INTRODUCTION
According to UN,
“education is a process which draws out the best in man with the aim of
producing a well balanced personality”. Education has a very significant role
in developing an individual to the level of perfection by drawing out the best
citizen from him, best Indian from him etc. In the opinion of Dr .A. P. J.
Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, “the whole purpose of education in
a country is to develop and enhance the potential of human resource and
progressively transform it into a knowledge society”. To fulfill this purpose
of education, teacher has a very significant and non replaceable role.
The UNESCO international commission on education for twenty first
century has identified four pillars of learning-learning to know, learning to
do, learning to be, learning to live together. This can be achieved with the
help of teachers. In the field of education, the one which influence the life
of students is the teacher. There is a phrase ‘as is the teacher so is the
child’. In this paper we are discussing on the expanded role of teachers in the
field of education and the qualities essential for him to become effective.
WHO IS A TEACHER?
The word ‘teach’ is derived from the Anglo Saxon word ‘teacon’ which
means “to impart”, “to instruct”, “to make aware of” and “to train”. A teacher
can be defined as a person who has enough knowledge in any field and conveys
this knowledge to the ignorant one.
In the narrow vision teacher is an inevitable part of the social
system, called school, who deliver lecture to students. In the wide sense, a
teacher can be defined as anything or anybody which influences another and make
a change in his intellectual, moral or physical level. The personality,
character, and attitudes of a good teacher can influence and inspire the young
people. In molding the future of a child, the teacher has remarkable role.
People ranging from layman to philosopher praise the teacher as a mason who
builds the fabric of society, the students being the bricks and mortar of the
future.
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NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF TEACHERS
IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Education is
a lifelong process and without the help of a teacher it will be incomplete.
According to the national policy on education (1986), “no society can raise
above the standard above of its teachers”. Stressing on the need for quality
teachers’ the American president Obama commented as, “the single most important
factor in determining a student’s achievement isn’t the color of his skin or
where he comes from, but who the child’s teacher is”. Development of human
resource is the work of a teacher. Education has to develop the spirit of
service, social sensitiveness, moral character and cooperation in the student.
This is possible only with the help of teachers. To create a positive approach
and attitude in an individual teacher is a must. Every people need education
for their career growth. A classroom comprises of many students with different
potentials and possibilities. The teacher provides knowledge to all these
students and in this way he prepares future teacher, lawyer, doctor,
politicians etc. Thus teaching is the mother profession of all other
professions. Some of the great teachers were the cause of revolution in
political and industrial level. In the words of Henry Adams “a teacher affects
eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops”.
ROLE OF TEACHERS IN THE ANCIENT
PERIOD
In
the ancient period, teacher had the following major roles:-
A) GURU:
‘GU’
means darkness and ‘RU’ means to ‘remove’. The person who lead the younger
generation from darkness to light is termed as ‘guru’. He is also termed as
‘torch bearer’. Like the light of a torch expels the darkness; the teacher with
the help of his knowledge removes the darkness of ignorance. An ancient ideal
of guru was teacher centric. Teacher was the store house of wisdom. He
transmitted all his knowledge and the pupil stored it into his memory. Teacher
had absolute authority. He was considered as the perfect specimen of mankind.
He had the weight of intellectual, spiritual and moral worth. He was eminent in
knowledge, possessed a holy character, free from the evil practices and greed
for wealth and had self control. He was considered as the knowledge bank and
spiritual leader.
B) ADVISOR:
Teachers
in ancient period were held in high position by the society. Even the kings and
rulers paid respect to them. The kings and rulers were often approached their
teachers for guidance and advice, since they were the true benefactors of
society and trustees of common welfare. There are many examples in history for
the decision taken by the rulers according to the advice of teachers.
Alexander, the great, praises his teacher Aristotle for the knowledge and
advice given to him in time. He says “my parents give me birth; but my teacher
gives me life”.
C) SYMBOL/MODEL:
In
the ancient period teacher was considered as a symbol also; a symbol of truth,
beauty and purity .ancient India revered teachers as the ‘Param Brahma’. He is
the creator-creator of ideas and ideals; he is the preserver-preserver of truth
and justice; he is the destroyer-destroys both intention and deeds of evil. The
ancient India gives very high place to the teachers. India gave the great glory
to the teaching profession because of the voluntary poverty, selfless service,
high scholarship and pure moral and spiritual conduct of the teachers. At that
time religious and spiritual factors were predominant in the choice of teaching
careers. But in the modern age, it is almost deteriorated to merely getting a
job.
