"SLC | S22W5 : Teachers as Examples and Role Models"
The way a teacher inspire and guide students through words, values and behaviors are positive attributes of a good role model. Children are very zealous when it comes to emulating elders; demonstrating these values ( empathy, honesty, humble, generosity, sincerity and openness e t c) mentioned in class will also play a rule in building a better character of students in future.
Students are very observant and they are easily carried away with their emotions which is why they adapt faster to their environment and emulate the character of their teachers ( both negative and positive).
A teacher's duty is not only to transfer knowledge but also to perform other responsibilities while in the process of educating students. These responsibilities include being selfless, obeyed and trusted as a teacher which is the meaning of "Digugu". This also has to do with a behavior and action of a teacher as a role model to students ( "Ditiru").
From my understanding of the video shown in this course, Teacher Prajak was used as an example in his school to parents and guardians. Students also used him as a role model by emulating from him how to care for people because of his love and care for his sick mother. His good character and personality transformed everyone who encountered him ( his colleagues, the students and their parents).
Teachers are humans and are not far from imperfections so they also develop negative behaviors while educating by yelling and use of harsh tone, being bias, having a personal preferences and being impatient with slow learners.
Being a teacher is one of the tough and also enjoyable at the same time. It's not an easy task to deal with all kinds of humans in class. It can only take a teacher with passion to be able to get through the frustration and negativity that come with teaching job.
The few months I was an assistant teacher in 2022/ 2023, I was able to see the negative behaviors which I possesse. Dealing with slow learners was really frustrating and it brought out my imperfections to my own eyes. This made me lose my patience and also pushed me to having favorite students which is very bad. I became unapproachable to some dull students and only created safe environment for the bright ones.
Showing positive attitudes around students will create a safe environment for them while learning and also help them in future. Positive behaviors in students always reflect beyond classroom and the core example of this was shown in that video where one of the students told his mom that he will drive her around when he grows up and the other student who showed care when he saw the teacher’s mom along the road.
During my few months experience as a teacher, I was aware of my shortcomings but I am glad that my positive behaviors also impacted the students greatly.
Below is a table showing the examples of positive attitudes I have implemented and the educational values contained in it;
| Exemplary Behavior | Description | Educational Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerity | I was open and sincere to my students, I always tell them the truth. Each time I miss class due to health issue or other challenges, I always explain to them. If I'm occupied with other activities, I will also be sincere by stating the reasons why lesson note is not ready for the week. | I noticed that each time they make mistake, most of them are always bold to say the truth in class. |
| Generosity | I usually go to class with extra pen in my bag for those who will be in need. There's no excuse when it comes to learning. | Students in my class also tend to emulate that generous act by sharing their notes and other learning materials with each other when necessary |
| Disciplined attitude | I don't like distraction or noise when teaching. Once I'm in class, I will put my phone in silent mode so it won't distract us. I respect each of them and give everyone a safe space to discuss in class when necessary | They all tend to adapt to my method and only talk respectfully during time for question and answer. |
| Unity | I always try my best to unite my students, I usually explain the benefits of team work and collaboration | with this there is always a positive outcome and improvement |
| Responsibility | A teacher should understand his/ her responsibilities. I don't come late to class, I always try my best to cover all the topics for the term before exams so to give my students enough time to study and ask questions | My students were also on the same page with me, they submit their homework on time and complete their lesson notes. |
While taking care of my responsibilities as a teacher, my students were also emulating that and made my work easy. Biology is very broad, they understand the work I put in to meet up and so they tend to do same. I felt satisfied and proud after seeing the improvement in class because they naturally emulate the example without me stressing out. I am also glad that these exemplary behaviors will not only last in classroom but create a long term positive impact in their future.
I will invite @anasuleidy, @chant and @josepha to join the contest.