WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER?

 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER

A good teacher possesses a combination of qualities and skills that contribute to effective teaching and a positive learning experience for students. The scholars have been focusing on the issue for a long period of time. The target of the recent studies is the teachers’, school principals’ and the teacher students ‘beliefs. Here are some key attributes that make a teacher good:

1. Knowledgeable

• Subject Mastery: They have a deep understanding of the subject matter and stay updated with relevant developments.
• Pedagogical Expertise: They know various teaching methods and strategies to effectively convey content.

2. Passionate

• Enthusiasm: They are enthusiastic about teaching and genuinely care about their students’ learning.
• Motivation: Their passion for the subject and teaching inspires students to be curious and engaged.

3. Patient

• Understanding: They recognize that students learn at different rates and are patient when addressing questions and challenges.
• Supportive: They offer encouragement and help to students who may be struggling.

4. Effective Communicator

• Clarity: They explain concepts clearly and in a way that is accessible to all students.
• Listening: They actively listen to students’ questions and concerns and respond thoughtfully.

5. Adaptable

• Flexible: They adjust their teaching methods based on students’ needs, feedback, and different learning styles.
• Innovative: They incorporate new techniques and tools to enhance learning and keep students engaged.

6. Organized

• Preparation: They plan and organize lessons effectively, ensuring a structured approach to teaching.
• Time Management: They manage classroom time well, balancing instruction, activities, and assessments.

7. Empathetic

• Understanding: They show sensitivity to students’ personal and emotional needs, creating a supportive classroom environment.
• Respectful: They respect students’ individual differences and foster an inclusive atmosphere.

8. Encouraging

• Positive Reinforcement: They provide constructive feedback and celebrate students’ successes, building their confidence.
• Motivational: They motivate students to set and achieve their goals, fostering a growth mind-set.

9. Reflective

• Self-Evaluation: They regularly reflect on their teaching practices and seek ways to improve.
• Open to Feedback: They are receptive to feedback from students, peers, and mentors and use it to enhance their teaching.

10. Professional

• Ethical: They adhere to professional standards and conduct themselves with integrity.
• Collaborative: They work well with colleagues, contributing to a positive school culture and learning community.

A good teacher blends these qualities to create a learning environment that supports student growth and fosters a love of learning.

WHAT MAKES A BETTER TEACHER

A better teacher builds on the foundation of being good and goes beyond by incorporating additional practices and qualities that enhance their effectiveness and impact. Here’s what typically makes a teacher "better":

1. Advanced Teaching Strategies

• Differentiated Instruction: They tailor their teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles and needs, ensuring all students can engage with the material.
• Innovative Techniques: They use creative and diverse approaches, such as technology, hands-on activities, and real-world applications, to make learning more engaging and relevant.

2. Stronger Student Relationships

• Personal Connections: They develop deeper relationships with students, understanding their individual interests, strengths, and challenges.
• Trust and Respect: They foster a classroom environment where students feel valued and respected, which enhances their willingness to participate and take risks in their learning.

3. Effective Classroom Management

• Proactive Strategies: They implement effective classroom management techniques to create a positive and orderly learning environment.
• Conflict Resolution: They address and resolve conflicts effectively, maintaining a harmonious and productive classroom atmosphere.

4. Enhanced Feedback and Assessment

• Timely Feedback: They provide prompt and constructive feedback on students' work, helping them understand their progress and areas for improvement.
• Formative Assessment: They regularly use formative assessments to gauge understanding and adjust instruction as needed to meet students’ needs.

5. Professional Development

• Continuous Learning: They actively seek opportunities for professional growth, attending workshops, pursuing advanced studies, and staying updated with educational trends.
• Reflective Practice: They regularly reflect on their teaching practices and seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine their approach.

6. Student Empowerment

• Encouraging Autonomy: They encourage students to take ownership of their learning by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Goal Setting: They help students set and achieve personal and academic goals, motivating them to strive for continuous improvement.

7. Effective Communication Skills

• Clear Instructions: They provide clear, concise instructions and explanations, ensuring that students understand expectations and content.
• Active Listening: They actively listen to students’ ideas and concerns, responding thoughtfully and incorporating their input into the learning process.

8. Inclusive Practices

• Cultural Competency: They incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices that recognize and respect the diverse backgrounds of their students.
• Equity Focus: They strive to ensure that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

9. Collaborative Approach

• Teamwork: They work collaboratively with colleagues, sharing best practices and contributing to a supportive professional community.
• Parental Engagement: They engage with parents and guardians to support students’ learning and address any issues that may arise.

10. Passion for Continuous Improvement

• Innovative Mind-set: They embrace new ideas and are willing to experiment with different approaches to enhance student learning.
• Commitment to Excellence: They are dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for their students and continuously striving to improve their teaching.

