A study of the workload of senior high teachers of English (language and literature) in Newfoundland and Labrador

Barnes, Eldred J. (1989) A study of the workload of senior high teachers of English (language and literature) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (40MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the workload conditions of senior high teachers of English (Language and Literature) in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The workload concerns voiced by English teachers at annual conferences of the NTA English Special Interest Council and, particularly, the concerns raised by English teachers in their written submissions to the English Council Committee on Workload (1985) suggested a need to conduct a comprehensive, indepth investigation into the workload of the province's senior high English teachers. -- The focus of this study was limited to senior high English teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to: (a) determine the degree to which a problem with workload existed among senior high English teachers; (b) examine factors believed to be contributing to a workload problem; (c) examine the nature of English as a discipline and the nature of the English teacher as factors contributing to workload; and (d) gather information regarding the impact of workload upon the English teacher, upon his/her teaching, and upon the quality of English education provided to senior high students. -- Data for the study were obtained through a survey prepared by the investigator and administered to senior high English teachers in the smallest and the largest school in each of the province's thirty-five school districts. -- Chapter I provides a statement of the problem, the investigator's hypotheses and assumptions, and the significance of the study. -- Chapter II reviews the literature related to English teacher workload, particularly at the provincial level. Chapter II also includes a section on the development of the provincial English curriculum. The intention of this section was to provide the background to the present philosophy and methods of instructing and evaluating courses within the reorganized senior high English program. The evidence provided demonstrates an "evolution" of the present philosophy and methodologies as opposed to an abrupt change with the introduction of the reorganized high school in 1981. -- Chapter III outlines the methodology of the survey including the survey design, description of the sample population and the treatment of data. A total of 119 senior high English teachers completed surveys, at least one being from each school district in the province. -- Chapter IV provides an analysis of the demographic data and of each item in the main section of the survey, a total of 73 items. Descriptive statistics included calculation of percentages, mean, median, mode and range for various items. Distribution tables were provided to assist the analysis. The analysis of the data demonstrated a workload problem among senior high English teachers and showed that several factors in combination contribute to a workload problem. Chapter IV also showed that the present workload situations of senior high English teachers is believed to be adversely affecting the quality of education provided to students. -- Chapter V examines the "unique" nature of English as a discipline and, likewise, the necessary nature of the English teacher as an "interpretation teacher." The research cited makes clear the special nature of English and the English teacher, which inevitably impacts upon the workload of English teachers. -- Chapter VI provides a more detailed discussion of the findings documented in Chapters IV and V. Important conclusions are stated regarding workload and its impact upon both senior high English teachers and the senior high English program. -- Chapter VII provides 26 recommendations with appropriate explanations, including the jurisdiction of responsibility in terms of their implementation. The recommendations are aimed at providing a desirable workload for senior high teachers of English. Seven suggestions for further study are also provided.

Actions (login required)

View Item