TEACHER CENTERED APPROACH TO
LEARNER CENTERED APPROACH IN THE EDUCATIONSYSTEM
In
the previous system of education, teacher was the principal role. But in the
new approach the learner occupies the centre of the education system. The needs,
interests, level, age and potentials of the child are taken into account. Now
the process of education is not the process of inputting something to the head,
but drawing out from the child. Teachers assess the nature of the students,
watch their natural interests, encourage potential in them and inspire them to
bring out the best in them. Contents and evaluation systems are upgraded and
developed. The modern teacher depends on encouragement, suggestion and
sympathetic ways. The modern teacher encourages questions by learners.
The
main characteristics of constructivism are:
(A)
All knowledge is human construction
(B)
Learning is an internal process and that occurs in the mind of an individual
(C)
Experience or interaction is required to create knowledge
(D)
Follows the principle off collaborative and cooperative learning strategies.
Thus
in the new approach, the traditional role of teachers as providing knowledge to
the student is totally changed.
ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEACHERS
IN THE NEW APPROACH
The
learner centered approach doesn’t reduce the importance of teachers. In the new
approach the role of the teacher become more complex. They have to create new
insights, competencies and outlooks.
In the modern system, the teacher has to implement the following factors in his
mode of teaching.
A) Encourage
- pair work, group work activity, group discussion, assignment, project work
etc
B) Encourage
the use of library, self study and mass media
C) Encourage
learner’s participation, welcome questions
D) Develop
self development, resource material for self learning
E) Maintain-
a portfolio-all the necessary things like charts, audiovisuals etc
F) Let the
students think and arrive at the solutions
G) Play the
role of a facilitator
The
participation of students to construct the knowledge has to be maximized. The
teacher has to take maximum efforts to bring out the best in him. He has to
plan, organize and control the effects of all the available resources involved
in the teaching learning process. In a learner centered situation the
constructivist teacher is not the source of information but one of the
resources. Since the pupils are searching for new and new ideas, the best
quality of constructivist teacher is to have an instantaneous vision of the
pupils mind.
ROLE OF TEACHERS IN THE TWENTY
FIRST CENTURY
The new century is an era of globalization,
knowledge explosion, technological innovations and enormous scientific growth.
The field of education is undergoing changes miraculously. Changes like virtual
classrooms, global communications, distance learning, global economies,
telecourses, corporate classrooms, increased competition among social agencies
for scarce resources etc. comes. In this situation, in addition to the role of
teachers as knowledge provider, he has to perform a number of roles .These
roles can be summarized as follows.
1. TEACHER - ROLE MODEL
This
is the most important role of teacher. A role model is a person whose behavior
is imitated by others. According to Anton A. Bucher, models are one of the most
important pedagogical agents in the history of education. He suggests Jesus as
the perfect role model from the ancient, through the middle and till modern
times. To support his theory, he conducted a survey among one hundred and
thirty students of Austria and Germany. The questionnaire contained two open
ended questions “what persons are your role models and why?”He included a list
of forty persons from different fields .the rating scale varied from “no model
whatever” to “a very important role model for me”. Results obtained as
personalities of social nearness to the participants had the greatest model
effect on them. Parents and relatives were mentioned with great frequency;
after that religious models and then only sports and movie stars. Educators can
be considered to have near to the same social status of social nearness to the
children. Then children will fully consider them as role models. There is a
thirst of youth for positive role models. The seven characteristics of a
positive role model are the following.
A. POSITIVE CHOICE MAKING:
On
making choices we have to remember that the choice not only impacts us but also
the children who regard us as super hero. When they are in the same situation
in future they will think what we do in such a situation. So as role models we
have to take good choices.
B. THINK OUT LOUDLY:
A
good role model will show the way they have reach at that decision. When we
have to make a tough choice, show before students the weight of pros and cons
etc. when they face such a situation in their life they will follow the same
role.
C. APOLOGISE AND ADMIT MISTAKES:
Mistakes
are part of human life. If the teacher made a mistake and admit and correct a
mistake then it will be a great eye opener to the student. This will help him
to accept his mistakes in his future.
