Faculty of Education

Department of Education

Module; Elements of education

Unit 07. Role of the teacher

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”

American Philosopher Nancy Kassebaum

Introduction

What you mean by the Role of the teacher?

The role of a teacher in education is not only to teach students new knowledge but also to influence
them positively and help them with their character development. A teacher has to carry out different
roles in the classroom, such as being an external parent, counselor, mentor, role model, leader, and
nurturer. A teacher also has to create an environment conducive to learning and use different methods
and strategies to engage students. Moreover, a teacher has to evaluate, assess, and provide for children
with special circumstances and work with parents and specialists to assist them

The role of a teacher is more than just imparting knowledge. Teachers are responsible for helping
students develop their academic skills, social skills, and emotional skills. They are also role models and
community leaders, working to improve the quality of education for all students.

A traditional view of the teacher’s role is as a giver of knowledge. Teachers share knowledge

with students on a particular subject, through lessons that build on their prior knowledge and

moves them toward a deeper understanding of the subject. Supporting this view are underpinning

beliefs about knowledge as being ‘fixed’ and able to be ‘transferred’.

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Teacher’s role as a transmission, a transaction and a transformation

Teaching as transmission:

In any class, there is information to be learned and content to be mastered. Teaching as transmission
puts the instructor at the center of the learning. This is a teacher-centered approach in which the
teacher is the dispenser of knowledge, the arbitrator of truth, and the final evaluator of learning. A
teacher’s job from this perspective is to supply students with a designated body of knowledge in a
predetermined order. Academic achievement is seen as students’ ability to demonstrate, replicate, or re-
transmit this designated body of knowledge back to the teacher or to some other measuring agency or
entity.

Teaching as transaction:

In a transactional learning environment, learning happens through interactions with people and

experiences. While teaching as transmission reflects more behaviorist learning theories, teaching

as transaction is rooted in more constructivist perspectives. Here, learners build their understanding of
content by interacting with activities and through social meaning-making processes with their peers and
their instructors. Here, knowledge is not passively received; rather, it is actively built up or constructed
by students as they connect their past knowledge and experiences with new information (Santrock,
2004). Teachers are not expected to pour knowledge into the heads of learners; rather, they assist
learners in their construction of knowledge by creating experiences where students’ old information can
transact with new information to create meaningful knowledge (knowledge that is connected to
something students already know). Academic achievement from a constructivist perspective is seen as
students’ ability to use this knowledge to solve real-world problems or to create products or
performances that are valued in one or more cultural settings.

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Teaching as Transformation.

From this perspective, teaching is creating conditions that have the potential to transform the

learner on many different levels (cognitive, emotional, social, intuitive, creative, spiritual, and

other).

Transformational teaching invites both students and teachers to discover their full potential as

learners, as members of society, and as human beings. The ultimate transformational goal is to

help develop more nurturing human beings who are better able to perceive the

interconnectedness of all human, plant, and animal life (Narve, 2001).

Holistic education is an educational philosophy consistent with the transformative view (Miller,

1996). Learning is said to have occurred when these experiences elicit a transformation of

consciousness that leads to a greater understanding of and care for self, others, and the

environment. Academic achievement from this perspective is similar to self-actualization. That

is, it is perceived as discovering and developing each individual’s unique talents and capabilities

to the fullest extent possible. Academic achievement also involves becoming aware of the

multiple dimensions of self and expanding one’s consciousness.

Today the expectations of education are being challenged. The fundamental premise of teachers

as the ‘conduit of knowledge’ is no longer valid. In recent years it focuses on the role of the

teacher as more of a facilitator, guide, mentor and coach.

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Major functions associated with the role of the teacher

Here are some of the specific roles that teachers play in the classroom:

 Planning and delivering lessons: Teachers plan and deliver lessons that are engaging and
informative. They use a variety of activities and resources to help students learn.

 Assessment: Teachers assess students' progress to ensure that they are learning. They
use a variety of assessment methods, including quizzes, tests, and projects.

 Differentiation: Teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. They
provide different levels of support and challenge to ensure that all students are
successful.

 Managing behavior: Teachers manage student behavior in a positive and effective way.
They create a classroom environment where students feel safe and respected.

 Communicating with parents: Teachers communicate with parents about their students'
progress. They keep parents informed of their students' learning and behavior.

 Collaborating with colleagues: Teachers collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and
resources. They work together to improve the quality of instruction for all students.

