Focus Groups

Last night I went to a focus group for MTS. I usually just don't answer the phone when researchers call. Mainly because I am lazy and couldn't be bothered. But I am well aware that if I ignore them, they will go on to the next, then use the next potentially crazy person's insight for their research. Which in term will reflect in policy and decisions made by MTS. So needless to say I answered and agreed to attend the focus group.

Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed myself. The purpose was to find out what is working and not working for new teachers (1-5 years). They primarily want to know how to retain teachers because apparently 50% of new teachers quite the profession. Now I am not quite sure I believe that stat, but that could just be my own experience.

The one thing that I pulled away from the discussion was that I really do love my job. I am also really lucky to work in an environment where creativity and thinking outside the box is not only encouraged but it is celebrated. Apparently that is not the case everywhere.

I just started a new semester and I have full classes again. Some people don't like large classes, but with the nature of my work I do. They usually shrink, so within a few weeks become managable. But it is nice to have people to "teach" rather than just handing out boring assignments and dicking around on the internet!