„Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned?“ - This question from children surprises many parents. They ask themselves: are teachers really outdated and why does school often seem to fall short of modern expectations? Some parents report that lessons often follow traditional patterns and that there is little fresh air. This perception is not unusual and has a lot to do with the framework conditions of the German education system.

Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned? - A look at reality

The question „Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned?“ touches on important issues in the education system. Teachers in Germany are actually older on average than in many other European countries. Almost half of the teaching staff are over 50 years old[1]. As a result, there is often a lack of fresh and contemporary pedagogical impulses. Parents like Maria from Hamburg say that their children are still taught in primary school using old teaching methods that leave little room for creativity.

Jürgen from Munich adds: „My son keeps asking me why the lessons aren't more modern. It seems as if many teachers stick to their tried and tested routines because they have little incentive to develop further.“

And Sabine from Berlin reports: „It's frustrating when my daughter hardly uses the latest technologies at school. Teachers often seem overwhelmed or not very open to digital teaching methods.“

Reasons for the old-fashioned perception of teachers

Several factors contribute to teachers being perceived as old-fashioned:

• **Age of the teaching staff:** Many teachers have been in the profession for a long time and learnt their teaching methods back then. A generational change is slowly taking place[1][2].
• **Civil servant status and low performance monitoring:** Teachers often enjoy high job protection and have little incentive to be innovative or to critically scrutinise their teaching techniques[2].
• **Further training and digitalisation:** Compulsory further training is not prescribed by law. As a result, there is often a lack of awareness of new teaching methods, and digital tools in particular are used hesitantly[2].
• **Historical influences:** In East Germany, influences from the GDR pedagogy, which was strict and not very flexible, still have an impact[3]. Parents like Thomas from Leipzig notice that some teacher perceptions are still strongly characterised by old structures.

Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned? - The influence of the past

Teacher training and pedagogical traditions are deeply rooted in the past. After reunification, many East German teachers were taken on without undergoing a comprehensive re-examination; some are still quite young, but carry old-fashioned teaching approaches into the classroom[3].

Parents report that the approach to examinations, organisation and discipline - i.e. traditional teaching practices - is very conservative. Karin from Dresden says: „Our son sometimes feels like he's in a museum when the teacher reacts very strictly and with little flexibility.“

How parents can support change

Parents face the challenge of supporting their children in a school system that often seems old-fashioned. However, they can provide impetus and promote dialogue with teachers.

• Seek dialogue: Anna from Cologne, for example, reports that she regularly talks to the teachers to clarify open questions and make suggestions for modern teaching.
• Use digital media: Many parents try out digital learning programmes with their children at home to strengthen the link between school and modern forms of learning.
• Attend training courses: Parents can take part in programmes such as kikidz.org inform them how they can better understand and support their children's school.

BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers „As a family, we have realised that understanding how teachers work is important. By participating in kikidz.org workshops, we were able to help our children learn better and give constructive feedback to the teachers. This has improved the way we interact with each other and made teaching a bit more modern.“

Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned? - Impulses for the future

The question „Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned?“ should not only be seen as a criticism, but also as an impetus. Change takes time, because it is not just the teachers who need to change, but also education policy and society. Incentives for further training, the abolition of outdated civil servant privileges and a more open attitude towards digital media are necessary to make schools more lively.

Parents like Jens from Frankfurt hope for more willingness to innovate: „It would be nice if teachers tried out new approaches more often and didn't stick to the traditional rut.“

Monika from Stuttgart also emphasises: „As parents, we can help shape the school by seeking communication and encouraging support for modern learning methods.“

My analysis

The recurring question „Dad, why are teachers still so old-fashioned?“ summarises a complex problem. An ageing teaching force and a lack of systematic support for innovation mean that teaching often has a traditional feel. Parents often experience this as a break with the world in which their children live. At the same time, there is an opportunity to provide impetus through active participation and further training. The best support for this is provided by targeted training programmes such as kikidz.org, that enable parents and teachers to work together to modernise everyday school life.

Further links from the text above:

Study on teachers - Old crammers
Germany's teachers - too old, too immobile, not innovative enough
Teachers - How the GDR continues to affect schools
kikidz.org - Training for parents and teachers

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