By integrating these practices and qualities, a better teacher significantly enhances their effectiveness, leading to more meaningful learning experiences and greater overall impact on their students.

WHAT MAKES THE BEST TEACHER

The best teacher often embodies a combination of exceptional qualities and practices that have a profound and lasting impact on students. While the exact characteristics can vary, the following traits and practices are commonly associated with the best teachers:

1. Deep Passion and Commitment

• Inspiration: They inspire and motivate students through their passion for teaching and their subject matter, sparking curiosity and a love for learning.
• Dedication: They show a strong commitment to their students' success and well-being, often going above and beyond the standard expectations.

2. Exceptional Subject Mastery

• Expert Knowledge: They possess a comprehensive understanding of their subject, allowing them to provide deep insights and connect concepts across different areas.
• Ability to Simplify Complex Ideas: They can break down complex concepts into understandable parts and explain them in engaging ways.

3. Outstanding Communication Skills

• Clear and Effective: They communicate ideas clearly and effectively, ensuring students grasp the material and understand expectations.
• Active Listening: They actively listen to students’ questions, concerns, and feedback, fostering open dialogue and responsive teaching.

4. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

• Understanding: They are highly attuned to students’ emotional and social needs, offering support and understanding in both academic and personal matters.
• Positive Relationships: They build strong, trusting relationships with students, creating a safe and supportive classroom environment.

5. Inspirational and Motivational

• Encouraging Growth: They encourage students to strive for their best, fostering a growth mind-set and resilience.
• Celebrating Achievements: They recognize and celebrate students' successes, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.

6. Innovative and Adaptable

• Creative Methods: They employ innovative teaching methods and tools to engage students and make learning more interactive and effective.
• Flexible Approach: They adapt their teaching strategies based on student needs, feedback, and changing classroom dynamics.

7. Effective Classroom Management

• Creating a Positive Environment: They maintain a well-managed, orderly classroom where students feel comfortable and focused on learning.
• Conflict Resolution: They address and resolve conflicts calmly and fairly, ensuring a respectful and productive classroom atmosphere.

8. Commitment to Professional Development

• Continuous Learning: They actively seek professional development opportunities to stay current with educational best practices and continually improve their teaching skills.
• Reflective Practice: They regularly reflect on their own teaching practices and seek feedback to refine their methods and approaches.

9. Inclusive and Culturally Responsive

• Equity and Inclusion: They create an inclusive classroom environment that respects and values diversity, addressing the needs of all students and incorporating diverse perspectives.
• Culturally Relevant: They incorporate culturally relevant materials and practices that resonate with students from various backgrounds.

10. Strong Collaborative Skills

• Team Player: They work effectively with colleagues, sharing insights and collaborating on strategies to enhance student learning across the school.
• Parental Engagement: They engage with parents and guardians to support student learning and address any concerns or needs.

11. Focus on Holistic Development

• Beyond Academics: They focus on students' overall development, including social, emotional, and ethical growth, helping them become well-rounded individuals.
• Life Skills: They teach and model important life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

In essence: -  the best teacher not only excels in delivering academic content but also profoundly influences students' lives by fostering a supportive, engaging, and empowering learning environment. Their impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping students' attitudes, aspirations, and success in the broader world.

21ST CENTURY TEACHERS ROLE IN THE CLASSROOM

The role of 21st-century teachers in the classroom has evolved significantly due to technological advancements, changing educational paradigms, and the diverse needs of students. Here's an overview of the key roles and responsibilities that define a modern teacher's role in the classroom:

1. Facilitator of Learning

• Guide and Mentor: Teachers are no longer just information providers; they guide students through the learning process, encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and find solutions.
• Student-Centred Learning: Emphasizes active learning, where students take ownership of their education, working on projects, collaborating with peers, and engaging in critical thinking.

2. Technology Integrator

• Digital Literacy Advocate: Teachers incorporate technology to enhance learning, using tools like smartboards, tablets, and educational software.
• Blended Learning Implementer: They combine traditional teaching with online resources, creating a blended learning environment that caters to different learning styles.

3. Differentiated Instruction Provider

• Individualized Learning: Teachers adapt their teaching methods to accommodate the diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests of their students, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
• Inclusive Education: They create an inclusive classroom environment that supports students with special needs, varying cultural backgrounds, and different language proficiencies.

4. Collaborator

• Teamwork with Colleagues: Teachers work closely with other educators, administrators, and parents to create a cohesive learning environment.
• Community Engagement: They often engage with the community, involving local experts, businesses, and organizations to enrich the learning experience.

5. Lifelong Learner

• Professional Development: Teachers continuously seek to improve their skills through professional development, staying current with the latest educational research, teaching strategies, and technological tools.
• Reflective Practitioner: They regularly reflect on their teaching practices, assessing what works and what needs improvement.

