A Study on the Characteristics of Alpha Generation: Focusing on the Perception of Private Kindergarten Teachers

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to explore the characteristics of the alpha generation through the perception of kindergarten teachers.
 Methods The questionnaire was developed to explore the characteristics of child in alpha generation through prior research analysis on alpha generation and preliminary FGI interviews with early childhood education experts, and survey was conducted on 216 kindergarten teachers in private kindergartens in Gyeonggi-do.
 Results As a result of analysis, consistent response results to the ‘self-centered attitude’ of the alpha generation were found in individual characteristics, and high parental dependence and negative characteristics in friendship were confirmed in relationship characteristics. In terms of learning characteristics, low concentration, high IT utilization ability, and preference were found. In addition, the higher the position or more experience, and teachers who are not homeroom teachers or have children showed relatively more negative perception of the alpha generation.
 Conclusions This study is significant in that it is the first study to explore the characteristics of the alpha generation in the context of early childhood education in Korea, and it is expected to be used as basic research to find an implication on the educational policy reflecting the characteristics of the alpha generation in the future.