The Teacher as Transmitter of Knowledge
“Through my teaching, I can shape minds and mold the character of my students.”
Images of a book, key, sculptor, pitcher and cup, potter, and bank deposit window seem to emphasize the role of a teacher as the conveyor of knowledge. These convey the teacher’s influence on students thinking and behavior.
Teaching is like depositing knowledge which can be withdrawn at some later time when the need arises.
The Teacher as Guide and Mediator of Learning
“Teaching is leading students from where they are now to what they can be. It is the crossing a bridge to a place of wonderful discoveries.”
Like a bridge, the teacher helps students make connections between what they are already know and what they will still discover. It also suggests the process of teaching as a journey with the teacher taking the role of a guide who leads the students through the challenging grounds of learning. The teacher is a fellow traveler who engages the students in an adventurous journey of discovery.
As a facilitator and guide, the teacher leads his/her students to move beyond a learning event to reflecting and extracting meaning from their experiences. Through interactive activities, the teacher provides his/her students with vast opportunities for expanding their minds and stretching their imagination. He/she is not merely an information-giver, but a facilitator of critical thinking, reflection, and knowledge construction leading the way to self-directed learning.
Teaching is not mere transmission of knowledge but creating worthwhile educational experiences based on the learner’s capacities. As a mediator of learning, the teacher has a vital role of structuring the learning environment in a manner that will provide students with opportunities for class interactions and making connections between their experiences and the topics being discussed.
The Teacher as Nurturer of Growth
“I can provide an affirming learning environment so that the children under my care can bloom and maximize their full potentials.”
A more humanistic, person-centered approach to teaching is see in the images of the watering can and plant and a hand sowing seed. These highlight the affective dimension of teaching that is, seeing the students not only as learners but as persons.
Like a gardener, a nurturing teacher is sensitive to the diversity of students needs in terms of abilities, personality, learning styles, and culture. The teacher is concerned not only with helping students excel intellectually but gives equal importance to providing learning experiences that nourish the spirit as well. This perspective of teaching fosters an ethic of caring, respect, belief in human potential, and genuine concern for students’ wellbeing.
When teachers are caring and encouraging, students feel valued and accepted for what they are and are more likely to be motivated to become better students as well as caring persons themselves.
The Teacher as Inspiration
“As a candle lighter, I want to kindle in my students the fire of excitement for learning.”
Images of a lighted candle evoke the theme of the teacher as someone who inspires students to experience the joy of learning. The teacher who inspires is a model of what he wants his students to be. He not only teaches his subject matter but who he is. Inspiring teachers are able to ignite in their students a passion for learning and an enthusiasm to be their best.
Teachers who inspire tend to succeed in creating powerful learning environments which motivate their students to become lifelong learners.
Alfredo G. De Guzman Jr.
Teacher I
Mabalacat Community
High School
