Achievement-wellbeing trade-off
Achievement-wellbeing trade-off

Achievement-wellbeing trade-off

New research shows that there is little correlation between pupil happiness and their grade performance.

That conclusion may seem counterintuitive to educationalists, that said, the report was written by an economist.

The reports position is that on average, traditional, teacher-centred methods are more effective from a learning perspective than the progressive ‘child-centred’ teaching methods widely advocated in modern schooling

Bank that for now, we will come back to that the the end.

The report was then summarised by @dylanwiliam

Increased use of student-centered teaching methods is linked to increased student wellbeing but lower achievement, which in turn, link to increased adult life satisfaction, but lower earnings—the “achievement-wellbeing tradeoff”, discussed by

Bring out the stick. Point at the hornets nest. The debate ensues…

Here are my observations on that debate (which I found more interesting than the report itself).

The debate amplified the need to find a common meaning for ‘teacher-centred methods’ and ‘child-centred’ teaching methods and to agree of the tenets of the debate eg what is achievement or well-being for example.

Educationalists from different jurisdictions hinted at how education policy was influencing their practice.

 (who I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting in February) offer counter research to challenge the main premise in the first place.

Lastly, it was plainly apparent that a number of contributors were growing frustrated with the polarising of the debate, be it achievement or wellbeing, or teaching methods.

Research creates false dichotomies life is a continuum. @gilbert_halcrow

In my low opinion, very few education systems, fewer schools and even fewer classrooms prevail in one approach or the other.

As far as I could read, the report declines to take a position on whether or not policymakers should opt for more stressed students, who achieve more and then go on to become high-earning adults, but might be less happy.

I am with  “…Creating well-rounded, happy, and studious learners is no easy feat.”

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