TEACHER AS AN ICON OF CHANGE IN 21ST CENTURY

TEACHER AS AN ICON OF CHANGE IN 21ST CENTURY BY: MALLO Isa

INTRODUCTION

Teachers are an extremely important asset for every society, they define the societal dreams into reality through  educating youths of such society who in turn become the leaders of the next generation of people, these teaming educated and critical thinkers, plays an important role in developing the country, built character  as a good citizen of any nation. Teachers educate the kids in their most impressionable years, which stay with these kids for the rest of their lives. APJ Abdul Kalam said “A teacher is a beacon light that acts as a lighthouse to guide the stranded students in the sea of life and they should work as the role model for their students in order to achieve the all-round development of the children”. Teachers are the real nation builders who enrich a young generation of children so that the future is a safe, secure and great place to live in for every person in the society. On the other hand, Icon of change is someone who intentionally or indirectly causes or accelerates social, cultural or behavioral change. He sees opportunities for positive change that others do not see. A French novelist Marcel Proust, famously said, "The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new eyes." The most successful change ICONS don't do more, they do differently. They redefine the terms of education by embracing critical thinking and creative approach with a new deal, new hope and new sense of common purpose. That is a true change ICON.

THE 21st CENTURY TEACHER

What does it mean to be a 21st century teacher? You may have heard the term “21st century” being tossed around in the media referring to what’s cutting edge in education. Beyond being up-to-date with the latest in technology in the classroom, what does a 21st century teacher actually look like? Here we will take a look at a few of the key characteristics of a 21st century TEACHER AS AN ICON OF CHANGE and some applicable teaching strategies.

WHAT MAKES A 21ST CENTURY TEACHER AN ICON OF CHANGE

The 21st century teacher looks forward to the future. They are aware of the ever-changing trends in technology and are in tune of what the future may bring to education.

A good 21st century teacher is aware of the career opportunities that will be in the coming years for their students, and are always advocating towards forward thinking and planning to ensure all students will not be left behind.

The 21st century teacher must use teaching strategies to ensure that the focus in education is on preparing today’s children for the future of where they will live and where they will work, not for our current world.

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION BY THE 21ST CENTURY TEACHER

Technology in the classroom is ever-changing and moving at a rapid pace.

The 21st century teacher is one that moves right along with it. Technology in the classroom, whether it’s for lessons, assignments, or grading, can help students learn better and faster, and help make a teacher’s time more effective.

A 21st century teacher does not have to have a class set of tablets in every child’s hand, or the latest Smartboard. But they can have a nice balance of educational tools in their classroom.

An effective 21st teachers knows what technology in the classroom can truly help transform their students’ education. They know what the best tools are, and how and when to use them.

An effective 21st century teacher must be able to collaborate and work well in a team. Working with others is an important 21st century skill. Over the past few years, being able to collaborate effectively in the workplace has grown quite rapidly. Learning is deemed to be more effective when you can share your ideas and knowledge with others. Sharing your expertise and experience, communicating and learning from others, and being able to self-reflect is an important part of the learning and teaching process.

A 21st century teacher is able to adapt to whatever comes their way. Teaching is a career that has pretty much stayed the same over the past few decades. The tools have changed over the years (Smartboards have replaced chalkboards, tablets have replaced textbooks) but the practice has not.

The 21st century teacher is able to look at their practice and adapt based on the needs of their students. They must be able to adapt their teaching style to include different modes of learning, adapt when a lesson fails, and adapt to new technology. They must be able to adapt to the curriculum and the requirements and be able to use their imagination to teach in creative ways.

The 21st century educator is a lifelong learner. They don’t just expect their students to be lifelong learners, but they too stay current and on top of what’s new in education. Even though they may still use the same lesson plan from years before, they know how to change it to keep up-to-date with what is current. A great educator will not only embrace technology, but be willing to learn more about it.

21ST CENTURY TEACHER ADVOCATES HIS PROFESSION

It’s a critical time in education and how it and teachers are being perceived. With the common core being implemented and judged, the teaching profession is being met with a close eye now more than ever before. Instead of sitting back, a 21st century takes a stand for themselves and advocates for their profession. They pay close attention to the important issues and talk about them with their community. They keep parents and students informed on what’s going on in education and address on issues head on.

21st Century learning means teaching just as you have done in the past centuries, but with way better tools.  Today’s teachers have a great advantage, they have powerful learning tools at their disposal that they didn’t have before.

21st Century technology is an opportunity for students to acquire more knowledge. Teachers have the ability to move away from being the dispenser of information to someone who can guide them and prepare them for their future. Ultimately, the 21st century learner will be “learner-driven,” where they choose how and what they want to learn. The teacher will serve as a facilitator and guide to help embrace 21st century learning.

CONCLUSION

Conclcusively, Teachers being the ICONS of change in our society. They teach students very carefully and sincerely just like their own children. It is well said that teachers are great than the parents. Parents give birth to a child whereas teachers shape his/her character and make their future bright, parents are responsible for giving children love and quality care however, teachers are responsible for making whole the future bright and successful to them. They make the children know the  importance of education in their lives through their continuous efforts. They are the source of inspirations which will help them to go ahead and get a successful future. They motivate children  towards study by giving examples of great personalities all over the world. They make them so strong and prepare them to withstand any obstacle life might confront them. They become full of immense knowledge and wisdom using which they nourish their  lives.

REFERENCE

Lessons & Shared Resources
By Teachers, For Teachers By: Janelle Cox