The Surveys Came Back

Every May we send out surveys to a sampling of teachers who purchased plays from us during the last year. This year about 300 went out and just over a hundred have returned so far. So that's at least 100 teachers have taken the time to tell us about their experiences with Bad Wolf plays: what they liked, what they didn't.

If only everybody agreed! It doesn't work like that, of course. Years ago one teacher pointed out that we should expect divergent opinions. "That's why there're thirty-one flavors of ice cream."

For example, one teacher who produced "The American Revolution" said, "It was superb. I, the kids, my coteacher, and the parents/rest of school loved it. They were impressed. Best play I've done." Another teacher who did the same play said, "The lyrics were a bit to repetitious at times."

Hmm. Do we have a problem? Another teacher who did "American Revolution" said, "It was very fun. Love most of the music and the humor worked well."

Want to talk about "Geology Rocks?" The very first survey that came back to us complained about this show, "One great joke...but the rest was tedious. This show is a bit lame."

Wow, sounds like we have a problem. But here are some comments from other teachers who did the very same show:
"I thought it was marvelous!"
"Great show---the kids and parents loved it!"
"The students learned the songs quickly and gain a lot of knowledge."
"The kids are loving it."
"Excellent!!! The students learned so much."
"My students loved the whole mystery that centered around a rock theme."
"I enjoyed the music, humor and knowledge base."

So I guess we're good on this play. Right? Wait, another teacher says the songs are "Too slow. Kids can't sing like that...make it upbeat."

John and I have been reading survey results for years, and all we've ever been able to figure out is the great majority of teachers really like the plays. But not everybody. And sometimes a teacher will absolutely love a couple of our plays and then tell us another one is a stinker.

We can't argue. But it's pretty confusing.