Study Guide in Prof.Ed.

102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

Module No.1

Unit I-Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

MODULE OVERVIEW

TEACHING, in tradition usage, simply means giving instruction. The act of teaching is akin to
tutoring or training. It is interchangeably used to mean educating or schooling. Some use the term
pedagogy. It simply means that teaching is a profession with a long and cherished tradition. It is
embraced by a characteristics culture of committed service to children, adults, community and the
nation. For as long as teaching is identified as one chosen calling, vocation or profession, all
endeavors in terms of time, effort and unwavering dedication are guaranteed to bring forth the
fruition of their dreams and aspirations, definitely a self-fulfilling and a crowning lifetime
achievement to cherish. In the end, successful teaching develops a characteristics culture of a
caring- and- sharing outlook and a passion for learning about life and the world.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explain what teaching is and describe the various roles of a teacher.

2.Discuss the values of teachers as community leaders.
3. Identify different challenges in teaching.
4. Appreciate the roles of teachers in the society.

LEARNING CONTENTS

A. What is teaching?
CONCEPT OF TEACHING. A concept is a general term. When a teacher accepts a concept,
he/she learns a rule of behavior. It is essential to his/her performance as a teacher. It determines the
appropriateness of the teaching activities planned and implemented.

1. Teaching is an ART -Teaching is acknowledged as an art. It is mainly a creative expression of

one’s intellectual and emotional qualities that are essential in promoting learning. Teaching serves
as their way of reaching out to the minds and hearts of the young, thus raise upright and passionate
citizens. With their enthusiasm and perseverance, students become challenged and inspired to do
their best. Taken as an art, it involves humans and emotions. It puts premiums on the personal
qualities that teachers, parents and students share to bring out the joy of learning.

2.Teaching as a SCIENCE – Teaching is likewise recognized as a science. It is directed towards

the development of an inquiring mind and an analytic mode of accepting the truth in what one

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Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

thinks and does. As such, teaching consists of systematic procedures and strategies similar to the
steps followed in a specific investigation. It is conducted in a carefully sequenced methodology
wherein learning activities are planned and organized in a step by step manner without much
regard for the least signs of difficulties, negative attitudes and indifference among the students.
Teachers are expected to be orderly in recording and interpreting facts, inferences and other forms
of information. Student’s reactions and ensuing behavior brought about by factors existing in the
learning environment are appraised accurately by systematic observations as well as through
widely used assessment and evaluation procedures.

B. The Roles of a Teacher

1. As a Person – Understanding the teaching profession requires deeper appreciation of the
lives of teachers as individuals in society. Teachers are given high regard in society for the
multiple roles they perform aside from teaching. Hence, Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs)
should embrace the challenge of preparing teachers who will carry the tasks of preparing the young
generation to meet the different challenges brought by an ever-changing world. This will prepare
them to become effective professionals in all tasks in various communities, where they will be
assigned to serve.

2. As a Professional – By virtue of Republic Act 7836, amended by Republic Act 9293,

teaching was professionalized and thereby requiring teachers to take the Licensure Exam for
Teachers (LET). As professionals, teachers are bound to perform specific duties to society
specially to schools and students guided by a professional code of ethics. Teaching is always
regarded as a vocation by many people. However, the government deemed it necessary to
recognize teaching as a profession giving the highest regard to teachers as professionals. This does
not in any way make teaching a profession or a job to earn money but it enables us to regard
teaching in grand manner, a noble profession for individuals who are willing to dedicate their lives
and services in the development of future citizens and leaders of the country.

3. As a Community Leader and Social Advocate-Educators play an important role in the

development of people and communities. Jan and Ed Philpot (1994) concretized this idea by
encouraging a stronger link between home, school and community through effective programs
developed and implemented by teachers. The life of a teacher is neither confined in the four
corners of the classroom nor limited inside the school campus for a teacher is an active leader in
the community. Teachers always take leadership roles in their communities especially in activities

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Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

and projects related to the education and welfare of young children. They also provide leadership
roles in various cultural development programs in their communities. Finally, teachers provide
technical and professional assistance in the local communities where they belong.

4. As a Model of Character – Since ancient times, Teachers are recognized as exemplars of

good character, attitude and values. They are keepers of values and traditions of different cultures
around the world. Many people consider them as prophets, spiritual leaders and great mentors. For
Christians, Jesus is the perfect kind of teacher and leader to emulate. For the Chinese, the teachings
and values of Confucius are always put in a very high regard. The prophet Muhammad is also the
most influential teacher-leader for the Muslims. The life and teachings of Buddha are also very
influential among the Buddhists. Plato and Aristotle are regarded as great teachers during the time
in Greece. They stand on their principles and beliefs, as they faithfully perform their duties at all
times. This simply shows that amidst the ups and downs of teacher qualities, the society has never
stopped producing great teachers who continue to serve as models and molders for students across
generations.

