Teachers' Views On GCSE Coursework
The survey found overall support for GCSE coursework, particularly among teachers of typically coursework-instensive subjects such as English, Music and Geography. Benefits cited by teachers include "helping students to gain experience build some skills in the subject" (29%) and "encouraging independent learning" (25%). Other perceived benefits relate to a student-friendly assessment method, for example being "less stressful than exams" (23%).
However, a key drawback of GCSE coursework for students and teachers alike is that it is time-consuming. Two thirds (65%) of teachers cite "the burden of marking coursework" and just under half cite "the additional work it generates" (46%) as drawbacks for teachers. More than a third (36%) say that it's time-consuming for students. Indeed, while GCSE English teachers tend to believe that coursework is important, one in five (22%) feel that GCSE English coursework should be done under supervised conditions.
Download the report at the QCA website
Technical details
Ipsos conducuted a telephone survey of teachers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales between 9-29 May 2006 to assess views towards GCSE coursework. 700 interviews were conducted overall; 100 per subject for Business Studies, History, Geography, English / English Literature, Music, Religious Studies and Modern Foreign Languages.
