After having read the Teacher Profile (Perfil del Maestro) published by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico, the PPM-UPRAg Conceptual Framework and other sources of information, what do you believe is the role of the teacher? What are the essential traits every teacher should display? How will you endeavor to display these in your future practice? Remember to post your initial comment and to comment to at least two other comments by your peers. -Prof. Arlinda Lopez
I believe the role of the teacher is one who teaches. That is to differentiate it from one who dictates, enforces, commands or dominates. Or preaches and produces propaganda in schools administered like factories. By which I mean: one who teaches, who practices the art of pedagogy. The essential traits are, to my understanding: passion (to care about the students) discipline, seriousness and mastery of the skills pertaining to the subject. Lastly, to embody lifelong learning. In my own future practice, I will endeavor not to imitate anybody, but to absorb the proper principles and bring them about in my own way, with my own unique style. That is not to say I will defy the norms or go beyond the pale here. No, what I refer specifically is that I will teach what I must, but with the awareness and judgement that pertains to my integrity. I believe this will be to the benefit of my future students, and the country as a whole as a direct result of my own (controlled) freedom.
ResponderBorrarElvin, I agree with you. Teaching is not about being the dictator, but about being yourself while making a student's learning process worth the time. It is imperative to have a teaching philosophy, but that does not mean it is not possible to have certain deviations when needed. To teach is to go beyond telling something to the students, it is to go head on in their learning environment and have group discussions about interesting topics that will encourage them to develop lifelong learning skills. Embedded in us is the future of this country, we must stand tall and make the world know that we can make a difference.
BorrarI agree with you Elvin, I consider keeping a middle ground to be the best possible way for a teacher to act in the form of giving their class...
BorrarI agree with you Elvin, the role of the teacher requires passion and is an essential quality that we must posses. Because without it, even if we want to achieve an impact we would never succeed.
BorrarI totally agree elvin! You have a very inspirational way of thinking. That word freedom you used at the end of your comment itself is inspiring. Students should feel free and inspired to continue learning.
BorrarYes, the role of a teacher. This question has been asked many times by a huge amount of persons. What is the role of a teacher? A teacher's role is to facilitate and guide the way students learn. We are in the center of a classroom with endless possibilities, endless ways to make a student learn. Our understanding of individual differences will permit the development of inclusive lesson planning to teach each and every student what is stated on the curriculum map. The essential traits a teacher should have are undoubtedly: patience, mastery of skills, knowledge of individual learning differences and learning environments benefits, to be caring and to be respectful. I will endeavor to display these traits in the future by planning ahead of classes and understanding that I was once in the student's shoes. I did not enjoy having teachers that were not friendly and only encouraged lower level thinking level skills. Besides being the teacher, we should always be open to any question the student might have, even if it does not pertain to our subject. By doing this, the student will understand that you truly care about him/her and that learning does not only pertain to a particular subject but to a big concentration of disciplines around every possible angle and every page of a book. Education forms beings that control themselves, leaving aside the subjugation affecting the uneducated population across the world.
ResponderBorrarI like that you are pro-empathy, Jimmy. That human connection is indispensable in establishing healthy relationships with your future students. Thanks for the post.
BorrarI agree with you Jimmy I consider human interaction one of the most important aspects of what being a teacher means.
BorrarI agree in every class needs a communicative approach. Have group discussion, so that students can develop their critical thinking and respecting opinion.
BorrarI believe the role of the teacher should be one of guidance and understanding he or she should prioritise the proper academic education of their students. The traits that teachers should have are in my opinion discipline, dominion (and by this I mean in the subjects the teachers are giving), and the teacher should be caring but within respectable limits. I wish to be able to do this modelling aspects from the cognitive schools of psychology and the humanistic views as stated by the English program requirements added to that I believe teachers should function in a student centred approach while maintaining an air of authority so your students do not over step the established boundaries of the teacher student relationship.
ResponderBorrarIt's tricky, being warm and kind, while still retaining authority. That's one of the hardest parts, I think. The teacher-student relationship...
BorrarIt is true, I agree with you on this, William. It is important to understand where is the line that serves as the limit. Students should see the teacher as a respectful knowledgeable individual but also as a guide to their learning. A teacher can be a friend but represent authority at the same time. It should be embedded inside our heads by now. Have a great day.
BorrarI really like they way you say about the bound between a teacher and a student, but also the character you develop in a class with your students is key. Discipline will guide student to a better behavior and understanding.
BorrarWe have to find a balance between being strict and retaining a compassionate personality in the classroom with our students, finding that balance is the challenge that we have to impose ourselves in order to keep evolving as professionals.
BorrarThe role of the teacher is one of a guide. Besides teaching our students we have to be there for them to help them strive to become better professionals/person. Therefore, as educators we need to be responsible, strict, compassionate, and have a vocation for education so we can make a difference for them. I will endeavor these traits by being responsible with everything in my classroom, establishing a healthy teacher-student relationship, and always challenging my students so they can reach and surpass their potential.
ResponderBorrarA role for me as a teacher is very important in the life of our students. Their the facilitators that give and bring knowledge. Students as always is going to be the protagonist of learning, but that doesn't mean they don't need guide. Teachers this days think that school is just a day care for parents to leave their children. School must be a place where teacher prepared young adults to the real world. Discipline must always be a friend for teacher and students. A bound between student and teacher is rich for knowledge and friendship with respect.
ResponderBorrarYou're right, school is not a day care and parents should stop thinking of it this way, but that where the teachers role comes in. He or she is the one who changes how students and society see education in this generation. Sadly it's not the same but teachers should loose hope. If anything they should be more motivated into changing the educational approach with all the technology or other sources that could be used now days.
BorrarAs a future teacher I only think of ways to make my students learning experience one of great difference to what they are used to. My goal as a future teacher is to provide a healthy learning environment where the student will feel comfortable in. For the student to have an space where they can openly express themselves in an open yet educational form. The point is to innovate education to this generations society by both integrating new approaches by also implementing old theories.
ResponderBorrar