The Challenges Faced By A Teacher
Teaching, a noble profession is a daunting and challenging task. In the present era, with the advent of new methodologies in teaching and the way digital and smart learning has made inroads into the field of education, the role of teachers has also greatly evolved over a period of time. Today, a teacher is faced with the arduous task of keeping him/herself abreast with the latest inventions and strides in the field of medicine, education, science, art and etc. Upgrading their skills and knowledge from time to time is thus necessary and is an utmost priority today.
A teacher is also an educator. They have the opportunity of making a huge impact on the students, but with this opportunity come many challenges. The greatest of the challenges faced by a teacher are:
1)Knowing their students well.
2)Understanding the different learning abilities and capacities of the students.
3)Motivating and encouraging them when the students underperform and have to deal with parental and peer pressure.
4)Building an effective communication channel between the Management-Parents- Students.
A)Knowing their students well.
It is imperative for a teacher to form a healthy bond with the students. Every effort should be made by a teacher to know their students well. The interaction should extend well beyond the Classrooms. A teacher should be a friend first and should shoulder the responsibility of grooming the Students with warmth and a cheerful disposition. Students should feel free to broach any subject and express all doubts whatsoever and a teacher should be approachable and accessible. A broad mind and a friendly attitude on the part of a teacher will make all the difference when it comes to knowing the Students well.
B)Understanding the different learning abilities and capacities of students:
The biggest challenge for any teacher lies in understanding the different learning abilities of the students. Students differ in their grasping, memory, concentration, ability to learn and write and show varied interests in various subjects. A student who is good at Mathematics may find grasping the concepts of Biology difficult. So also a student may be good at sports and other co-curricular activities but does not show the same attention and interest when it comes to Academics. Some students are exceptionally brilliant and hard-working, while others are slow learners, who struggle to understand what is being taught in the class. How does a teacher handle different students?
A good teacher will always focus on the slow- learners takes them into his domain and nurtures them with care and concentration. Comparing and criticising the students on the basis of grades and marks scored should never be encouraged by a teacher. Talking individually to the students, designing modules as per their requirements and assigning tasks to them based on their interests and then assessing their progress is vital here and will contribute to an overall personality growth
of the students.
C)When the Students underperform
Today, the students not only have to cope with academic and peer pressure but also have to deal with unrealistic parental expectations. This is leading to unprecedented stress in the Students. The biggest challenge for any teacher will be, as to how he motivates, guides and encourages the students when they underperform, lose their focus and are distracted due to various circ*mstances. Lending a shoulder, a word of comfort and support, instilling confidence and a positive attitude towards the students in their tough times is bound to bring a sea change in the lives of the Students.
D) Being a bridge between the Management-Parent- Student
The Parent-Teacher equation has changed today.
Parents more involved in the schooling and academics of their wards and PT meetings are well attended. The biggest challenge for a teacher lies in assessing the progress of the students and effectively conveying the same to the parents. A teacher should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Students and be able to discuss the same with the parents, thus creating an open atmosphere for the parents. Being harsh/rude to the parents and the students can prove detrimental to both the teacher as well as to the institution. Teachers should be accountable to the management as well and need to cooperate with the changing rules and regulations and play a key role in cementing a healthy bond between Management-Parent- Student.
Politeness, Patience, Perseverance and Assertiveness are all hallmarks of a great teacher. Teachers should rise up to these challenges, take them in their stride to make a difference and bring about a change in the society as a whole.
ALL TEACHERS ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS
Thanking You
Mrs.Parimala.G.Tadas.
