To begin our blog effectively, we need to set in stone some priorities that we hold dear. In this piece, we redefine, or indeed define, the role a modern teacher should play in the educational environment. When overlooked or neglected, the ramifications caused can hamper the entire process of educating and enlightening.
Though public educational systems were created to serve the needs of industrial revolution – and did so with great success for a long time, they have recently faded in efficacy. They prioritise few and very demanding areas, such as Mathematics, Physics and Language, and have developed a rather rigid way of teaching them, which is seldom criticised.
This way of teaching frequently involves strict discipline, lecturing and high demands. An approach of this kind may often alienate students from their tutors if applied unsparingly and exclusively.
At Linguistic Aid Kit, we define the role of teachers differently, so as to accommodate the diverse needs that today’s society and develop the strengths of all students.
***
Every teacher must always keep in mind that they complete the function of a role model for their students. There is a fundamental psychological reasoning behind this, which we will not explain here. Suffice it to say that students, especially in an early age, are extremely impressionable. They expect that a teacher set a clear frame of reference with their behaviour, speech, appearance. One cannot afford to not deliver their best at every single session they give.
The teacher is constantly observed and judged, albeit unconsciously, by students. This is why s/he must ensure good and fruitful reactions to questions, comments, interruptions. Self-discipline is crucial: mood changes, lateness and laziness are not characteristic of a good teacher.
A teacher is expected to address and interact with everyone in the group. In doing so, they must take care to properly approach each person depending on their background, age and knowledge. Fairness is absolutely indispensable: all students must be treated with equal respect, while their needs are served as appropriate. Weak students, for example, are to be given more time and attention than advanced students. This secures the speedy recovery of underachieving individuals and refrains from patronising the better-rounded ones.
By extension, a teacher must always remain patient and in control. Weak students may take what is considered a disproportionately long time to gain a piece of knowledge. As teachers, it is our duty to allot all the necessary resources (time, materials, etc.) so as to facilitate the successful completion of this process.
Friendliness is an extremely important asset that all teachers should prioritise. An easy atmosphere is conducive to the learning environment. It signals a positive attitude towards the topic and the students.
Eloquence and enthusiasm are much valued qualities both by students and by fellow professionals. If a teacher is able to present their field articulately and with flair, students will be more drawn towards it, and will achieve better results.
Recognising the successes of students is indispensable. Positive reinforcement strategies are the best vehicle towards sparking and maintaining the interest of students.
A teacher is, above all, a motivator. It is not our sole goal to lecture people and install information into them. Rather, we have to augment their desire to research the field of their own volition, and provide them with the vehicles to do so.
By extension, teachers must always keep an open mind and allow students to challenge them. Though this may not very frequently lead to revolutionary changes in the field, it proves the involvement of students and must be encouraged and celebrated.
Finally, of course, the teacher must always be in command of expert knowledge of the area they impart. Even when a teacher does not have a readily available answer to a question, they must be able to quickly procure and deliver it.
***
At Linguistic Aid Kit, we aim to abide by these major descriptions, along numerous others, as much as we humanly can. We firmly believe that teachers of this nature hold the future of our education, and we support them with all our resources.
In its core, Linguistic Aid Kit and our weekly blog address those teachers who wish to fit the description above. We also yearn to tackle other pressing educational issues, which are going to be discussed in future, so as to accommodate the described teachers.
Please do not forget to leave your comments and, of course,
Stay classy.
Linguistic Aid Kit
Though public educational systems were created to serve the needs of industrial revolution – and did so with great success for a long time, they have recently faded in efficacy. They prioritise few and very demanding areas, such as Mathematics, Physics and Language, and have developed a rather rigid way of teaching them, which is seldom criticised.
This way of teaching frequently involves strict discipline, lecturing and high demands. An approach of this kind may often alienate students from their tutors if applied unsparingly and exclusively.
At Linguistic Aid Kit, we define the role of teachers differently, so as to accommodate the diverse needs that today’s society and develop the strengths of all students.
***
Every teacher must always keep in mind that they complete the function of a role model for their students. There is a fundamental psychological reasoning behind this, which we will not explain here. Suffice it to say that students, especially in an early age, are extremely impressionable. They expect that a teacher set a clear frame of reference with their behaviour, speech, appearance. One cannot afford to not deliver their best at every single session they give.
The teacher is constantly observed and judged, albeit unconsciously, by students. This is why s/he must ensure good and fruitful reactions to questions, comments, interruptions. Self-discipline is crucial: mood changes, lateness and laziness are not characteristic of a good teacher.
A teacher is expected to address and interact with everyone in the group. In doing so, they must take care to properly approach each person depending on their background, age and knowledge. Fairness is absolutely indispensable: all students must be treated with equal respect, while their needs are served as appropriate. Weak students, for example, are to be given more time and attention than advanced students. This secures the speedy recovery of underachieving individuals and refrains from patronising the better-rounded ones.
By extension, a teacher must always remain patient and in control. Weak students may take what is considered a disproportionately long time to gain a piece of knowledge. As teachers, it is our duty to allot all the necessary resources (time, materials, etc.) so as to facilitate the successful completion of this process.
Friendliness is an extremely important asset that all teachers should prioritise. An easy atmosphere is conducive to the learning environment. It signals a positive attitude towards the topic and the students.
Eloquence and enthusiasm are much valued qualities both by students and by fellow professionals. If a teacher is able to present their field articulately and with flair, students will be more drawn towards it, and will achieve better results.
Recognising the successes of students is indispensable. Positive reinforcement strategies are the best vehicle towards sparking and maintaining the interest of students.
A teacher is, above all, a motivator. It is not our sole goal to lecture people and install information into them. Rather, we have to augment their desire to research the field of their own volition, and provide them with the vehicles to do so.
By extension, teachers must always keep an open mind and allow students to challenge them. Though this may not very frequently lead to revolutionary changes in the field, it proves the involvement of students and must be encouraged and celebrated.
Finally, of course, the teacher must always be in command of expert knowledge of the area they impart. Even when a teacher does not have a readily available answer to a question, they must be able to quickly procure and deliver it.
***
At Linguistic Aid Kit, we aim to abide by these major descriptions, along numerous others, as much as we humanly can. We firmly believe that teachers of this nature hold the future of our education, and we support them with all our resources.
In its core, Linguistic Aid Kit and our weekly blog address those teachers who wish to fit the description above. We also yearn to tackle other pressing educational issues, which are going to be discussed in future, so as to accommodate the described teachers.
Please do not forget to leave your comments and, of course,
Stay classy.
Linguistic Aid Kit