Teach English in Zouma Zhen - Chongqing

Role of the Teacher FINALThis article has been devised in order to discuss the role of the teacher. Wikipedia states that a teacher is "... a person who provides education for pupils and students...." Janet Kaback (Insights into TEFL blogspot) states that "......the teacher was the keeper of knowledge who would deign to deposit some knowledge into the minds of his/her students..." which is almost entirely how many of us were taught at school. Traditionally (in the UK), language classrooms were comprised of thirty or so students listening to a teacher explaining things using a board. Now and then a student may be asked to give an example, or the class would be invited to make some notes in their books. Perhaps they would listen to a tape whilst reading through some dialogue. Perhaps they would stare out of the window or doodle on their folder. Perhaps they were listening to every word and "soaking it up." A teacher should consider that knowledge is not something that can always be passed on and retained. If I hear a song or read a book, my ability to sing the chorus or quote a passage is not immediate. Is anyone's? How does a teacher reach out to the majority and teach in a way that connects with them all? At school, Maths was a subject I couldn't stand. I would find myself in tears when I couldn't get to grips with a sum and furious about my incompetence. Then came Mrs Oliver. I was talkative so she moved me to the front of the room, adjoined to her desk. Mrs Oliver had a wonderful and concise way of explaining things. She had endless patience and encouragement. Her praise was genuine albeit infrequent. I never had tears again and moved to an advanced group the following year. Jim Scrivener states, in "Learning Teaching" that "Teaching does not necessarily lead to learning. Learning of anything anywhere demands energy and attention from the learner. Nobody else can transmit understanding or skills into your head." This is true, yet with reference to Mrs Oliver, her teaching style and disciplinary action were key to my progression. The teacher cannot learn for the student, yet they can adopt a balance of skills and traits which will appeal to the vast majority of the class. A variety of studies have been undertaken to exemplify what it is that makes a good teacher. Sieblenist and Dekker state that students are no longer "consumers of facts," they have become "active creators of knowledge." Surely it is advantageous to provide students with more than subject matter, offering support and the best possible environment, encouraging their prosperity. On a recent BBC News online posting, Professor Patricia Broadfoot dictates that the key ingredients of good teaching include: ? Creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and fairness in the classroom ? Providing opportunities for "active learning" and humour to encourage pupil engagement ? Making learning interesting ? Explaining things clearly These 'ingredients' are not related specifically to TEFL teaching, or any particular branch of teaching, in any particular country, with any particular age group or in any specific subject. Interestingly, they mirror the opinions of so many others that I have researched. Edward Pajak suggests that there are four different categories that teachers fall into: ? INVENTING: Pay attention to the ability to problem solve. ? KNOWING: Concerned with absorption of knowledge. ? CARING: Helpful, understanding and respectful. ? INSPIRING: Encourage independence according to goals and personal values. From Pajak's viewpoint, it is crucial for teachers to encompass all of these roles and identify when they need to switch between the four. I would suggest that the key factor in the role of the teacher is balance. It is vital for a teacher to be considerate of their students and to structure lessons according to their interests. The teacher will set a good example and strive to be consistent and fair. They will need to act as a manager, giving instruction; a resource, offering assistance; an observer, letting the students find their own way without interference. A good teacher will be flexible; offering variety, assistance, empathy and respect.