CHANGING ROLE OF TEACHERS

Abstract

“The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” William Arthur Ward.

The education system has seen drastic changes over the past decades. Integrated teaching, problem-based learning, community- based learning, core-curricula with electives or options and more systematic curriculum planning has been advocated. The educational environment isn’t confined to the classroom, instead extends into the home and community and around the world. Information isn’t confined to the text-books only but it is available everywhere in bits and bytes. Students aren’t consumers of facts and figures. They are the active creators of knowledge and most important teaching is regarding as most challenging and multifaceted profession which significantly contributes to the social, cultural and economic health of a nation.

Today the seeds of such a dramatic transformation has been sowed, prompted by massive revolution in knowledge, information technology and public demand for better learning, schools nationwide are slowly but surely restructuring themselves. The increasing emphasis on student autonomy has moved the centre of gravity away from the teacher and closer to the student. This increased attention towards learners hasn’t undergone the importance of teachers as teaching and learning are closely related and the purpose of the teaching is to enhance learning. Many teachers today, however acknowledge both the art and science of learning. They understand that the essence of education is a close relationship between a knowledgeable, caring adult [teacher] and a secure, motivated child [student]. They grasp that their most important role is to get to know each student as an individual in order to comprehend his or her unique needs, learning style, social and cultural background, interests and abilities.

Due to this change of scenario, thousands of teachers are rethinking every part of their jobs, their relationship with students, the tools and techniques they employ, their rights and responsibilities, the form and content of curriculum, what standards to set and how to assess , their preparation as teachers and their ongoing professional development.

In short, teachers are reinventing themselves and their occupation to better serve school and students. Thus, one can say that Teacher has – One Career, Many Roles.