D. FOLLOW THROUGH:
To
be a good role model, we have to be self disciplined. That means
(a) We have
to be punctual
(b) Finish
what you have started
(c) Don’t
quit
(d) Keep
promises
(e) Don’t
back off things when things get challenging.
E. SHOWS RESPECT:
There
is a saying in the gospel, “do for others what you want them to do for you”
(Mt7:12). Mutual respect and good speaking about others are key techniques to
keep relations smooth and fruitful.
F. BE WELL ROUNDED:
Great
role models are people with varied interests and talents. They are in the
process of continuous learning. He is a teacher at the same time father, good
sportsman etc. A lady teacher will play at the same time a role of teacher,
mother, singer etc. When students see this they will also think in this way.
G. DEMONSTRATE CONFIDENCE IN WHAT YOU ARE:
Be
proud of what you are. What we want to do with our life is a gift to our
creator and fellow beings. Even though we have to take a very long trip to our
destination we have to commemorate the lessons we have learned and reach the
goal.
TEACHING CHARACTER AND MORAL
VALUE
1. HONESTY
If
we want our children to develop honesty, the teacher must be very honest in all
his behavior to the students. An ideal teacher has to avoid partiality in
dealings and have to be honest and transparent in all their dealings with the
children. Honesty is a prerequisite to trust, fairness, respect, responsibility
etc.
2. TRUST
Trust
is the belief in others that develops whenever people fulfill their promises
and commitments. Trust replaces fear with confidence and open-mindedness. When
students trust their teachers a fear of failure is transformed into an
opportunity to learn. Trust is developed when the teacher plays the role of a
facilitator. If trust is developed students will come to their teachers for
help in their needs, struggles, crisis etc.
3. FAIRNESS
Fairness
requires that all students have the same opportunity to meet the standards on a
written or skill test and receive an appropriate grade. Teachers have practice
and emphasize self control. Teachers who are fair believe in students’
individuality and encourage them to reach the goal. The highest and lowest
students have to be marked equally.
4. RESPECT
It
is important to have a respectful community in the classroom. To develop this,
teachers can play a vital role by showing respect to each one irrespective of
caste, creed, and color etc. Teachers those who treat the students with respect
will be respected by the students also.
5. RESPONSIBILITY
They
have to be accountable to their students, to society, to institution and
parents. As part of responsibility, they have to create a positive learning
environment and educational services to society, by helping the students to
develop their cognitive, psychomotor, affective domains. The well prepared and
planned classroom teaching is also a part of their responsibility.
Teachers
help the students to internalize moral virtues of honesty, fairness, respect,
responsibility through their life. Teachers need to boost the students to stand
firm in virtues and values however high the pressure from surroundings against
it. Moral reasoning is a process of evaluating personal values and developing
an impartial set of moral principles by which we have to live. Stoll and Beller
emphasized (1998) “moral reasoning doesn’t promise behavioral changes, but it
does promise individual soul searching and reflection on personal beliefs,
values and principles. Without this process cognitive growth will not increase,
behavior change will never occur”.
I
think a teacher will be role model if he/she has:
A) QUALITY OF LIFE:
Quality
means good character, unity in words and deeds etc. Teachers have to keep this
quality in his life and profession. Such a teacher is a role model to the
students and they will apply it into their life.
B) RESPONSIBILITY, COMMITMENT and DEDICATION:
“A
good teacher is like a candle-it consumes itself to light the way of
others.”(Mustafa Kenal Ataturk).Only if the teacher has the awareness that
teaching is his sacred duty he can possess responsibility and commitment to it.
He has to possess dedication and commitment to his work, to students,
institution, society etc. He should be ready to spend some extra time for
students or institution, if needed.
C) VALUE BASED LIFE:
Values
are guiding principles of life accepted by the majority for a better life in
the concept of general view. More than likes and dislikes values should guide
life. He has to proclaim and transform it and should have the courage to stand
for it before anybody. He should have the strength to swim against the flow.
D) A FRIEND OR GUIDE RATHER THAN A COMMANDER:
Students
like teachers who behave with them like friends. He has to share and work with
the students. Research studies prove that the morale of children, their
production and achievement is higher in a climate of democratic approach by
teachers.
