More than a third of people living in the southern region believe studying technology at school is more important than maths and English, which is concerning a senior lecturer at the University of Otago College of Education.
A recently released Warehouse Stationery nationwide survey found 37% of Otago and Southland residents, and 44% of New Zealanders, believed maths, English and social studies were becoming less important, and technology was the most important subject for the next generation.
University of Otago College of Education senior lecturer Dr Chris Linsell was surprised by the statistics.
''I certainly understand why many believe that technology is becoming increasingly important, but unless our population is literate and numerate, we will not be able to make good use of the new technologies.''
The survey also found half of Otago and Southland residents believed they did not have the patience needed to be a teacher, and 73% believed the job was harder now than it was 10 years ago.
The statistics are similar nationwide, with 78% of New Zealanders saying the job of a teacher is harder than it was a decade ago, and that the career requirements - whether in early education, primary or high school - have increased with time.
About 75% of those surveyed nationwide said the country should be doing more for those who take on teaching.
Dr Linsell said it was ''heartening'' to see most people in the community recognised and supported the work of teachers.
''It is particularly heartening that so many people said that a teacher inspired their career path.''
He was not surprised to see more than half of Otago/Southlanders believed they would not have the patience for teaching.
''The profession is certainly challenging and demanding, as well as being a wonderfully rewarding vocation.
''People in the South clearly have realistic perspective, which is also apparent in the finding that 78% of them believe that teaching is harder now than 10 years ago.''
He said teachers in all sectors had experienced increases in demands of compliance and accountability, with no extra time to meet those demands.
''Changes in curriculum, assessment and qualifications have not been adequately supported by centrally funded professional development.
''Budgets of schools have been squeezed so that there is little money there either for professional development of teachers.
''At the same time schools are struggling to support increasing numbers of children living in poverty.''
The survey is in conjunction with Warehouse Stationery's Most Inspiring Teacher 2015 initiative, which aims to show teachers how much their pupils and the wider community value them. Company chief executive officer Pejman Okhovat hoped the campaign would give something back to the more than 50,000 teachers in New Zealand.
''As supporters of the important work teachers do, we are excited to give Kiwis the opportunity once again to thank them by voting and telling them how much they are appreciated.''
Survey says
- Otago-Southlanders believe maths and English are becoming less important, with 37% stating technology is the most important subject for the next generation.
- 78% of Otago-Southlanders believe the job of a teacher is harder now than 10 years ago.
- 53% of Otago-Southlanders do not believe they have the patience needed to be a teacher.
