Results of Our Survey
Question #1: Is it necessary for all teachers to have a credential to be a classroom teacher?
From the results, we observed that 48.4% of people who took our survey strongly agreed that teachers should have a credential in order to teach in the classroom. While 19.4% were neutral with this idea of a teaching credential being necessary.
Currently, it is required for classroom teachers to have credentials and from our survey 71% agree that teachers need to have these credentials. People might agree with this because credential programs teach prospective teachers how to teach in the classroom but can this be learned in other ways? 9.7% of people who took our survey believe there is another way besides a credential. People could use their life experiences and education they have in order to become classroom teachers instead of going through a credential program.
What does this mean for reinventing teaching?
Credential programs are still going to be the standard in order for people to be classroom teachers. However, some people believe that their education and life experiences can be equivalent to going through a credential program.
Should people have an option to either attend a credential program or can their education level and life experience be equivalent alternative?
Question #2: Do teachers need to be physically in the classroom in order to give effective instruction?
From the results, we observed that 41.9% of the people who took our survey strongly agreed that a teacher needs to be physically present in order for there to be effective instruction in the classroom. While 12.9% disagreed and believe effective instruction can be given even when there is not a classroom teacher present.
People believe that in order for classroom instruction to be effective then there has to be a classroom teacher present.
Can this be reinvented for the 21st Century students? Can students still learn without their teacher being there physically?
Some teachers are starting to video their lessons and are then posting them on YouTube or their websites in order for their students to watch and learn on their own. This idea is also known as a flipped classroom.
Some teachers are even using this idea for when they have a substitute so that their students do not lose out on a lesson just because they are not there.
Question #3: Can a teacher be highly effective in any learning environment?
From the results, we observed that 29% disagreed and believe that highly effective teachers can not be effective in any learning environment given. While 25.8% were neutral on the idea of teachers being effective no matter what their learning environment is.
From this question, it seems that highly effective teachers are going to be dependent upon the learning environment.
Teachers should be provided with enough training to be able to be effective in any learning environment.
Can a student-centered classroom allow teachers to be effective in any learning environment?
A student-centered classroom would allow students to have more buy-in and be invested in their learning. When students are interested in their own learning then a teacher can be effective in any learning environment.
Questions #4 and #5: Is the current model for education effective for 21st Century learners and is more technology needed in the classroom?
From the results of question #4, 41.9% are neutral on the idea that the current model for education is effective for 21st Century learners. Then from question #5, 45.2% of people strongly agree that technology is needed for 21st Century learners.
People are neutral or disagree to strongly disagree that the current model for education is effective for 21st Century learners. These people believe that technology is desperately needed in the classroom for current students to learn in the classroom.
How can we change the current model of education with the use of technology in the classroom?
The education model needs to be changed in order to better suit the needs of 21st Century learners through the incorporation and use of technology.
Questions #6 and #7: Can mainstreaming provide an educational benefit to all students in a student-centered class? or Does like ability grouping provide more of an educational benefit to all students?
From the results, 41.9% agree with the idea that mixed ability grouping provides an educational benefit to all students in a student-centered classroom environment. While 45.2% agree that having like ability grouping provides an educational benefit for all students.
With these mixed results it means that people either want mixed ability grouping or like ability grouping in their classrooms. People might even be using both ideas in their classrooms, which is why the data is skewed the way it is.
Can there be a balance between mixed ability grouping and like ability grouping in a classroom and would this benefit all students in a student-centered classroom?
Students need to be provided with opportunities to work in both groups because this will help prepare them for their future careers where they are not always working with people exactly like them. There has to be a balance between the two in a student-centered classroom.
Questions #8: Can content mastery be obtained through the classroom instead of through homework?
From the results, 67.7% of people agree with the idea that content mastery can be obtained within the classroom instead of through homework.
Why is homework still used consistently when people agree with the idea that students should be mastering the content in the classroom instead of through homework?
How can we move from giving homework to using more classroom time to master content?
Through a student-centered classroom, students would be able to gain mastery of the material through Project Based Learning and Design Thinking instead of through the use of homework.
Questions #9: Can students gain or achieve full independence in the classroom?
From the results, 48.4% of people believe that their students can achieve full independence within the classroom. While 32.3% of people are neutral on this topic.
Students need to be able to achieve independence in the classroom because they have to be able to learn independence somewhere. As much time as teachers spend on teamwork, they also need to spend on independent work. This can be achieved through the use of technology such as Google Classroom and other techniques. This will help both the introverts and extroverts thrive in the classroom environment.
Should students be allowed to achieve full independence in the classroom?
Are there benefits for students to achieve full independence in the classroom?
Can technology help students achieve independence in the classroom?
Questions #10: Can State Standards make it difficult for teachers to creatively design lesson and activities for their students?
From the results, 58.1% agree that State Standards can make it difficult for teachers to design creative lessons and activities for their students. Then 41.9% are neutral or disagree, which means that State Standards do not hold them back on creative lessons or activities for their students.
Do State Standards really limit teachers on creating creatively designed lessons and activities for their students?
Do State Standards need to change in order for teachers to feel they can create creatively designed lessons and activities for their students?
For some teachers, State Standards limit their ability to design creatively designed lesson plans while others are not limited by the State Standards. All teachers should not feel that they are limited by State Standards when it comes to lesson plans and activities for their students.
State Standards should allow and encourage teachers to design and implement creative lesson plans and activities.