E) INTEGRATED PERSONALITY:
By
the term integrated personality I mean the spiritual, intellectual,
psychological and physical caliber the teacher should have.ie quality is more
important than quantity. To satisfy the curious mind of the students’ teacher
should have intellectual caliber by continuous learning. For effective stress
management and to guide the students through proper way he should have the
psychological caliber. Teacher is a guru. In this world of competitions and
single centered life, teachers can help the students to see the goodness in
ourselves and surroundings and to guide them to the divine element. For this he
need spiritual caliber. Without a good physical condition there is no effective
communication or teaching. So he should have the physical caliber.
According
to Dr. A .P.J. Abdul Kalam, “any enlighten human being can be created by three
unique characteristics. One is moral value system and that is got from my
father; Secondly the teacher becoming the role model. The teacher shaped his
life with dreams and aims; finally the education and learning process has to
culminate in the creation of professional capability leading to confidence and
willpower to make a design, to make a product, bravely combating many problems.
What a fortune and blessing I had from my teachers”.
2. TEACHER AS A GUIDE
A
guide is one who directs another in his course of life. In the early years of
child the teacher has to function as guide. He has to walk with the students
and to deliver the answers to his students. He has to show them the goals they
have to achieve and the way to attain it and lead him to the goal by going
along with him. A teacher who is a real guide to his students will feel with
them, suffer with them and struggle with them till he achieves the goal.
3. TEACHER AS A FRIEND
In
the early childhood of one the role of teacher is to function as a friend to
the student. Swami Vivekananda says, “The true teacher is one who can
immediately come down to the level of the student and transfer his soul to the
student and see through and understand through his mind”. The relationship of a
student to teacher involves trust, guidance, encouragement etc. Teachers need
to make a good rapport with the students. Teachers have to create freedom with
the students in such a way to create a situation for sharing with them like
friends.
4. TEACHER AS A MENTOR
In
the early teenage of a child teacher can take the role of a mentor. He can help
the individual to bring out his hidden talents and interests which has a great
influence on his future. It is best to celebrate the identified strength of the
child in the public. In this period teacher can encourage their acceptable
behavior and correct the non accepted ones. Teacher can provide him values like
punctuality, morality and perseverance.
5. TEACHER –SUBSTITUENT PARENT
Sometimes
the role of teacher is like substituent parents. The little kids look to anyone
as his parent who has love, affection and care to him and who is ready to help
him. The teacher has to compensate the lack of father or mother in case of
students those who haven’t them. School is the second home and teacher is the
second parent to him.
6. TEACHER AS A FACILITATOR
In
the new approach of education, teachers have to function as a facilitator of
learning. The teacher has to motivate the students and encourage discussing and
debating. The teacher has to interact with them but the interaction has to
follow the children as a whole. Techniques and methods like laboratory work,
field trips, discussions, seminars etc should be developed among students with
the purpose of producing good interaction among them. As a facilitator of
learning teacher has to maintain control in the classroom and has to create a
positive environment in classroom. Teacher should enable the students to
maximize the potential of their formal and informal learning. He had to make
him familiar with the great diversity of space, resources, technology etc.
7. SOCIAL ENGINEER
An
engineer is one who prepare plan, design a blue print of a task to be
completed. The teachers prepare the blueprint of the social development. As a
member of the society he has to work for the development of the society. He is
the social engineer who makes use of the human materials of the nation to
construct a stable structure. The culture, values and traditions of the country
is transmitted to the pupil through the teacher. Inside the school teacher
prepare children as better citizens with intellectual development. Outside the
classroom, he can live as a social worker. Since he is a teacher he is expected
to be above average member of the society. He should have a strong desire and
readiness to work for fulfilling the needs of the community.
8. TEACHER-LEADER
The
person who has own knowledge and practice the ideas where needed can be termed
as leader. He has to monitor the system, plan, organize and lead the activities
to a sustainable development. There is a CID
model of teacher leader. Teacher leadership can be defined as the process in
which teacher connect the goal of an individual with the ultimate goal of
education. The teacher leadership model-CID model - connects, influence,
develop-can be applied at various levels:
(A) connect-it
involves four things - (a) connect to ones’ personal goals and vision (b)
connect to the goal and vision of institution (c) connect to the purpose of
education (d) connect to the students
(B)
influence-(a) principals-for applying new teaching methodologies, better
assessment procedures, in service training programme etc. (b) colleagues-to set
up peer learning forums, peer assessment of students performance reach out to
global educational practices, involve in individual and small research projects
etc(c) students-motivate rather than advice, encourage students to teach
appropriate lessons, actively listen to their learning needs and suggestions
etc.
