weak teaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak teaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a teaching style or method that is ineffective or lacking in strength or impact. Example: "The students struggled to grasp the material due to the weak teaching methods employed in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The problem is compounded by relatively weak teaching at the secondary level as well.

The New York Times

Part of the shock over the book comes from Austria's weak teaching of its own Nazi history.

The New York Times

So far this year, administrators have warned about 50 more teachers that their jobs are in jeopardy because of weak teaching.

The New York Times

Steely-eyed SLT members brandish clipboards and conduct clinical learning walks and observations for dissection later, but are only observed by each other, allowing weak teaching to be dismissed by close colleagues.

The Guardian

Lessons, in primary and secondary schools, were characterised by low standards, weak teaching, a confused sense of purpose about RE, and there was a lack of searching questions in examinations such as the GCSE.

Independent

Children from Britain's poorest families "pay the price" for failed experiments by politicians on both the left and right, according to Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw, in a wide-ranging attack that cites "bleating" parents and weak teaching among the causes of educational blight.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Up until now, universities have in the main been ranked on the quality of their research which, says the Green Paper, has led in some institutions to "a weak emphasis on teaching".

Independent

Kinsley's column beseeching Obama to "give in" to Republicans "for the sake of the country" ("media will no doubt call Obama weak"!) should be taught as a cautionary example against this desire to be "taken seriously".

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the regression coefficients of these two predictive variables indicate that these two variables have a weaker relationship with teaching performance than group interaction or content.

BMC Medical Education

But challenges still remained, Wilshaw warned, highlighting "mediocre teaching and weak leadership" alongside regional variation in school quality and underachievement among white children from poor backgrounds.

The Guardian

Like all sexual abuse, this was an example of the exploitation of the weak, and it is teaching some hard lessons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational shortcomings, use "weak teaching" to specifically address the quality of instruction. Provide concrete examples to support your claim, such as lack of student engagement or poor lesson planning.

Common error

Avoid using "weak teaching" as a vague criticism without providing specific instances or evidence. Instead of simply stating that the teaching is weak, elaborate on the exact areas where improvements are needed, such as lesson delivery or assessment methods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak teaching" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'weak' modifies the noun 'teaching'. It typically serves to describe the quality or effectiveness of instruction. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts criticizing or evaluating educational practices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak teaching" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, primarily employed to critique the effectiveness of instruction. According to Ludwig, it is a common phrase used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. The phrase indicates a need for improvement in educational practices and often serves as a starting point for discussions on enhancing student outcomes. While similar phrases like "ineffective instruction" or "poor instruction" exist, "weak teaching" specifically addresses the deficiency in instructional quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ineffective instruction

Replaces "weak teaching" with a focus on the lack of positive results from the teaching method.

poor instruction

Similar to "weak teaching" but more direct in its criticism of the teaching quality.

substandard teaching

Highlights that the teaching is below an acceptable level or standard.

deficient teaching

Emphasizes the lack of necessary qualities or elements in the teaching approach.

inadequate teaching

Focuses on the insufficiency of the teaching in meeting the required needs.

low-quality instruction

Specifies that the teaching is of a poor or inferior grade.

uninspired teaching

Highlights a lack of enthusiasm or creativity in the teaching methods.

failing to teach effectively

Shifts the focus to the lack of success in achieving teaching objectives.

unsuccessful teaching methods

Emphasizes that the methods used in teaching are not producing the desired outcomes.

flawed pedagogical approach

Focuses on the errors or defects within the teaching strategy itself.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "weak teaching"?

You can use phrases like "ineffective instruction", "poor instruction", or "substandard teaching" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I identify and address "weak teaching" in a classroom setting?

Look for signs such as low student engagement, poor test scores, and lack of clear learning objectives. Once identified, provide targeted feedback and support to help the teacher improve their methods.

Is "weak teaching" the same as "bad teaching"?

While similar, "weak teaching" suggests a lack of strength or effectiveness, whereas "bad teaching" implies a more severe failure in ethical or pedagogical practices. The former might simply need improvement, while the latter could require more serious intervention.

How does "weak teaching" affect student outcomes?

"Weak teaching" can lead to decreased student motivation, lower academic achievement, and a general disinterest in learning. Addressing these weaknesses is crucial for improving student success.