35 Things Teachers Want To Learn This Year!

35 Things Teachers Want To Learn This Year

It’s goal-setting season, and we know teachers have big plans for their year ahead. We asked 1,000+ teachers to tell us about their top goals for the year, and from the data learned that teachers are excited about opportunities for professional growth, from new teaching methods to personal growth strategies. Here are their top learning goals!

1.  Teaching Methods
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One of the top things teachers talked about wanting to learn this year are new ways to teach material in their classrooms. The top methods they’re excited about are: 

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Techniques to encourage students to explore and investigate as a way of learning.
• Differentiated Instruction: Strategies to tailor teaching to meet the individual needs of students.
• Collaborative Learning: Methods to promote student learning through group work and peer interaction.
• Project-Based Learning: Approaches that use long-term projects as a central structure for learning activities.
• Flipped Classroom: A method where students first explore new content at home and then apply it in class.

2. Student Engagement‍

Whether it's thinking about the latest ideas for making classrooms more engaging, to helping reach every student's unique learning styles and needs, teachers are focused on learning new ways to engage their students this year.

• Interactive Activities: Techniques to involve students actively in the learning process.
• Gamification: Using game principles in education to enhance student engagement and motivation.
• Student-Led Discussions: Encouraging students to take the lead in classroom discussions.
• Real-World Application: Integrating real-world scenarios to make learning more relevant.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Teaching methods that recognize and respond to the cultural backgrounds of students.

3. Technology Integration‍

It's no surprise that Artificial Intelligence is at the top of the list of what teachers are curious about learning this year! AI tools, teachers are intersted in learning about a lot of different technology integrations for their classrooms.

• AI-based tools: Using new AI tools for teaching and learning, while navigating the complicated factors that AI brings to the classroom.
• Online Learning Platforms: Utilizing platforms like Moodle or Canvas for course management and delivery.
• Digital Storytelling: Employing digital tools to create narrative and storytelling projects.
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Education: Integrating VR technologies for immersive learning experiences.
• Coding and Programming: Incorporating basic computer programming skills into the curriculum.

4. Subject-Specific Learning
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We heard a lot about teachers wanting to improve their craft in specific subject areas, a testament to the passion teachers bring to their areas of expertise.

• Advanced Mathematics Techniques: For math teachers wanting to deepen their knowledge in areas like calculus or algebra.
• Laboratory Science Skills: Enhancing practical skills in conducting and managing science experiments.
• Literary Analysis: Deepening understanding of techniques for analyzing literary texts.
• Historical Research Methods: Learning advanced methods in historical inquiry and research.
• Artistic Techniques: For art teachers looking to explore new forms of creative expression.

5. Personal Development

One of the things we heard about most was around personal development! Learning to manage time, stress, balance, and personal growth opportunities came up often.

• Time Management: Learning techniques for better managing one’s time.
• Stress Management: Strategies to handle work-related stress effectively.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
• Professional Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships.
• Self-Reflection Practices: Techniques for self-evaluation and personal growth.

6. Classroom Management‍

It's a challenging time to be an educator, and classroom management is among the top challenges teachers say they want to learn about now. Here are some of the examples of specific things they'd like to learn!

• Behavioral Strategies: Methods to manage student behavior effectively.
• Organizational Tools: Learning about tools and techniques to keep the classroom organized.
• Conflict Resolution: Strategies for resolving conflicts in the classroom.
• Inclusive Classroom Strategies: Techniques to ensure all students are included and supported.
• Communication Skills: Enhancing skills for effective communication with students and parents.

7. Professional Development
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Teachers are excited to grow and learn, as leaders, designers, coaches, and experts in their field!

• Leadership Training: Courses on developing leadership skills in an educational setting.
• Educational Policy: Understanding current educational policies and their implications.
• Curriculum Design: Training in developing and evaluating educational curricula.
• Assessment Strategies: Learning about various student assessment methods and their effectiveness.
• Instructional Coaching: Developing skills to mentor and support other teachers.

If you’re an educator, ready to set some goals of your own this year, try out our SMART Goals Guide! 

From spicing up teaching methods to diving into new tech, there are plenty of opportunities for personal growth in the new year! Here's to achieving big things, meeting goals, and celebrating the little wins they make each day!