Role of the Teacher – Rehashed! Monday, Oct 8 2007

There were three questions ask for week seven of the course and I would like to take the opportunity to address “my opinion” of those questions:

1. What do you think the role of teacher is? Does it differ if you’re in a classroom or online?  In my opinion, the role of a teacher is to impart knowledge and prepare students to be well-prepared functioning citizens in society.  This role does not differ from the classroom environment to the online environment.

2. What is the relationship between teacher and learner?  This is a very important relationship that must be developed based on need of the learner.  I also believe that everyone is different and unique and as a teacher, it is my responsiblity to learn from my “learners” what those differences are and how to effectively address those difference to make learning interesting and fun for each of them.  People like to be recognized as an individual not part of a group and on may occassions, I believe teachers are so wrapped up in teaching that they forget the students that are before them (classroom, online or otherwise).

3. Is the role of teacher imposed upon you? Or does it arise from within?  This question depends on who you are speaking with!  If someone had of told me 15 years ago, that I would be in a classroom room setting with students in front of me I would have laughed.  If they had of told me that I would be really enjoying it, I would have “really” laughed.  I believe that some individuals are meant to be teachers – and you don’t have to have a classroom to be a teacher.  And I think some people go into teaching for other reasons (coaching, etc.) and in those instances, I do think that education is imposed upon those individuals because it doesn’t come “natural” to them.

Teaching and learning can be a wonderful experience for both student and teacher and in my opinion, those who are “truly” effective teachers inspire their students and also learn from their students!  I have learned throughout my seven years of teaching, that my students have just as much to offer me, as I have to offer them!