The 21st Century Teacher
University of the People states that teachers are perhaps very valuable asset to society because of the role they play in the lives of their students who grow to become future leaders of nations.
Traditional Teacher
Teachers are known to impart knowledge, virtues and skills to students in the classroom. Traditionally, teachers share knowledge in specific areas of study which are covered in the curriculum. This is done through lesson notes, tutorials, physical and practical activities, and discussions. The teacher then assesses the students through quizzes, assignments and standardized test or end of term exams.

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Importance of teaching
Apart from imparting knowledge, which is the main responsibility of a teacher, he/she plays some other vital roles in the classroom. This includes the creation of a conducive environment for teaching and learning, help in developing the minds of students through mentoring, role modelling, counselling, listening, guiding and identifying special needs and helping them resolve those needs where possible. I remember in school, one of my teachers always gives illustrations to help us understand him. He goes like this, “Better illustration for better understanding!” The illustrations help us to keep imageries of the topics taught. Teachers also motivate their students’ desire to be successful in life.

Below are some attributes of a good teacher which can reveal the changing role of the teacher:
- Compassion: Teachers must be compassionate towards their students, colleagues and others.
- Passion for learning: Teachers need enthusiasm for sustenance because their job is difficult.
- Understanding: Teachers need a thorough knowledge of the backgrounds, difficulties and abilities of their students.
- Patience: Teachers do not only handle students but, their parents and the school system.
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The Changing Role of a Teacher – evolving trend According to Core Education (2019), most of the roles that teachers play guarantee the efficient transfer of the process of knowledge. The argument further emphasized that the fundamental principle of teachers being a ‘tool of knowledge’ is no longer applicable. Now, clichés like shifting from “sage on the stage” (lecturer) to “guide on the side” (facilitator) have become obvious to demonstrate the awareness of the changes going on, concentrating on the role of a teacher as more of a facilitator and adapting to both pedagogical or andragogical practices where applicable. Teachers of today are required to meet the social and emotional needs of students. Another area worth considering is to help learners discover knowledge through critical thinking and guidance to achieve a specific goal. Johnson and McElroy (2012), reiterate that the changing role of the teacher involves reaching beyond the walls of the school. Education in the 21st century should be a community endeavor, involving experts in industries, employing different sources of knowledge by creating networks through technology and social media. The teacher must develop a solid relationship with stakeholders in the community and be able to engage them in the educational process to the benefit of learners. An enabling environment must be created where teaching and learning would be more practical, flexible, conducive and easily adaptable to the world of work. The expectation of a teacher to be well vexed in digital teaching methodology and learning management information systems to be able to handle teaching and learning are minimum requirements in the 21st century. 21st century teaching The 21st century teacher requires critical thinking and easily adaptable skills, ability to combine and assess real-life situations and infuse it into the teaching experience. It demands taking the lead in actively looking out for new ways of teaching and learning and keeping in touch with world within and outside the educational system. A teacher in the 21st century should have the capacity to guide, motivate and create a sense of purpose in students/learners to achieve meaningful lives that would impact on societies and future generations. References: Core Education (2019). Changing roles of teachers – Ten Trends, available at [https://core-ed.org/research-and-innovation/ten-trends/2019/changing-role-of-teachers/] The University of the People, (2020). Why teachers are important in society – Why teachers matter available at [ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/the-importance-of-teachers/] Johnson, B. and McElroy, T.M., (2012). The changing role of the teacher in the 21st century. Teachers Net Gazzette, 9(10), pp.1-6. [http://studenthelpful.booklikes.com/post/1651748/what-is-the-changing-role-of-the-teacher-and-how-do-we-support-that-new-role]
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Article Writer & Content Contributor
- August 31, 2020

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