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[av_heading heading=’The anatomy of an ideal teacher’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RHODA GARZON-CAMPILLAN
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Thursday, March 16, 2017
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WE ALL have our favorite teachers. We have set certain criteria of what an ideal teacher is for us. We want a teacher who understands us, imparts knowledge unselfishly, cares about our feelings, motivates us to do our best, and a lot more.
I chose to be a teacher because I want to train future communication professionals. Aside from that, the impact of a teacher on the student’s life lasts a lifetime.
When I started teaching nine years ago, I encountered a lot of difficulties. I did not know what to say in class. I could not sustain a class, and it was very hard for me to absorb all the voluminous information I needed to read for my classes.
I became intimidated as I observed my former teachers. They came to class with nothing on their hands like books or notes. They just entered the class bringing with them their chalk boxes and class records. How was that possible? I told myself someday I would be like that.
Through the years I slowly learned the tricks of the trade. I eventually discovered that it is good if you start the class with an engaging activity. Students become hyper and they enjoy it.
I also notice that students love to listen to real life experiences of teachers especially if it has something to do with the lessons. Students also appreciate teachers who know what they are talking about. They also idolize teachers who come to class all the time, and most of all they admire teachers who give and process exciting activities.
When I was a young teacher (in my 20s), I would always bond with my students. They called me “mommy yo.” After class, I hanged out with them; laughed and dined with them. I treated them as my younger brothers and sisters. But through the years I also realized that if you are a teacher, you should not forget your limitations. Students come and go. They will remember you or may forget you.
Now that I am in my 30s, I limit my activities with the students. But I talk to them often. I am interested to know about their lives. How are they coping with their problems. Most of the time, they share their lives, which I appreciate. As much as possible, I try to find ways to help them.
Unfortunately, despite all the efforts sometimes you cannot please everybody. They will always have something bad to say about you. I learned that you take into account their comments but never allow these comments to define you as a person.
So what is an ideal teacher? I do not consider myself ideal. Simply because I have so much to learn. I scan for informative literature and try to put them all together.
An ideal teacher is one who is loved and respected by every student. They say students do not remember the lessons you teach them; they value most your concern and love for them. It is difficult to be well-liked and well-loved. To earn the respect of students you must also respect them.
An ideal teacher should be a scholar. Students want to learn. They want a teacher who imparts information they do not know. Some teachers are “bookish” but there are teachers who discuss through experience. It is a good approach if you have both. Theory and practice are important in the learning of students.
Teachers also never stop learning. She or he updates herself/himself of the current developments in her or his field. In short, every day is a learning day for teachers.
An ideal teacher is a student’s friend, philosopher and guide. I agree with these, however, there are times when your friendship with a student is misinterpreted. Being a friend to a student must have limitations. It is good if your students consider you their friend because they feel they can confide in you. As a teacher it is your responsibility to guide your students to the path that is good for them. As a teacher, you also impart wisdom to your students through giving them sound advices.
An ideal teacher is fearless, earnest and sincere in his discharge of duty, and is sympathetic towards his students. Students love teachers who can go down to their level and flexible to understand their situations. They are also grateful to teachers who perform their duties and responsibilities genuinely.
Indeed, it is challenging to be a teacher. Your only consolation is when someday students would come back and tell you you have made them better persons./PN
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