Preparing pre-service teachers for Generation Alpha: A social innovation perspective

Abstract

Background: This era of exponential technological advancements makes us profoundly aware of the role that education must play to ensure that ‘humankind’ is not only able to live but thrive in a world challenged by environmental and social issues. Many of our pre-service teachers are digital natives. However, they will have to be taught to become digital integrators in a learning space where technological innovation aligns with social innovation. This calls for teacher education institutions to critically analyse their curriculum design.Aim: This study aims to investigate the extent to which pre-service teachers are prepared to teach Generation Alpha and it also highlights the imperatives for reimagining teacher education curricula for future generations within the context of social innovation.Setting: This study is conducted on fourth-year Bachelor of Education students who attend a private higher education institution and teacher educators based in teacher education institutions in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative case study research strategy is used in this study. Data were collected through focus group interviews and individual interviews. The raw data were analysed through content analysis.Results: The key findings of this study indicate that fourth-year BEd students believe that they are not adequately prepared to teach Generation Alpha learners within the context of social innovation. This belief is validated by teacher educators.Conclusion: Pre-service teachers must be competent in technological innovation, social innovation and global citizenship to enable them to produce learners who are socially, and ethically responsible, as well as emotionally intelligent innovators, leaders and communicators.Contribution: To mobilise and expedite these competencies, teacher education institutions must redesign their pedagogical models and teacher education curricula to align with the educational needs of the future generations.