6. Mentor and Role Model

• Character Development: Teachers play a crucial role in developing students' social and emotional skills, such as empathy, teamwork, and resilience.
• Ethical and Moral Guide: They model positive behaviours and values, helping students develop a strong moral compass.

7. Evaluator and Assessor

• Formative and Summative Assessment: Teachers use various assessment methods to monitor students' progress, providing feedback that guides future learning.
• Data-Driven Decision Maker: They analyze assessment data to tailor instruction and interventions, ensuring that all students achieve their learning goals.

8. Innovator

• Creative Teaching Methods: Teachers are encouraged to experiment with new teaching techniques, curricula, and classroom setups that foster creativity and innovation.
• Problem Solver: They develop strategies to overcome challenges in the classroom, whether related to student behavior, curriculum demands, or resource limitations.

9. Global Educator

• Cultural Competence: Teachers educate students about global issues, fostering an understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and global citizenship.
• Collaborative Projects: They often engage students in global collaborations, using technology to connect with classrooms around the world.

10. Advocate for Student Well-being

• Emotional and Social Support: Teachers are attentive to students' emotional and mental health, providing support or referring them to appropriate services when needed.
• Safe Learning Environment: They create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, respected, and valued.

In hasty, 21st-century teachers are dynamic professionals who are integral to shaping the future of education. Their role extends beyond traditional teaching, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the holistic development of their students.

Provided they took this job whole-heartedly and studiously. Teaching profession is not a rehabilitation for age bar and household people time pass profession.

 

WHAT MADE THE TEACHING PROFESSION FADE OUT NOW A DAYS?

The teaching profession has faced several challenges in recent years that have led to concerns about its decline in appeal and effectiveness. While teaching remains a vital and respected profession, several factors have contributed to a perceived "fading out" of the profession:

1. Low Compensation

• Inadequate Salaries: In many states, teachers are underpaid relative to the demands of the job, leading to financial stress and dissatisfaction. This issue is particularly pronounced when compared to other professions requiring similar / less levels of education and responsibility.
• Limited Benefits: Teachers receive no benefits and no pensions, which can be a disincentive for those considering the profession.

2. Increased Workload

• Administrative Burdens: Teachers are often required to complete extensive administrative tasks, such as grading, paperwork, and standardized test preparation, apps, and other solid works which can detract from the time available for actual teaching.
• Extended Hours: The demands of lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities often extend beyond the classroom, leading to long work hours and burnout.

3. High Stress and Burnout

• Emotional Demands: Teaching can be emotionally draining, especially when dealing with diverse student needs, behavioural issues, and lack of support from parents or administration.
• Burnout Rates: High levels of stress and burnout have led many teachers to leave the profession earlier than anticipated, contributing to a shortage of experienced educators.

4. Lack of Professional Autonomy

• Standardized Curriculum Pressures: Teachers often feel constrained by rigid curriculums and standardized testing requirements, limiting their ability to innovate and tailor lessons to their students' needs.
• Micromanagement: In some educational systems, teachers experience a lack of autonomy, with strict guidelines and oversight from administrators, which can stifle creativity and professional satisfaction.

5. Public Perception and Respect

• Diminished Social Status: In some cultures, the teaching profession has lost the high level of respect and status it once held, leading to a decline in societal support and esteem.
• Criticism and Accountability: Teachers are often subject to public criticism and high levels of accountability, sometimes being blamed for systemic issues beyond their control, such as educational policy failures or societal problems.

6. Challenges with Student Behaviour

• Disciplinary Issues: Teachers increasingly report difficulties in managing classroom behaviour, with some facing disrespect or even aggression from students.
• Lack of Parental Support: In some cases, teachers struggle with a lack of support from parents in enforcing discipline and encouraging academic success.

7. Technological Disruptions

• Adapting to Technology: The rapid integration of technology into education has created challenges for teachers, particularly those who are less tech-savvy. This has also led to concerns about job security as some aspects of teaching are automated or moved online.
• Digital Divide: Teachers in underserved areas may struggle to provide quality education due to a lack of access to adequate technological resources, widening the gap between different educational environments.

8. Educational Policy and Reform Pressures

• Frequent Policy Changes: Constant changes in educational policies and reforms can create instability and confusion for teachers, making it difficult to maintain consistent teaching strategies.
• Overemphasis on Testing: The focus on standardized testing and performance metrics can reduce the emphasis on holistic education, making teaching feel more mechanical and less rewarding.

9. Teacher Shortages and Attrition

• Recruitment Challenges: Fewer people are entering teacher training programs, leading to shortages in many regions, especially in subjects like math, science, and special education.
• High Turnover Rates: High attrition rates, especially among early-career teachers, lead to a loss of experienced educators and place additional strain on those who remain.

