Debate over curricula in schools, resistance from teachers, ministers open to suggestions – in the “Krone” interview, an expert explains dramatic weaknesses in the education system and points to international role models.
Non-practical curricula. They’re like hipster racehorses. The Austrian school system is lagging behind, experts say. Outdated, content delivery as it was 80 years ago. Now the teacher representatives are revolting against plans newly developed since 2018. Unworkable. Incomprehensible. Too much overhead. “We are not 150,000 Wunderwuzzis.” Federal Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) was apparently prepared for the drastic objections. He told the “Krone” that the more than 100 responses would be evaluated and some of them would be included.
Which of course does not change the current situation. The new curricula are expected to come into effect in the 2023/24 school year.
Corona has overtaken the plans
“The starting points of the new plans are good. But they were overtaken by Corona,” says Maximilian Schulyok. The education expert is the director of the Austrian schoolbook publishing house (ÖBV). He can understand the despair of the teachers.
“Now there are additional requirements such as teaching social skills and digitization.” The magic word is competency orientation. Children should no longer just learn knowledge, but be prepared for the volatile world. “Teachers are coming under increasing pressure.” Moreover, the curricula are apparently not communicated clearly enough. Development is being stimulated by the acute teacher shortage, which will only get worse. But why can’t you find anyone who wants to join?
Too few practitioners are involved
“In contrast to Scandinavia, for example, there is too little appreciation for the profession. In Austria they say you only become a teacher because you have a lot of free time.” Or, as Viennese ex-mayor Häupl once said, if he worked as much as a teacher, he would be ready for the week on Tuesday afternoon. This promotes neither the motivation of the active nor the potential educators.
Maximilian Schulyok refers to countries like Sweden. There are admission procedures for teacher training courses. Accordingly, positions in education are sought and respected there. In Austria, even career changers are accepted. Moreover, it is believed that everything will get better with new curricula. “Wider approaches are needed. And you need to involve more practitioners. It’s all too theoretical for us.” And: In Austria, the subject is a political pawn. “The bickering stands in the way of urgently needed reforms. We have a huge problem there.”
Source: Krone
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