What are generations?

As a teacher or comming teacher it's important to understand who you're teaching. As Michel Serres says: "Before teaching to anyone you should first learn to know him."

In these pages we'll explain the characteristics of the people born in the different generations, and tell a little about how school was at that time; how the teachers role was, and how it was to be a student.

Generations in the school.

The word "silent" refers to the fact that this generation was not fighting for revolution or in any way following their own believes. Did they have one at all? This period was dominated by dictators and strict authorities during the World Wars, and this was reflected in the school and teaching.

This period ended around 1945-1950, when the world had recovered after World War 2.

After many depressing years, the world now experienced an economical growth which in many western countries resulted in better living conditions.
Their lives were based on traditional values and beliefs. The Baby Boom generation was approximately born between 1945 and 1960.

This generation was born between 1980 and 2000. They grew up with such an excitement for the technical development that they forgot to take a critical position towards the negative effects on their daily lives and the world in general.

This generation wanted to build a new world and live in "peace and harmony". This wish for another world was driven by the global fears and threats that the Cold War, Vietnam and nuclear arm upgrades brought.

But it was also a very split generation. The hippies and the more conservative groups were moving further apart. The generation x was born between 1960 and 1980.

Generation Y

Generation X