Teachers Overwhelmingly Satisfied with the Field Test
As part of our evaluation of the impact of AIER’s Teach-the-Teachers Initiative, we analyze the results of a classroom field test. During the workshop, teachers are required to come up with a lesson idea, which incorporates the content, pedagogy, and assessment methods we presented to them. Teachers share their idea with peers and mentors on the last day of the program. During the follow-up, AIER supports and encourages teachers in developing their lesson ideas further and in implementing the lessons. Implementing the lesson in the classroom is called the field test.
Of the 83 participants in the 2016 cycle of the TTI, 31 teachers conducted the field test, a 37 percent completion rate. After administering the lesson, the teachers are asked to complete a feedback form containing 10 qualitative questions. The answers are recorded on a scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree.
The results from the 2016 cohort are very encouraging. The chart above shows that more than 90 percent of teachers felt strongly that their understanding of the (economic) topic improved. More than 70 percent felt strongly that students interacted with the teacher and others, and more than 25 percent said they mostly agree with this statement. More than 60 percent strongly agreed and an additional 28 percent mostly agreed that the lesson was a memorable teaching experience.
The goals of the TTI program are to increase teachers’ understanding of economic concepts and to stimulate interest in applying economics to daily life. Based on the evidence presented in the chart, we are confident that the teachers are mastering the subject matter and the pedagogy for presenting it to students.
If you want to experience this program in the upcoming summer, please join us in St. Louis, Miami, or Omaha. Registration is open.
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