Challenges Faced by Teachers: Expert Interference and Student Behavior
Every profession has its set of challenges, and teaching is no exception. Over the years, teachers have faced a myriad of issues that can impact the classroom environment and overall teaching experience. In this article, we will explore two major challenges: expert interference in teaching methods and the impact of student behavior on the teacher's role and effectiveness.
Expert Interference in Teaching Methods
Teaching has always been a complex and rewarding endeavor, but in recent times, self-proclaimed experts who have not directly experienced the classroom have begun to dictate how teachers should carry out their job. This trend gained momentum around 1987, with the introduction of the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom. This curriculum was intended to standardize education but had unintended consequences, as pointed out by teachers who found themselves constantly changing their methods to comply with new regulations.
The headmaster of a prestigious London school expressed his frustration with these educational changes in a letter to Sir John Huizer, the permanent head of the Curriculum Division:
ldquo;I am sick and tired of being lectured to and hectored at by callow youths who believe they have discovered some essential truth about human behavior that has been hidden since the dawn of mankind.rdquo;
The constant changes in the curriculum placed a huge burden on teachers, who were required to spend significant resources on implementing new systems and materials. One teacher described a particularly crazy system for assessing student thought, which required them to record assessment numbers every 3.6 seconds, translating to a staggering 1265 hours a year. This system was described as a form of total insanity and led to a department meeting where the idea of concentrating on teaching useful, enjoyable things was proposed and ultimately implemented.
The Impact of Student Behavior on Teaching
While the government and educational reforms bring challenges, one of the most frustrating aspects for many teachers is the behavior of students. Late deliveries of assignments and distractions during class time can significantly hamper teaching effectiveness. For some teachers, these issues are compounded by students who do not actively engage in class activities, even when given time to work on something. This can be particularly frustrating for teachers who have students without individual education plans (IEPs) or known health issues, as these issues are often expected to be managed through specialized support.
This article highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing both external and internal challenges in teaching. It is crucial for educators to have autonomy in their teaching methods and for administrators and policymakers to consider the impact of their decisions on the classroom environment. Additionally, it is vital for teachers to find strategies to manage student behavior and maintain a productive learning environment.