GCSE overhaul in England made final by Ofqual

[ADK]

But as fleckneymike pointed out, you're trying to quantify something that isn't quantifiable. Assessment scores for kids don't even come close to the full picture of a teachers competency. Personally I'd much rather teach advanced quantum mechanics to a group of motivated teenagers than try to teach elementary maths to a bunch of kids that simply don't want to be there.

 

The reason the model Gove is trying so hard to ape (the Asian one) works is not because of the teachers, but because of the attitude of the parents and of the societies in general. 

 

Just noticed your most recent reply - what made certain teachers stronger or weaker in your opinion? The element of control?

 

Having good subject knowledge, people skills, communication skills and experience.

[ADK]

Does the gap being being 'taught' something and when you are assessed matter in terms of measuring learning?

 

Do tests take into account prior learning? What 'learning' are you looking for in the assessment?

 

Obviously all of that depends on the specific assessment. For example the SATs were meant to measure a child's development throughout various "key stages". Therefore if a kid jumps up several levels he will be deemed to have learnt more in that period than a kid who achieves higher but went up less levels.

[fleckneymike]

Having good subject knowledge, people skills, communication skills and experience.

 

How would you measure that?

[fleckneymike]

Obviously all of that depends on the specific assessment. For example the SATs were meant to measure a child's development throughout various "key stages". Therefore if a kid jumps up several levels he will be deemed to have learnt more in that period than a kid who achieves higher but went up less levels.

 

They (the DofE) scrapped levels back in June because they were unreliable and largely useless. 

[ADK]

How would you measure that?

 

I don't know, I don't work in HR, how would you measure that? How do other businesses measure skills like that?

[fleckneymike]

I don't know, I don't work in HR, how would you measure that? How do other businesses measure skills like that?

 

I have no idea how I'd measure it, as it is terribly subjective, and that is the problem (in all honesty I probably wouldn't try and measure it). I also don't agree that all those qualities necessarily make a good teacher, subject knowledge I believe is key but it is worth remembering that the govt are doing away with the need for a teacher to be qualified so I can only assume they disagree with us both. All I am doing is asking you to consider your statement regarding teaching and what makes a 'good' one. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what is 'wrong' with education but scant evidence beyond the anecdotal.

[xHamzah]

Still feel GCSE's was a waste of time, is that going to be the case with A-levels ?

[MooseBreath]

Maybe we should pay teachers a really large wage so lots of people apply but then have very rigorous training and assessment so that only the very best ever make it. Would surely pay off in the long term.

[ADK]

Maybe we should pay teachers a really large wage so lots of people apply but then have very rigorous training and assessment so that only the very best ever make it. Would surely pay off in the long term.

 

I think the same problem that fleckneymike pointed out would occur. How do you determine the best candidates?

 

I think there is an issue in teaching that good teaching isn't effectively rewarded while poor teaching isn't effectively punished. 

[Captain...]

I think the same problem that fleckneymike pointed out would occur. How do you determine the best candidates?

 

I think there is an issue in teaching that good teaching isn't effectively rewarded while poor teaching isn't effectively punished. 

 

Too right, an expert in their field could be a terrible teacher, whereas someone who knows nothing but works hard and prepares every lesson could be a better teacher, but more than that your ability as a teacher is as dependent on your students as yourself. You can teach one group of people in one way and it is very effective, you can do exactly the same thing with another group and it doesn't work. You could be an excellent teacher but a poor disciplinarian, and it just needs one little shit in the class to undermine your authority and a whole class can be ruined for a year.

 

It is a very difficult profession and every single teacher I know is saying the same thing Gove hasn't got a clue and is making things worse, I tend to trust the teachers opinions on this.

[Rincewind]

I would say you don't become a good teacher overnight. You learn from experience much the same as parenting. Communication is the key. If a teacher can hold pupils interest then they are halfway there. Teachers are in a better position than Gove as to judge what is best for for pupils basd on their experience.

maybe Gove should take 6 moths out from his present position to teach in an inner London comprehensive school.