Buddhist Ways to Instill Desired Characteristics for Generation Alpha

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Generation Alpha grows up with advanced technology and modern conveniences; therefore, desirable characteristics and ethics should be cultivated alongside technological progress through the integration of Buddhist principles in contemporary education. The objectives of this research article were as follows: 1) To analyze the current situation of desired characteristics for Generation Alpha. 2) To analyze concepts, theories, and Buddhist ways related to instill desired characteristics, and 3) To integrate Buddhist ways to instill desired characteristics for Generation Alpha.
Methods: This research was qualitative research by collecting document data, in-depth interviews with 10 people, and a group discussion of experts and academics 10 people. Research tools included interviews and data analysis was used with descriptive methods.
Results: The findings were as follows: 1. The current situation of instilling desired characteristics for Generation Alpha found that most of the behaviors of children start in the family. Society is a nuclear family. In addition, Generation Alpha spends a lot of time in the virtual world. This causes a lack of learning of appropriate social skills and communication. There is little closeness and bonding in the family. Adults' behavior is not a good example and lacks attention to teaching morality and proper ethics for children. They shirk responsibility in teaching. Adults lack psychology in training, causing children to be aggressive, prone to mental violence, and unable to handle their emotions. Cultivating desired characteristics should require cooperation from all sectors, including home, school, temple, and society, in emphasizing morality, discipline, working with others, analytical thinking skills, digital Literacy, and patience 2. Concepts, theories, and Buddhist ways related to instilling desired characteristics. It was found that the teaching principles of the Lord Buddha can be divided into 3 categories: Content, Learners, and Teaching elements: 1. Buddhist teaching methods: 1. Conversation, 2. Lecture, 3. Question and Answer, and 4. Rules and Regulations. The teaching style of Generation Alpha children to instill desired characteristics according to the Buddha's style, using the following methods: 1. Sandassana (Elucidation and verification), 2. Samadapana (Inspiration towards the goal), 3. Samuttejana (encouragement), 4. Sampahamsana (gladdening). The moral principles used to instill desirable characteristics include 1) The noble eightfold path (Atthangika Magga), 2) The true doctrine (Saddhamma), 3) The sense-fields (Ayatana), 4) The path of accomplishment (Iddhipada), and 5) The threefold training (Sikkha) 3. Integrating Buddhist ways to instill desired characteristics for Generation Alpha, it was found that instilling desired characteristics should be done seriously with a national policy in schools and in communities. Families play an important role in instilling morality and ethics in children because they set an example so children will imitate good behavior. There should be more emphasis on morality and ethics, especially net idols who should be good examples. All sectors of society should promote activities related to morality and ethics by choosing methods appropriate for their age.
Conclusions: From the study of Buddhist teaching methods to instill desired characteristics in Generation Alpha, new knowledge has emerged, called the 3MLA Model, which is as follows: M=Role Model, M=Teaching Methods, M=Instructional Media, L=Learner, A=Assessment.