Teacher workload has increased dramatically because of the pandemic. Now that a sense of normality is returning, how can workloads be reduced and can EdTech play a helping hand?
“The NASUWT said 74% responded to say their workload had increased significantly in the last two years, with 54% saying they were seriously considering leaving the profession.”
Teachers have had to put an enormous amount of extra effort into helping educate their students remotely and also safe in school with COVID worries. So, here’s some advice on how teacher workload can be reduced.
1. Explore the EdTech options
Hybrid learning has become increasingly popular considering the pandemic shifting learning online. Not only have particular platforms assisted with reducing teacher workloads, but some student attainment has seen improvement through using certain platforms.
“The majority of headteachers (88%) and teachers (84%) indicated that technology had or would contribute to improved pupil attainment. Over half believed that this positive impact had already been experienced (headteachers 55%, teachers 57%). The majority of headteachers (74%) and teachers (65%) also indicated that technology already had, or would in the future, contribute to reduced workload.”
Expanding on this, noticeable benefits of EdTech can range from instant feedback on learning and assessments to one-to-one support from remote locations. Ultimately, these benefits can reduce teacher workload and allow time to be focused on other areas.
2. Use online platforms to increase your marking speed
Online platforms can be extremely beneficial for teachers with their marking efficiency. Not only can this allow for more time to be spent on other areas, but it can result in student attainment being improved. Results from a review:
“The main findings of this review are: 65.07% of the studies demonstrate that automatic feedback increases student performance in activities.”
Student attainment has been severely affected by the pandemic and boosting student attainment is a big desire by a majority of teachers. By using platforms that remove the draining process of marking student work, teachers can then transfer more energy into preparing engaging content or fixing other issues.
3. Introduce designed workload reduction strategies
Taking time to plan and prepare strategies that will help mitigate workload can result in several hours being spared. A study found that:
“Workload reduction interventions reduced teacher average time on the target tasks from around 1 hour and 20 minutes to half an hour.”
To reduce workload, it may take an initial period where more time is spent on preparing plans. However, in the long-term, this will be extremely time-efficient.
4. Make sure your data management is up to scratch
“56% of respondents to the DfE Workload Challenge survey said data management causes unnecessary workload.”
Handling data for teachers can create an excessive amount of extra workload. But, if it is dealt with properly, it can alleviate a huge amount of pressure on staff.
Reasons such as not clearly identifying outcomes and inefficient processes of data collecting can contribute to increased teacher workload. If effective measures were instilled it could drastically improve teacher workload.
5. Take your breaks
The pandemic has seen a huge increase in stress and mental health issues for many across the education industry.
“77% of staff in 2021 had experienced behavioural, psychological or physical symptoms due to their work.”
Taking breaks from your work will do wonders. Within the teaching profession, extra work has to be done, but if the other steps are followed it can allow you to have relaxing recovery periods for yourself. Distress and do something that you will enjoy that can benefit you both mentally and physically as this can lead to improved performance with workloads.
EDClass can reduce your workload and help your students.
EDClass is an established alternative provision provider with over 13 years of experience supporting students with their education remotely.
The platform is perfect for your students who may be struggling with their learning. Continuous assessment throughout students’ learning and progress tracking reports are implemented. Instant feedback is given on students’ work with areas of improvement identified.
Experienced UK-qualified teachers offer text or webcam chat support to students with their learning and wellbeing. They even mark your students’ work so you don’t have to!
If you would like some more information then call 01909 568338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book a free online demonstration here.
