PERSPECTIVES ON TEACHING

Teaching as a Science

It is a science in that there are strategies and practices that a body of research has
shown to be effective in enhancing learning. Just like doctors, teachers should use
research to inform their practice. On the individual level teaching is a science also
in that teachers are constantly collecting data by observing their students in order
to see if learning is taking place and how they learn best. And, like scientists,
teachers experiment with new techniques or strategies to see how they work. 

Teaching as an Art

It is an art in that teachers must bring themselves fully into their teaching. As a
teacher you will need to find the methods and strategies that work best for
you. Teachers are not standardized products. What works for one teacher may
not work for another. Thus, all the teaching strategies that you learn should be
adopted and adapted to fit your particular teaching situation and your personal
teaching style. To be an effective teacher you must carve out your own teaching
philosophy and discover your own unique talents and learn how to use them.

Teaching as a form of Social work

Social Work itself just like teaching is an academic discipline and profession that

concerns itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to
enhance social functioning and overall well-being. Social functioning is the way in
which people perform their social roles, and the structural institutions that are
provided to sustain them. Social work applies social sciences, such
as sociology, psychology, political science, public health, community
development, law, and economics, to engage with client systems, conduct
assessments, and develop interventions to solve social and personal problems;
and to bring about social change. Social work practice is often divided into micro-
work, which involves working directly with individuals or small groups; and
macro-work, which involves working with communities, and - within social policy -
fostering change on a larger scale.

Teaching as an on-going process

Like technology, the field of education evolves so fast that techniques, skills and
technologies become obsolete within five to 10 years. That is why being a lifelong
learner plays an important role in the educational process. It helps educators
incorporate new tools and strategies into the learning process to boost their
students' learning development.

Teaching as an Occupation/Livelihood

Occupation is like something you are occupied with, and you're not necessarily
doing it as a 'business' thing. Teaching is also considered as an occupation for
which they are paid (modestly). It involves prolonged training and a formal
qualification. It is a very hard job to do well, especially without an understanding
of the different areas of learning.

Teaching as a Vocation

Teaching is more than a noble profession. It is a vocation, a calling.. The teacher is

the most important person in any civilization, as on him depends the molding of
the nation. There are not many born teachers, but there are those who love
teaching, and there are those who enter it as an occupation. The chief
qualification for a teacher is his or her love for children; from there can follow the
training by good teachers and professors of techniques and principles. Good
teacher-pupil relationship is very important.