As Oman celebrates Teacher’s Day on February 24, it is an occasion to celebrate their pivotal role in developing young minds and remaining a source of knowledge, motivation and inspiration. But an oft-ignored aspect is that teachers themselves have to remain students throughout their career in order to share the most current information while keeping in mind developing trends in education and student learning methods.
One of the main reasons why it is essential for teachers to remain life-long learners is the constant change in the nature of knowledge. As new research, technologies and educational methodologies emerge, teachers should be able to adapt and adopt them in their classrooms.
This is most applicable today when knowledge, technology and learning styles are so rapidly changing as to make it challenging to keep up with it. A science teacher, for example, would need to incorporate environmental education within a curriculum of chemistry or biology in order to ensure that life lessons are being imparted to students.
Similarly, teachers of language and literature would have to add aspects of new literature like Manga and graphic novels which are very popular with younger readers in order to show the way in which literary trends are transforming. Not doing so would alienate the teacher from their younger audience.
In order to stay in tune with developing ideas, theories and pedagogies, teachers committed to their craft involve themselves in professional development, both in terms of their content areas as well as teaching styles. This has become much more accessible today with the rise of online courses offered by the best institutions worldwide. They ensure that teachers stay aware of changing student learning styles, as well as be prepared for emerging challenges in the classroom.
In fact, teacher development need not be limited to academics. They could include engaging in creative pursuits, developing a new set of skills or following a new sport. Students are encouraged when they see teachers opting to self-develop.
Another important reminder for teachers to remain committed to learning is the drastic changes which are taking place in classroom management. This includes a focus on mental health, with attention shifting from students as consumers of knowledge to being seen as individuals with unique and diverse needs. Recognising a student as an individual develops their morale, making a school a space where students can thrive, yet remain unique.
A commitment to life-long learning also inculcates humility, encouraging teachers to remain open-minded and willing to learn from all sources, including their students.
As change is the only constant, teachers today tend to be well informed about global issues. This allows them to encourage critical thinking among students, training them to ask relevant questions and preparing them to be responsible citizens.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the potential to remain young in spirit, in the company of succeeding generations of young learners who are full of potential, hope and eager to know more about the world. This is both a challenge and an opportunity. Leveraging such an opportunity by engaging in continuous learning is a privilege that teachers can maximise.
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