10. Global Competition and Changing Career Opportunities

• Alternative Career Paths: As global economies shift, there are more lucrative and appealing career opportunities available to college graduates, making teaching less attractive.
• Changing Career Aspirations: Younger generations may prioritize careers that offer greater flexibility, financial rewards, and opportunities for advancement, which can make teaching less appealing.

Why teaching profession is not getting its reputation compared to olden days

The teaching profession has seen a decline in its reputation compared to earlier times due to several interrelated factors. While teaching remains a noble and vital profession, various societal, economic, and educational changes have contributed to this shift in perception:

1. Changing Societal Values

• Shift in Priorities: In the past, education and teachers were often held in high regard as the primary sources of knowledge and moral guidance. Today, society places a higher emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship, and other professions perceived as more lucrative or innovative.
• Materialism and Consumerism: As society increasingly values wealth and material success, professions that offer higher financial rewards tend to gain more respect, while teaching, which is often less financially rewarding, is seen as less prestigious.

2. Economic Factors

• Low Salaries: Compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education, teaching often offers lower pay, leading to a perception that it is a less desirable career choice.
• Limited Career Growth: The teaching profession typically has fewer opportunities for advancement and financial growth compared to other fields, which can impact its reputation.

3. Increased Criticism and Accountability

• Public Scrutiny: Teachers are often the focus of public and media criticism, particularly in discussions about educational outcomes, school performance, and student behavior. This can undermine their professional reputation.
• Standardized Testing Pressures: The emphasis on standardized testing has led to increased accountability for teachers, often in ways that do not fully reflect the complexity of their work, leading to a perception that teachers are not doing enough.

4. Overburdened Workload

• Administrative Demands: Teachers today face significant administrative burdens, such as paperwork, testing, and compliance with educational policies, which can detract from their ability to teach effectively and be recognized for their core educational role.
• Emotional and Physical Exhaustion: The increased workload, combined with challenging classroom environments, can lead to burnout, which diminishes the attractiveness of the profession.

5. Technological Disruptions

• Accessibility of Information: With the rise of the internet and digital resources, students and society have greater access to information, which has somewhat diminished the traditional role of teachers as the primary knowledge providers.
• Alternative Learning Platforms: Online courses, educational apps, and other technological tools offer alternative ways of learning, which can sometimes be seen as reducing the need for traditional classroom teachers.

6. Erosion of Authority and Respect

• Changes in Discipline: Over time, teachers' authority in the classroom has been challenged by changes in discipline policies, students' rights, and parental involvement, leading to a reduction in the respect traditionally accorded to teachers.
• Parental and Student Expectations: Teachers increasingly face unrealistic expectations from parents and students, who may expect high academic results without understanding the complexities and challenges involved in teaching.

7. Media and Cultural Representation

• Negative Stereotypes: Media portrayals of teachers often emphasize negative stereotypes, such as being overworked, ineffective, or out-of-touch, which can influence public perception and diminish respect for the profession.
• Comparison to Other Professions: In popular culture, other professions like technology, medicine, and law are often glamorized, while teaching is depicted as less dynamic or prestigious.

8. Globalization and Economic Shifts

• Global Competitiveness: As economies become more competitive globally, professions that are seen as directly contributing to economic growth, such as engineering, finance, and technology, gain more prestige, overshadowing teaching.
• Changing Labour Market: The labour market's emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers has shifted the focus away from the humanities and education, affecting the perceived value of teaching.

9. Policy and Educational Reforms

• Frequent Changes and Instability: Constant changes in educational policies and curriculum reforms can create instability and undermine the consistency and reliability of the teaching profession.
• Testing and Evaluation: The heavy reliance on testing and teacher evaluations based on student performance has led to a narrow view of teacher effectiveness, sometimes ignoring the broader impact teachers have on students' lives.

10. Decline in Social Capital

• Community and Social Ties: In earlier times, teachers were often seen as central figures in their communities, with strong social ties to families and local institutions. The weakening of these community bonds has contributed to the reduced social standing of teachers.

Conclusion

The teaching profession is grappling with a combination of financial, emotional, and societal challenges that have contributed to its decline in appeal. Addressing these issues will require systemic changes, including better compensation, reduced workloads, increased professional autonomy, and a renewed societal commitment to valuing and supporting educators.       The decline in the reputation of the teaching profession is multifaceted, involving societal shifts, economic changes, technological advancements, and policy decisions. Restoring the respect and prestige of teaching will require addressing these challenges holistically, through better compensation, greater professional autonomy, enhanced support systems, and a renewed societal commitment to valuing education and those who provide it.

 

Surya Prakash SUSARLA