What's the top concern of teachers?
by Edutopia Staff
May 23, 2008
Credit: iStockphoto
The issue of standardized testing is not merely a concern for our readers. The looming specter of high-stakes tests -- and the impact of the results -- badgers, distracts, frightens, and discourages teachers. All of that leads to the other primary concerns listed by our survey participants: time and student motivation.
Said one respondent, "Testing has replaced teaching as the number-one priority. Fear has become the motivator instead of trying to build up creative thinkers." Though they yearn to explore differentiated curricula, integrate technology into lessons, and conduct hands-on learning, teachers say they must instead concentrate on getting ready for tests and on finding ways to keep their students -- who are primarily focused on the not-so-exciting pursuit of good test scores -- engaged in learning. "How am I going to get all of this done?" asked one teacher. Another said, "The challenge now is teaching students to learn for the love of knowledge instead of for short-term goals, such as acing a test."
What do you think? Weigh in on the results.
Links:
[1] http://www.edutopia.org/edutopia-staff
[2] http://www.edutopia.org/node/5519/results
[3] http://www.edutopia.org/readers-survey-2008
[4] http://www.edutopia.org/best-blog-educators-2008
[5] http://www.edutopia.org/best-educational-podcast-2008
[6] http://www.edutopia.org/best-virtual-field-trip-2008
[7] http://www.edutopia.org/best-site-download-free-lessons-2008
[8] http://www.edutopia.org/best-site-grant-information-2008
[9] http://www.edutopia.org/best-technology-product-less-100-2008
[10] http://www.edutopia.org/best-technology-tool-students-2008
[11] http://www.edutopia.org/best-education-software-2008
[12] http://www.edutopia.org/amount-spend-classroom-supplies-2008
[13] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-get-need-classroom-2008
[14] http://www.edutopia.org/best-public-advocate-education-role-model-2008
[15] http://www.edutopia.org/best-new-book-education-2008
[16] http://www.edutopia.org/top-concern-parents-2008
[17] http://www.edutopia.org/what-missing-degree-certification-program-2008
[18] http://www.edutopia.org/who-teach-class-day-2008
[19] http://www.edutopia.org/subject-should-be-taught-2008
[20] http://www.edutopia.org/new-teachers-burning-out-2008
[21] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-find-inspiration-2008
[22] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-create-educational-community-2008