Education International Research
Adequate evaluation and preparation time Working with diverse learners in a collaborative team means that teachers require more time to prepare lesson plans, and review and evaluate work. Preparing materials to accommodate different learning styles (presenting smaller volumes of material for students who can better integrate learning with smaller amounts of information, preparing tests that are tailored to students’ learning range and reach, or ensuring materials are available in braille, for example) requires increased preparation time. Developing student-centred, appropriate assessment tools also takes time, as tests cannot be copied from textbook guides, or copied from year to year. Differentiated assessments require the development and use of more nuanced rubrics for evaluation. Preparation time can include team preparation time, where teachers reflect on and discuss the various approaches to teaching and evaluating learners in one particular group and additional time with parents who best understand their children’s needs. This has the benefit of building peer-to-peer support and supporting teacher capacity while providing differentiated learning for the students. Adequate pay and incentive structures As demands on teachers increase, incentive structures should mirror increased demand, salary and benefits structures. EI and national teachers’ unions have a significant role to play in advocating for improved working conditions to support instructional shifts in strategies in the classroom. As teachers’ skills and responsibilities increase, so too should their compensation.
36