These are just some of the major functions associated with the role of the teacher. The specific
functions that a teacher performs will vary depending on the grade level, subject area, and
school environment. However, all teachers play an important role in the lives of their students,
and they have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world.

Here are some additional functions that teachers may perform:

 Curriculum development: Teachers may be involved in developing the curriculum for

their subject area or grade level.

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  Differentiation: Teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. They
provide different levels of support and challenge to ensure that all students are
successful.

Multifaceted nature of the role of the teacher

Role of a teacher is a complex and multifaceted one. Teachers have the opportunity to make a
real difference in the lives of their students, and they play an important role in the community.

The role of a teacher is a multifaceted one. In addition to imparting knowledge, teachers also
play a number of other important roles, including:

 Mentor: Teachers serve as mentors to students, providing guidance and support as they
learn and grow. They help students develop their academic skills, but they also help
them develop their social and emotional skills.

 Counselor: Teachers often serve as counselors to students, helping them deal with
personal problems and challenges. They provide a safe and supportive environment
where students can talk about their problems and get help.

 Role model: Teachers are role models for students, demonstrating the importance of
learning, hard work, and perseverance. They show students how to be responsible,
respectful, and caring individuals.

 Community leader: Teachers often serve as community leaders, working with parents,
businesses, and other organizations to improve the quality of education for all students.
They advocate for policies that support students and teachers, and they work to make
sure that all students have access to a quality education.

The role of a teacher is a challenging but rewarding one. Teachers have the opportunity to make
a real difference in the lives of their students. They can help students learn and grow, and they
can help them develop into successful adults.

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The multifaceted nature of the role of the teacher is what makes it so challenging and rewarding.
Teachers must be able to wear many hats and be comfortable in a variety of roles. They must be
able to connect with students on a personal level, while also maintaining a professional
demeanor. They must be able to manage a classroom effectively, while also providing a safe and
supportive environment for learning. And they must be able to keep up with the latest trends in
education, while also remaining true to their own teaching philosophy.

The role of the teacher is a complex and ever-evolving one. But it is also a role that is essential
to the future of our society. Teachers are the ones who shape the minds of our children, and
they play a vital role in ensuring that our future generations are prepared for success.

Special Role of the English teacher

English teachers play a special role in the lives of their students. They help students develop
their communication skills, both oral and written. They also help students learn about different
cultures and perspectives, and they help students develop critical thinking skills.

In addition to these general roles, English teachers also play a number of specific roles, such as:

 Teaching grammar and vocabulary: English teachers help students learn the rules of
grammar and the meaning of words. This is essential for students to be able to
communicate effectively in English.

 Teaching literature: English teachers help students learn about classic and contemporary
literature. This helps students develop their appreciation for literature and their
understanding of different cultures.

 Teaching writing: English teachers help students develop their writing skills. This includes
helping students learn how to write different types of texts, such as essays, stories, and
poems.

 Teaching speaking: English teachers help students develop their speaking skills. This
includes helping students learn how to present their ideas clearly and confidently.

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  Teaching critical thinking: English teachers help students develop their critical thinking
skills. This includes helping students learn how to analyze information, evaluate
arguments, and form their own opinions.

The special role of the English teacher is to help students develop the skills they need to be
successful in school and in life. English teachers help students learn how to communicate
effectively, how to think critically, and how to appreciate different cultures. These are essential
skills for students to have in order to be successful in today's globalized world.

Here are some additional specific roles that English teachers may play:

 Helping students with their English as a second language (ESL) skills: English teachers
may work with students who are learning English as a second language. They help these
students develop their English language skills so that they can succeed in school and in
life.

 Working with students who have special needs: English teachers may work with students
who have special needs, such as learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). They help these students develop their English language skills in a way
that meets their individual needs.

 Advocating for students: English teachers may advocate for their students on a variety of
issues, such as ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to succeed.
They may also work with parents and administrators to improve the quality of education
for all students.

The special role of the English teacher is a demanding one, but it is also a rewarding one. English
teachers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their students, and they
play a vital role in ensuring that our future generations are prepared for success.

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Role of the primary teacher

1. Knowledge and skill practitioners

2. Guidance teacher

3. Reflective practitioner

4. Researcher

5. Social agent

6. Change agent.

7. Taking over parent’s role.

8. Shaping behavior

9. Managing learning

The changing role of a teacher in the 21st century.

