Generational Cohorts and Educational Trends A Century of Change from the Lost Generation to Gen Beta

Abstract

This paper examines the basic characteristics and educational trends of generational cohorts from the Lost Generation to today’s Alpha Generation. After providing a review of the literature on previous social generations, we examine what motivates Alpha students in and out of the classroom and suggest pedagogical approaches and recommendations on how to keep this generation motivated to learn. Finally, we conclude by looking at the upcoming so-called Beta generation and what we can expect next.