5. As an Expert – since ancient times, teachers are recognized as sources of wisdom and
information in every society. Aside from teaching, they serve as guides, counselors, judges and
spiritual leaders in the society. Through the knowledge they share, they attract attention from many
students and individuals. They are given prominent position in royal courts, giving expert opinions
and advise to kings and other community leaders They enjoy political influence in every
community where they belong in the history of mankind. Though teachers no longer hold any
political power today still, there are many teachers who became leaders and citizens in all
generations. The need for teachers to be experts in various fields in the academe serves the purpose
to prepare students to respond to myriad of challenges brought by 21st Century.

C. Challenges in Teaching

1.Multicultural classrooms –it is an interesting and important topic for teachers. At its heart is a
deep concern about equity, respect for diversity, cultural literacy and fair treatment for everyone in
school.

2. Learner-centered teaching – it is one of the promising products of the progressive movement

in education. It refers to a kind of education that considers the knowledge, skills, abilities, interests
and beliefs that learners bring into the classroom. It pays attention to the needs, concern and
expectations of the learners and also includes curricular and instructional practices that are
developmentally appropriate for learners.

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Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

3. Multi-grade classes –teachers are encouraged to teach effectively in multi-grade classes which
can often be found in many rural communities.

4. ICT integration-teachers should know how to use technology effectively to improve teaching
and learning inside the classroom. This include knowing new technological tools in education to
enhance their teaching of different classes. This way, the millennial learners will be more engaged
in learning.

5. Brain-based education- teachers need to apply brain-based learning principles in designing and
implementing instruction.

6. Multiple intelligences –teachers need to recognize that students have different learning styles,
so they should use various instructional strategies to respond effectively to the needs of the
students.

7. Children with Special Needs- teachers need to reach out and respond to the needs of learners
with special education needs. They must recognize that every learner has the right to have access to
quality education.

D. UNESCO’s 4 Pillars of Education

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) is a United
Nations Organization to promote international corporation and implementation of international
agreements. The Paradigm and conceptual framework the 2002 Basic education Curriculum
adapted the UNESCO Commission on Education for the 21 st Century which proposed that the
learning process should be based on four pillars of education.
1. Learning to KNOW- the development of skills and knowledge needed to function in this world
e.g. formal acquisition of literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and general knowledge.

2. Learning to DO – the acquisition of applied skills linked to professional success.

3. Learning to live together – the development of social skills and values such as respect and
concern for others and the appreciation of cultural diversity.

4. Learning to BE-the learning that contributes to a person’s mind, body and spirit. Skills include
creativity and personal delivery, acquired through reading, the internet and activities such as sports
and arts.

Additional Pillar of Education based from UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development
Initiative (2012) presented a conceptual framework for ongoing, lifelong learning.

5. Learning to TRANSFORM ONESELF AND SOCIETY- when individuals and groups gain
knowledge, develop skills and acquire new values as a result of learning, they are equipped with
tools and mindsets for creating lasting change in organizations, communities and societies.

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 Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

LEARNING POINTS

Teaching is one of the most demanding of all professions. It exacts a tremendous demand on
the teacher’s teaching skill and personal qualities before they can satisfactorily perform the
multiple roles and manifold responsibilities it entails. At all times, the practice of teaching calls for
a facilitator of learning and a nurturer of the learners. At other times a leader, administrator and
manager. The teachers, to be able to enjoy their tasks with associates automatically feel as a friend,
an enthusiastic colleague and a caring partner. A more serious role, teaching necessarily makes
them decision-makers, instructional materials developers and instant researchers. Add to these the
task they assume to establish a smooth relationship with parents and other members of the
community.
A more important role that teaching evokes is the unwavering commitment and loyalty to the
profession. Their adherence to the ethical and moral standards are elicited through a code.
Ultimately, an impeccable integrity, honesty and sincerity it brings forth makes them worthy of
emulation by the students, co-workers and other professionals. Lastly, a few challenges faced by
teachers in the 21st century are as follow:
 Personalization. The age old “one size fits all” teaching method has long outgrown, with the focus
moving on to different styles of learners.
 Making the Right Use of Technology
 Classroom Management
 Curriculum.
 Global Awareness

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Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

REFERENCES

Salandanan, Gloria G.Methods of Teaching . LORIMAR Publishing, INC.

Salandanan,Gloria G.Elements of Good Teaching LORIMAR Publishing, INC.

Salandanan, Gloria G.Teaching and the Teacher. LORIMAR Publishing, INC.

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Study Guide in Prof.Ed.102-The Teaching Profession Module 1: Unit 1 -Nature of Teaching and Teacher Roles

Pawilen ,Greg T..Copyright 2019.Teaching Profession Passion and Mission Second Edition.REX
Bookstore Publishing Co.

BilbaoPurita et.al.Copyright 2012.The Teaching Profession,Second Edition.LORIMAR Publishing,

Inc

BilbaoPurita et.al.Copyright 2018.The Teaching Profession, Fourth Edition.LORIMAR Publishing,

Inc.

BilbaoPurita et.al.Copyright 2006.The Teaching Profession,LORIMAR Publishing, Inc.

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