class where students come from many backgrounds: some are recent immigrants, some are from local families, and others are refugees. One student, Amir, recently moved from Syria and is learning English. Another, Mia, is a fourth-generation American whose family values their Italian heritage. In a social studies lesson on community and identity, students share stories about their family traditions, languages spoken at home, and personal aspirations.

Instead of asking students to conform to a single narrative, the teacher encourages each to explore and share their heritage. They discuss how their backgrounds shape who they are and how they learn. The teacher facilitates a conversation about how these differences enrich the classroom, modeling respect and curiosity. Together, the class creates a “community charter” that values every student’s contribution.

This approach aligns with the idea from the text that we are “determined and determining.” Although students did not choose their families, cultures, or starting points, they are empowered to shape their learning journey and future contributions. By recognizing and valuing diversity, the teacher helps students develop strong, positive identities as learners—one that is rooted both in their heritage and their ability to connect with others.

References:

 Definition and Characteristics of Generation Alpha
McCrindle, M., & Fell, A. (2021). Generation Alpha: Understanding our children and helping them thrive. Hachette Australia.

Learning as Transformation
Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1997(74), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.7401

Technology, Diversity, and Global Connectivity
McCrindle, M. (2020). Generation Alpha: Born between 2010 and 2024. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Generation-Alpha

GreenBook. (2024, May 28). Understanding Gen Alpha: The future generation. GreenBook. https://www.greenbook.org/insights/executive-insights/understanding-gen-alpha-the-future-generation/

 Educators’ Role in Diversity and Civic Pluralism
Banks, J. A. (2017). Diversity and citizenship education: Global perspectives. Jossey-Bass.

 Gen Alpha’s Mobility, Creativity, and Identity Tensions
India Today. (2024, December 31). Generation Alpha: Transforming education through personalised learning. https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/generation-alpha-transforming-education-through-personalised-learning-2657758-2024-12-31