DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7509-958-7-0017

ŘEŠENÍ PROBLÉMŮ SOUVISEJÍCÍCH S VĚKEM VE ŠKOLSTVÍ A VZDĚLÁVÁNÍ

Lucie Brzáková, Dana Robota

This research report focuses on the age-related problems faced by key staff in the education sector and explores possible age management measures to address these problems. Through qualitative research, interviews on age-related issues and perceptions of ageing were conducted with school principals in six European countries. The analysis revealed three areas of problems related to age management in education depending on their importance and urgency: the critical cluster, the meso cluster and the broader cluster. The critical cluster includes specific age-related problems such as working at an older age, problems stemming from age differences, problems with technology and digital skills, stress, burnout and a less attractive image of the teaching profession for younger successors. The meso cluster includes wider organisational issues that can be affected by age, such as overcrowded classrooms, increasing workload, communication problems and lack of teamwork. The broader cluster then includes problems that are not only age-related but reflect the overall problems of the education system, such as curriculum overload, postponement of retirement, methodological inconsistencies, low post‑retirement income and career management difficulties. As one appropriate solution to these problems, this report recommends the completion of training programmes on age management to increase the awareness and preparedness of education staff for the possible age-related problems that will inevitably arise. The report stresses the importance of addressing these issues in the context of the whole education system in order to create a supportive environment for teachers of all ages. The report identifies specific actions for each cluster of problems. For example, the critical cluster suggests continuing education programmes, monitoring by management and mentoring programmes to support teachers. The meso cluster suggests meetings, team building activities, informal involvement of school staff, projects and psychological support to promote a positive working environment. The broader cluster emphasises systemic measures such as shorter working hours and improved policies to address the challenges of an ageing population. The introduction of age management measures in educational institutions can have a positive impact on the overall well-being and professional development of teachers and ultimately contribute to a positive and prosperous learning environment for teachers of all ages. Effective monitoring methods, as discussed in the report, are essential for making informed and informed decisions, supporting the needs of teachers and maintaining a positive and stable learning environment. The report highlights the benefits of introducing age management measures in schools, including improving the quality of teaching, teacher satisfaction, pupil achievement and the attractiveness of the teaching profession. On the other hand, it highlights the financial costs associated with the implementation of age management strategies and the potential problems in motivating older teachers to adopt change.

Keywords: education sector, age management, age-related issues, qualitative research, stress and burnout, career management, training programmes, continuing education, teaching quality, teacher satisfaction, teacher motivation

pages: 17-30