(C) Develop-
psychological, intellectual and social development involve in it.
The
teacher leader should give importance on building teams. The importance of
working with each other and the ability to share the credit, team building
should be conveyed to the students.
9. CLASSROOM TEACHER
The
responsibility of a teacher in the classroom is very significant. There is a
saying like this; “an ordinary teacher tells; a good teacher demonstrates; the
best teacher inspires”. The role of a teacher in the classroom include the
roles as inspirer, facilitator, guide which we already discussed. The
additional roles are:
A) CREATOR AND PROVIDER OF KNOWLEDGE:
The
three essential things for classroom teaching are (a) know how-subject
knowledge (b) do how-teaching skill(c) transfer how-communication skill.
Education involves not only the providing of information but also the creation
of knowledge. Everyone has the ability to build their own knowledge. The
teacher has the responsibility to develop this skill of creating knowledge.
B) AS A CLASSROOM MANAGER:
According
to BROPHY (1988) “good classroom management not only implies the avoidance of
misconduct but also those worthwhile academic activities are occurring
continuously and maximizes students’ engagements in these activities.” Thus as
a classroom manager teacher has to conduct academic activities with active
participation of students.
C)
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER:
Teacher design, plan and organize classrooms.
They are very clear about the goal they want to fulfill through the teaching
and they plan and teach according to this. The instruction designer take into
account all of the resources available to meet the variety of needs his
students have and implements well designed activities to address their
needs”(kozma,1994).
D) MEDIATOR OF CULTURE:
If
the teacher is an effective mediator of culture he will (a) define his objectives
with including values important in culture (b) utilize his specialization area
to develop problem solving effectiveness(c) design his activities to develop
ability and motivation to solve social problems (d) develop attitudes and
abilities required for effective participation (e) he will enrich the cultural
growth of his pupils
10. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
According
to a Chinese proverb, “if you are thinking one year ahead, plant rise; if you
are thinking ten year ahead, plant trees; and if you are thinking hundred years
ahead, educate the people”. The modern era is in a threat of the degradation of
environmental quality. The level of air pollution, water pollution etc.
increased and disturbs the ecological balance. In this context we have to
create environmental awareness to protect, preserve and conserve our
environment. This is possible with the help of a teacher as environment
protector.
v Traditionally teacher has been
called as ‘protector of the environment’, “savior of the environment”,
“purifier of the environment” etc.
v Teacher should provide the
lessons related to the fundamental duties related to the environment
v Not only impart knowledge about
environment but also change the behavior of the students so that reducing
pollution and adopting good habits.
v Keep the school and community
neat and green.
v Encourage tree plantation
v Celebration of important days
related to environment
11. VALUE EDUCATOR
There
is a comment, “education without vision is waste; education without value is
crime and education without mission is life burden”. Role of teachers in value
education can be summarized as follows: Teacher should (a) develop a
nationalistic feeling among students (b) create an awareness about the modern
problems related to food, water, energy, environment etc. (d) eradicate
illiteracy (e) ensure social equality and justice (f) develop the qualities of
character and strong leadership (g) organize field activities among the
marginalized with the students.
12. ROLE IN INCLUSION OF PUPILS
WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Inclusion
of pupils with learning differences is a stepping stone to achieve the goal,
‘universal education’. It involves changes and modifications in the content,
approaches, structures and strategies. Inclusion assumes that all children are
part of the regular school system. It demands high level of teaching competence
and organizational changes. The background of inclusion is as follows: people
have a negative outlook to such children. So most of them kept at home itself
and parents do not get any kind of support from the community to raise them.
The key element in inclusion is teaching and the role of teachers in inclusive
setup. Inclusion will become realized only if teachers are aware of the nature
of the situation and ready to commit for it.
13. ROLE OF TEACHER IN CURRICULAM
INSTRUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The
curriculum can be termed as ‘a tool in the hands of an artist to mould his
materials according to his idols in his studio” (Cundhiam). In 1950 the term
curriculum came into usage which includes not only the syllabus materials but
also teaching materials and plan of instruction. Central educational
authorities develop the national curriculum frame work and are adapted at the
state level by taking into account the local needs and social context.
