The Surprising Time-Saving Power of Tech for Teachers: The McKinsey Global Teacher and Student Survey Insights
The McKinsey Global Teacher and Student Survey, as illustrated in a recent Intel Education graphic, provides a striking revelation about the potential of technology in education. It shows that teachers can reallocate 20 to 30% of their time to activities that enhance student learning. This statistic is more than just a number; it’s a beacon for educational transformation.
The survey shows that teachers spend a significant proportion of their working time on tasks such as teaching, preparation, assessment, administration, coaching and professional development. Specifically, teachers spend around 20 hours a week on teaching and engagement, 10.5 hours on preparation and smaller amounts on other tasks. However, with the help of technology, there is an opportunity to reallocate a significant amount of this time to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Let’s analyse the data first. The survey categorises time into ‘working time’ and ‘reallocatable time’. Working time is the essential time teachers need to complete their tasks, while reallocatable time is the time that could potentially be saved through technology. Teaching and engagement tops the list at 20 hours per week, where technology could save up to 2 hours. Similarly, there is a consistent pattern of potential time savings in preparation (10.5 hours), assessment and feedback (6.5 hours), administration (5 hours), coaching and advice (4.5 hours) and other activities.
But what does this mean in practice? With the increasing integration of technology in classrooms from primary school to university, educators can now use a range of tools to streamline their workflows. For example, Learning Management Systems (LMS) can automate the distribution of materials and the collection of assignments, saving valuable hours of preparation. Grading software can help with assessment and feedback, while administrative tasks can be simplified with digital attendance systems and school management software.
One of the most promising aspects of this reallocation is the time that can be spent on student behaviour and the development of social and emotional skills. The survey suggests that around 3.5 hours is spent on these areas, with the potential to increase by reallocating time saved from other tasks. This is crucial because education isn’t just about academic learning; it’s about developing well-rounded individuals. Social and emotional learning (SEL) has been linked to improved classroom behaviour, better stress management and higher academic achievement.
Professional development is another critical aspect of a teacher’s career that can benefit from time redirection. The graph shows that around 3 hours are spent on professional development, with a reallocation potential of 0.5 hours. This half hour may seem insignificant, but over the course of a school year it adds up. It means more time for teachers to engage in lifelong learning, to keep abreast of the latest educational trends and to refine their teaching strategies — all of which directly benefit students.The implications of these findings are profound. If teachers can save 20 to 30 per cent of their time by integrating technology, it paves the way for more personalised learning experiences, more one-on-one time with students and, ultimately, a more effective education system.
However, the successful reallocation of time depends on several factors. There needs to be a thoughtful integration of technology that is aligned with pedagogical goals. Teachers need to be trained not only to use technology, but also to integrate it into their teaching in ways that improve learning outcomes. There is also the issue of equitable access to technology for schools in different regions and socio-economic statuses.
The potential for time reallocation also highlights the need for policy changes to support teachers in this transition. Investments in technology and professional development are critical, as is creating a supportive school culture that encourages innovation and collaboration among teachers.
The McKinsey Global Teacher and Student Survey highlights a significant opportunity in education. Technology is not just a tool for engagement; it is a catalyst for reshaping the educational landscape. By embracing this potential, educators can not only improve their teaching methods, but also have a profound impact on the lives of their students. The future of education is not just about teaching students; it’s about creating environments where teachers and students alike can thrive and excel.
