Being a good teacher- doesnt mean being good at lecture delivery, loaded with knowledge- a brain that is equivalent to a dictionary and well experienced in teaching. More to it, they have to be friendly and approachable by students.
I wish to start my discussion with the knowledge-need to be a good teacher. I am a person who strongly believes that one can remain in the field of teaching forever, only if he or she holds a strong passion for the job. One more thing that is mandatory will be the enthusiasm and energy to be updated in the area of specialization.
So how does an academician get herself updated? Yes, most importantly- reading is a must. Read all the book published at the latest point of time, read all new theories framed by researchers, participate in workshops arranged for empowerment in the field of education, etc.....Each of us may have our own ways of keeping us abreast of what is happening in the education field. Having done the knowledge upgradation bit, now we could consider ourselves to be the good teacher! But do we realistically make one? Not that is a big question. The knowledge transfer part may be easy for us, and we could have the capability to deliver a first grade lecture(like those delivered in the Universities, like those you watch on Youtube). But there could be one major component missing in us. RAPPORT! I do understand that it is difficult to establish common wavelength with so many students in class. Some more if u have to mange a class with students from different cultures and races, it matters most. Eight years of teaching tertiary sector, in the south east asian part of the world has given me the opportunity to meet students from various cultures, races, religions and beliefs. They may stand apart from each other owing to the place they come from, but ultimately inside a classroom when they are seated for a lecture all look forward to one thing in common- their expectation of a good teacher to teach them their subjects.
I do personally believe that if a lecturer can connect with the student emotionally, conveying that they can be guaranteed of pastoral care, I am sure you are the good teacher. This does'nt apply only to primary and secondary pupils, it is essential for tertiary pupils as well. You may have a student who is the father of four kids, but when he becomes your student, they go back to square one, of expecting guidance on the subject area, of which we have to assure them.
Rattling away a lecture may impress our own self, but has it done so to the other side? Some readers who are lecturers yourselves may not agree to this point, but I have felt this way- lending a helping hand in times of need, empowering my students with subject knowledge, and above all offering pastoral support during the period of study- will surely make the ideal teacher- good one indeed!
I wish to start my discussion with the knowledge-need to be a good teacher. I am a person who strongly believes that one can remain in the field of teaching forever, only if he or she holds a strong passion for the job. One more thing that is mandatory will be the enthusiasm and energy to be updated in the area of specialization.
So how does an academician get herself updated? Yes, most importantly- reading is a must. Read all the book published at the latest point of time, read all new theories framed by researchers, participate in workshops arranged for empowerment in the field of education, etc.....Each of us may have our own ways of keeping us abreast of what is happening in the education field. Having done the knowledge upgradation bit, now we could consider ourselves to be the good teacher! But do we realistically make one? Not that is a big question. The knowledge transfer part may be easy for us, and we could have the capability to deliver a first grade lecture(like those delivered in the Universities, like those you watch on Youtube). But there could be one major component missing in us. RAPPORT! I do understand that it is difficult to establish common wavelength with so many students in class. Some more if u have to mange a class with students from different cultures and races, it matters most. Eight years of teaching tertiary sector, in the south east asian part of the world has given me the opportunity to meet students from various cultures, races, religions and beliefs. They may stand apart from each other owing to the place they come from, but ultimately inside a classroom when they are seated for a lecture all look forward to one thing in common- their expectation of a good teacher to teach them their subjects.
I do personally believe that if a lecturer can connect with the student emotionally, conveying that they can be guaranteed of pastoral care, I am sure you are the good teacher. This does'nt apply only to primary and secondary pupils, it is essential for tertiary pupils as well. You may have a student who is the father of four kids, but when he becomes your student, they go back to square one, of expecting guidance on the subject area, of which we have to assure them.
Rattling away a lecture may impress our own self, but has it done so to the other side? Some readers who are lecturers yourselves may not agree to this point, but I have felt this way- lending a helping hand in times of need, empowering my students with subject knowledge, and above all offering pastoral support during the period of study- will surely make the ideal teacher- good one indeed!
Sherin.. you have captured the pulse really... But so many times you see teachers just doing a job.. but the opnes with a passion always remain in memory.. you reminded me of my 9th std english mam... :))) ur students are lucky to have you :))
ReplyDeleteThanks Anitha, i do the little I can in this endeavour.
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