Teaching in a Digital World
Teachers these days need to be able to adapt to the changing circumstances of the modern world of teaching. By being able to teach to class pupils only is not the sole requirement these days in teaching. So much of the teaching preparation has to be done through preparing documents and files, recording information, presenting information and a whole host of other Information and computer technology related duties.
Knowing a teacher has shown me the amount of work involved in this field. A lot of the work is still processing papers and marking results of students, though what has changed is the way in which the assignments are prepared. These days the pupils are given a word processed and photocopied piece of paper with the questions on the work sheet for a given lesson. Most teachers also would have had to prepared at least a semester if not a whole years lessons in advance of the term start.
When the reports and homework are recorded a teacher has to be able to take accurate records of individual and group work results. This is essential in the teacher and parents feedback of the pupil concerned in determining strengths, weaknesses and ways forward of their son or daughter. One must also be aware that times have changed and the teacher must be able to recognise truancy and attendance as a problem in that by telling a parent that their kid was absent has to be done in an accurate and truthful manner.
Teachers are also responsible for presenting the structure and lesson menu to the pupils using different types of question and answer sheets, the coursework given along with assignment notes has to be up to date and relevant. Teachers also to be good teachers have to recognise the core requirements of each particular year's learning objectives as stated by the teaching governing body.
Another important job of the teacher is being able to command respect from the pupils and in obtaining the class room authority in being able to oversee and coordinate the class room activities. Disruptive kids need to be dealt with in a fair manner. Good communication is a two way process and therefore the class room needs to be a productive process where pupils are interacting with the teacher and pupils whereby the learning takes priority.