REAL CURRICULUM:
Official
curriculum + learning from media and other social interactions +teacher-pupil
interaction → learner development
Curriculum
development is a continuous process. Teacher is the most important factor in
the construction of curriculum. The teacher –student interactions in the
classroom and the method of teaching etc influences the outcomes of learning.
By selecting appropriate materials and pedagogies and by the teaching of issues
of equality and rights in the society teacher can give opportunity to develop
their potential. During the construction of curricular activities teachers have
to take into account various factors such as availability of resources, media
and technology, social, cultural and ethnic values, etc which influences the
curriculum.
The
teacher can influence the curricula in developing values among students. The
values transmitted through these interactions become the real curricular
values. The learning outcome depends not only on the content but also the method
of teaching. Media and technology affect the curriculum to a great extent.
Electronic media such as TV, computer, internet, communication facilities etc
enrich students’ real curriculum. A good library and effective study materials
make the learning more effective.
14. DESTINY MAKER - NATION BUILDING
According
to the Kothari commission report (1964-1966) “the destiny of India is being
shaped in her classrooms”. Teacher is a maker of man. He is the foundation of
all education and thus of the whole civilization of mankind. “No nation
reconstruction is possible without the active cooperation of the teacher” (John
Adams). Teacher can be called as ‘nation builder’ since the future of the
nation is built through education. The teacher influences the minds of the
youth and helps them to be proud of their culture, national character and
national emblem and ornament themselves with societal conducts. Thus teacher
has to play a vital role as nation
builder.
The
great teachers reveal the values of their life and empathy to the fellow beings
.They create social cohesion, national integration and a learning society. The
quality of a teacher determines the quality of a citizen which in turn
determines the quality of a nation. Teachers build the nation through the
process of classroom teaching .He has to train students in virtues and values
that will strengthen the democracy. To strengthen our democracy teacher should
infuse to the mind of the students’ tolerance, unity and feeling of motherhood,
civic responsibility, faith in democracy etc.
As
our constitution proclaims, “teacher have to educate them on the need to
recognize the equality of men and women in democracy, to discard all outcaste
exclusiveness and pride, untouchability and communal distinctions and
antagonisms and to strengthen the dignity of the individual and the unity of
the nation” .The students must be educated to integrate the nation out of our
diversities. They should get familiarity with constitution. Pure national
awareness, a firm democratic loyalty, dedicated social responsibility should be
developed in the student. Education should give the capacity to discriminate
between the good and bad and the courage to reject bad and the negative.
15. ROLE IN DISTANCE EDUCATION
According
to some research findings, the roles of a teacher in distance education are
(a) Assume
responsibility for the preparation and presentation of learning tasks
(b) Keep
students on task and consult with them to correct problems
(c) To be
aware of needs and wishes of students
(d) Build
student motivation
(e)
Establish an effective environment for student-teacher and student-student
interaction
Teacher Role
in Distance Education Based on Constructivity Approach:
a) Teacher
encourages learner autonomy and is aware of individual differences
b) Teacher
constantly reaches the curriculum and provides up-to-date examples
c) Teacher
gives importance to the thoughts of students and encourage student research,
discussions etc.
d) When
designing course materials teacher take into consideration the individual
differences
e) Teacher
initiates student –teacher interactions, communication and technological skills
to effectively implement distance education
f) Students
are responsible for learning and contacting when needed
g) Teacher
provides environment, materials and guidance for collaborative learning,
discussion groups, individual learning and research
h) Teacher
provide feedback to students to facilitate learning
16. ONLINE INSTRUCTOR
In
the modern era teachers have to take the role as online Instructor. He has to
take responsibility of keeping discussions on track, share special knowledge
and insights, maintain group harmony, weaving together various discussion threads, suggesting a human
relationship, developing group unity, helping members to work together in a
mutual cause are all critical to success of any online activities.
CAN TECHNOLOGY REPLACE TEACHERS?
Once
Nehru asked, “can we combine the progress of science and technology with the
progress of mind and spirit also”? Now technology is widely used in classroom.
