Teachers across the UK have had to manage to deal with educating their students alongside the added pressure of the pandemic. Something needs to change, so what can be done to support teachers and students?
According to an NASUWT survey of 4,000 UK members:
“nine out of 10 (91%) have seen an increase in workload in the last year – 61% said it had increased significantly – with full-time teachers working 57 hours a week in a typical midterm week.”
Teacher workload has drastically increased because of several factors. The pandemic, bigger class sizes and limited support have all contributed to increased teacher workload.
Additionally, student absences have also added to the workload with more content needing to be created for students missing out on mainstream education. According to figures by the Department for Education:
“10.9 percent of state school pupils were absent at the last count, on April 7. On the same date 8.2 per cent of teachers and heads were also absent, and in almost one in five state schools, 15 per cent of teachers and heads were absent.”
Despite restrictions being lifted, COVID is still an issue within the UK causing several problems within the education sector.
What can be done to help teacher workload?
This summer’s GCSE exams could still yet be in jeopardy raising the question as to what contingency plans schools have in place?
Online assessments have gained popularity since the pandemic and supported students with their education during desperate times. The positive impact on teacher workload is also noticeable with instant feedback and less marking involved so should be considered by all.
Additionally, teacher workload can be significantly reduced through less time spent on the creation of extra content and marking work from students outside of school.
Moreover, for those students who are struggling to access mainstream education, online alternative provision sites can be extremely useful.
“There are potential benefits of investing in online learning for example, increased access, improved quality of learning, better preparation of students for a knowledge-based society, “lifelong” learning opportunity, profit making, and many more.”
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) can also increase teachers’ awareness in preparation for dealing with certain situations and handling their workload better. Teachers can also use CPD to become aware of strategies and scenarios to help their cohort.
“The Government has made available up to £153 million of new funding for training for early years staff to support the very youngest children’s learning and development.”
The new funding is a step forward to help recovery and support teachers. Moreover, CPD enables teachers to upskill their current skills subsequently improving the education they deliver to their students.
Mass teacher burnout has emerged from an increased workload and even raises staff retention issues. To mitigate such issues, the implementation of technology within schools can significantly reduce teachers’ time and stress.
Less time can be spent on mundane lesson planning or providing handwritten feedback through EdTech platforms that cater for such needs. Platforms can also be extremely beneficial for students struggling to access mainstream education.
EDClass can help reduce teacher workload
EDClass’ platform can help significantly reduce teacher workload, ultimately due to the meticulous approach it takes towards school teachers and students.
With sophisticated safeguarding systems integrated, teachers can rest assured that their students will be looked after whilst they are learning.
With over 17,000 pre-made lessons and over 2,000 video lessons, the EDClass platform can significantly reduce teacher workload as extra content creation is no longer needed.
If you would like some information on how EDClass can assist you and your school then call 01909 568 338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book a free online demonstration here.