1. A Planner for 21st Century Careers

This is the most competitive world, and there has the diverse option to choose the next career
for a student. In this case, a teacher needs to become a big planner to support them according
to their psychology. The future of a student will depend on 4C’s (Critical thinking,
Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity). Besides, if an educator can provide a proper
guideline to build the career in the 21st century for the students, he will be the all-rounder in
his career and life.

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2. A Resource Provider

In this digital age, the internet is full of supportive resources. When a teacher teaches the

students from a collaborative perspective, the students will learn more deeply if they get the

resources. It can be YouTube Video, Tutorial, Digital Content, eBooks or even the printing

documents. If the student receives the supportive materials on how to enrich Critical thinking,

Communication skills, Collaboration, and Creativity, they can lead their own future.

Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.

3. A digital Instructor for Different Ways of Learning

Effective teachers don’t limit the learning resources for the students. Correspondingly, they are

the best instructor for the students. In contrast, they will create the learning materials

entertaining. In the digital age, you can find a lot of resources who are teaching the course

efficiently.

4. Learning Facilitator

A digital teacher or leader in the teaching profession don’t teach the students only. Also, they

help their colleagues to become the supporter of technology and show them how to find the

online resources and how to stay updated on their subject.

5. A Technology Lover for Learning

Now, it is so tough to attract the students without the use of technology. If you don’t teach the

right use of technology and how to find the internet resources, they will get the evil resources.

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6. A digital Learner for the lifetime

Effective teachers who are the builders of a nation are the lifetime learner. To point out, they

keep knowledge of the latest changes in their subject

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who

keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

7. A genuine predictor

The teachers of the 21st century know the importance of Acquisition-based learning and

Participation-based learning. Similarly, he knows the value of engaging and working in the

community. For bringing innovations in the technology sector, it is necessary to create

cooperation with one another. In this case. The teachers can manage how to ensure the

knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The role and responsibilities of a teacher in inclusive education:

 Helping the child to grow his potentiality to the maximum.

 Making students understand and accept human differences.
 Providing enhanced opportunities for overall development of child's physical, cognitive,

emotional and social Skills.

 Following the principle of zero rejection policy' according to which everyone should be

welcomed in the class.

 Providing equal opportunities to each child to participate in classroom activities and

school programmes according to his/her capability.

 Fostering positive attitude among students.

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 Helping parents, voluntary organisations and educational planners in understanding the

problems of exceptional children.

 Preparation of curriculum that strategically determine effective learning for

handicapped

children.

 Motivating exceptional children to gain maximum achievement.

 Establishing appropriate goals for the exceptional child. The goals should be realistic,

measurable and also give opportunity for optimum development of potentials of such

children.

 Ensuring progress by continuous reassessment of disabled children.

 Assessing children's educational needs and expectancies.
 Observing their classroom behaviour carefully.
 Collaborating with parents by involving them in the educational process of the child.
 Maintaining contacts and linkages with other professionals working for the welfare of

disabled students.

 Making students with disabilities to follow the same schedule as non-disabled

 Encouraging cordial relations between non-disabled and disabled students.
 Making arrangements for providing appropriate individualized instructions.
 Determining student's strengths and weaknesses
 Participating in parents and community orientation programmes Preparing non-
disabled

students to welcome and co-operate disabled students in classrooms.

 Developing a realistic self-concept in disabled children.

 Considering physical and mental hygiene of handicapped school children

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  Preparing maximum number of activities to involve the entire class.
 Involving parents in setting individual goals for their children determining goals for each

student that is appropriate and realistic.

 Designing alternative teaching strategies.

 Providing broader scope to the disabled to live in a social world.
 Alerting the children to be independent in their daily life.
 Developing self-confidence and encouraging them to meet the challenges of life.

Activity

(1) Identify the functions of the teacher (Primary or Secondary) with the help of the

following headings;

 Responsibilities

 Duties

 Rights

 Conduct ( expected in the school)

 Behaviour ( expected by the society)

(2) In order to perform above functions what qualities do you think a teacher should posses?

(3) What are the obstacles that you might face in performing the above functions? Explain

(4) Describe how you could minimize or overcome such obstacles as a teacher?

References

https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/7-roles-of-a-teacher

https://medium.com/@itsardar/changing-role-of-teachers-in-the-21st-century-5acb47a23a33

https://www.bednotesatoz.in/2022/10/role-of-teacher-in-inclusive-education.html

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/three-views-teaching-transmission-transaction-andrew-
johnson

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/326244253/Roles-of-Primary-School-Teacher.

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