In this period of knowledge explosion do we need teachers today is a
confronting question. Knowledge received without the guidance of a teacher can
be compared to a blind man walking without a stick. “Good teachers teach; great
teachers inspire”. Technology can’t replace inspiring teachers. Students can
find out answers to many questions from books or websites, but only through the
close contact between teacher and students his basic ego needs are satisfied. In
a stage of falling moral standard and values, teacher can develop a generation
with quality of life, words and deeds.
No
machine can replace teachers. Even in the period of de -schooling and
e-learning teacher is a must. Knowledge can be acquired from anywhere; but
education without teacher is like body without soul. Bill gates comments about
the pivotal role of teachers as “technology is just a tool; in terms of getting
the kids together and motivating them, teacher is the most important”. Machine
can’t identify the learner’s needs, level of mind and his situation. It is the
teacher who identifies and recognizes the child with his potentials and
talents, abilities and disabilities, merits and demerits, capacities and
challenges and leads him to the goal. For example consider the character of
“Nikumbh Sir” from “Tarre Zameen Par” who identified the potential in “Ishaan”.
Here the teacher identifies him where no one else could, including his parents.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES FOR TEACHERS
A) QUALITY OF CHARACTER
The
word TEACHER stands for-
T- Tolerance/ Talent/ Truthfulness
E- Efficiency/Empathy
A-Attitude/Affection
C-Care/Character/Commitment
H-Honesty/Humble Nature
E-Enthusiasm/Encouragement
R-Responsibility/Research
Orientation
B) QUALITY OF LIFE:
There should be a harmony between the
thoughts, words and deeds of a teacher. Then the students will also apply it in
their life.
C) PERSONAL VALUES:
Love,
brotherhood, dutifulness, patience, sharing, service, responsibility,
accountability, sympathy, justice, loyalty, gratitude, freedom etc are the
personal values needed for a teacher.
D) SOCIALVALUES:
Punctuality,
respect, faithfulness, dedication, honesty, obedience, cleanliness, self
evaluation, regularity, sincerity, good manners, discipline, etc Teachers
should have good mental health. A neurotic teacher may create fear, nervousness
and worry in the classroom.
E) SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE:
One
of the important qualities of an educator is to have deep, thorough and
up-to-date knowledge in his subject. Tagore said “only a lighted lamp can light
another lamp”. Only a teacher who is continuously learning and understanding
the new concepts, changes and developments in the subject can influence the
children and satisfy their curiosity.
F) QUALITY OF COMPASSION:
Teacher
should have an attitude of love and sympathy to the children. Students should
feel that teacher is fully interested in his growth and has love and affection
to him.
G) ATTITUDE OF IMPARTIALITY AND OBJECTIVITY:
A
good teacher should adopt the attitude of impartiality and objectivity.
Equality doesn’t mean to treat all alike at all time but it does mean to treat
all alike at equal situations .i.e. equality at equal situations. His interest
in children should be impersonal, not to be misguided or influenced by any
other factors.
H) BE A STUDENT OF STUDENTS:
In
a talk to Ghadi Vidyalays students at Sevagram Gandhi spoke like this. “A
teacher who establishes good rapport with the taught, becomes one with them,
learns more from them than he teaches them. He, who learns nothing from his
disciples, is worthless in my opinion. A true teacher regards himself as a
student if students.”
I) GOOD PERSONALITY:
A
teacher should have good personality which influences the children very much.
His physical appearance also has an impact on them. The teacher should be neat
and modest in his dress, pleasing and impressive personal appearance, keeping
good manners in words and dealings, open-mindedness and enthusiasm, steady and
mature behavior etc are desirable traits to teachers.
Actually
no teachers have all these qualities together. All are on the way to reach at
this level.
CONCLUSION
In
this modern era teaching is a complex process and the role of teacher is also
complex, multidimensional and challenging. They have to play roles ranging from
simple classroom teachers to role model. It is not a simple task; but a time
consuming process and need constant concentration of mind. To play these roles
effectively teacher has to face great challenges and needed to use
technological applications, improved ways of teaching and more than that, he or
she should be a continuous learner. They should have good mind and attention to
gain all the qualities needed for an efficient teacher. In the age of knowledge
explosion also teacher is a must for student’s wellbeing.
“Many of the biggest advances in civilization have
been the chief work, not of politicians or investigators, not even of artists,
but of teachers”.
Thus
the role of teacher in education is everlasting and evergreen.
