ඇල්ෆා පරම්පරාව සඳහා උචිත අධ්‍යාපන ක්‍රමෝපායන් පිළිබඳ ආඛ්‍යාන සාහිත්‍ය විමර්ශනයක් - Appropriate Educational Strategies for Generation Alpha: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

A paradigm shift in traditional educational methodologies is essential, as the ‘Generation Alpha’, known as ‘digital natives’, born after 2010, faces challenges such as short attention spans, lack of life skills, and mental fragility, despite its high digital literacy. The objectives of this research were to identify the psychosocial and digital behavioural patterns of the Generation Alpha, analyse the roles of Sri Lankan education stakeholders (teachers, parents, and administrators), investigate the attitudinal, skilled labour, and infrastructure challenges they face, and propose strategies to facilitate the learning needs of Generation Alpha students. A narrative literature review was conducted using international databases to collect primary data, which were synthesised through thematic analysis. Accordingly, teachers need to move away from traditional teaching and be trained to lead virtual classrooms and integrate technology into education, and it is essential to change their negative attitudes towards technology. Furthermore, school administration should adopt transformational leadership based on discussion and consensus instead of strict rules, and parents should support character development by carefully controlling their children’s excessive digital use. Innovative learning methodologies, such as blended learning and gamification, should be incorporated together with social-emotional learning models to engage students and foster critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Despite Sri Lanka's infrastructural limitations and economic constraints, by developing a flexible education roadmap that safeguards children's well-being, digital safety, and soft skills, Generation Alpha can be successfully prepared for the future world.