Idealization vs Reality in Teaching

Basically, in order to effective, a teacher needs to be conversant and passionate of the subject. It doesn't sit well if she is wishy-washy about the whole thing. Getting the message across is not enough. A teacher's demeanor and passion do count in generating a positive response from the students.

Being a teacher requires a lot of patience, understanding and compassion. These traits would enable a teacher to reach out to the students quickly. Trust develops. Respect becomes apparent. The student becomes more comfortable in the classroom and is eager to learn.

If there is no trust, respect and communication between the student and teacher, the opposite happens. Students do not look forward to going to school. Studying becomes a chore. Learning becomes equally arduous.

The task of teaching then goes beyond the transfer of information. Teaching becomes a mission to improve the life of the student. The whole point of teaching is to make the student grow. Providing information is essential. However, the duty does not end in the classroom alone.

For a teacher, real teaching begins when the student uses what he learns in school in real life. To use this knowledge for good and for self-improvement is the greatest reward a teacher can have.

What the student learns inside the classroom will eventually affect his/her attitudes, outlook in life, views, decisions and actions. The knowledge they acquire in the classroom is critical in their decision-making process later. The guidance a teacher provides will give the students confidence in making decisions for themselves. Learning then is no longer contained in the classroom but becomes a continuous life-long experience.