Flemish Teachers’ Age-related Stereotypes: Investigating Generational Differences

ABSTRACT

This quantitative study examines the existence of Flemish teachers’ age-related stereotypical beliefs and investigates differences between generational cohorts (N = 558). Results indicated that all generational cohorts studied attribute being interested in technological change, making use of ICT, having creative and innovative ideas, and considering another profession to younger teachers. At the same time, teachers in all cohorts perceive taking a leadership role, being loyal, being confident, being conservative, having smooth classroom management skills, and having extensive knowledge of the subject matter as characteristics of older teachers. Many characteristics, in terms of attitudes, are not clearly attributed to a certain age group of teachers.

KEYWORDS:

• Stereotypes
• teachers
• intergenerational relationships
• generations