Theoris in educational practice

TEACHER COMPETENCY

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Teachers in general should have at least these three characteristics to be considered as competent . These characteristics are strength leadership and passion . Strength in character promotes other important characteristics for a teacher , like determination and dedication Leadership empowers the creation and following of idealistic vision geared towards the welfare of the students and passion is necessary so that teachers would hold on to their tasks even when the situation becomes unbearable and difficult , at the same time allowing the teachers to

be receptive to changes happening in the educational landscape and using the advantages of these changes to better improve teaching

Wojcicki (2003 , in his study on Implementing Teacher Competencies as a Professional Development Activity which was published on the PAACE Journal , identified two key characterisitcs that educators are either cognizant of the presence of or areas which they know they should develop to become better teachers , and one these competencies is strength . But the aspect of strength in Wojcicki 's study is just one part of a greater whole in the concept of overall strength required for a teacher to display . Strength in morals as well as strength in the mastery of subjects being taught are important for a teacher to become competent and truly qualified . An example of the definition of the leadership quality of leaders was illustrated in the creation of the educational entrepreneurship which Wolk (2007 ) discussed in his article in the online version of the Teacher Magazine . Wolk explained how the teachers adjusted to what the educational system deserves . Again , this is just an example of leadership and does not encompass the general idea of leadership , which the teacher must learn and imbibe constantly as well . Passion is important so that teachers would not stray from the tasks they have accepted to undertake . It is no secret that many teachers around the world are subjected to very difficult situation (i .e . low or no payment at all , geographical problems , harassment , civil unrest and politics . Passion is the key factor why countries do not suffer from brain drain when employment opportunities for teachers are very poor

But these characteristics may not generally mean that a particular theory on education focusing on teacher competency should be explored since theories usually focused on ideas , and not on the person that interprets or teaches these ideas . While some of the characteristics of a competent teacher maybe mentioned or hinted in some theories of education , the fact that personal characteristics are generally very generalized and are pliant based on the existing norms and morals at play in a particular society make the subject very volatile for the defined realms of theoretical analysis and categorization

In the effort to create the anatomy of the prototype competent teacher means identifying the suitable moral as well as intellectual state of mind that teachers should aspire to adhere to . This cannot be done by righteous imposition of a personal belief on right and wrong more importantly , the identification of such characteristics should be hinged on something that is helped in institutionalizing education and its continuing significance and role in the society and that is the major philosophical foundations of education . This should be ascertained first so that the characteristics of the competent teacher can be compared vis-a-vis the requirements necessary to accomplish the major philosophical foundations of education . One of the basic philosophical foundations of education is that the teacher is cognizant of the impact of the adult , particularly of the teacher , on a child 's developing mind and that the system of education was created so that adults can undertake the responsibility of providing education through formalistic learning methods through established and accepted learning paradigms That is the reason why many individuals who wish to become teachers undergo training on the foundations of education , so that they can better equip themselves with the knowledge that can in turn make them competent teachers that can achieve the main goal and responsibility of teachers -and that is , to help students harness the necessary perspectives that will enable them to transition from classroom-setting learning towards real life learning and other capabilities like assessment and the exercise of judgment and the display of an acceptable level of moral fiber that will assist the student in his or her day to day life and decision making . Turner (2003 ) specifically identified the normative , critical and interpretative perspectives which should be harnessed by the teacher , and that can only be done if the teacher is in touch with the key points of the foundation of education

Another philosophical foundation of education is the responsibility of the teachers as educators towards the constant infusion of morality during the course of teaching regardless of what particular subject area the teacher is teaching . Teachers are responsible not just for the learning of areas that will provide the bedrock for professional skill they should also contribute in the moral upbringing of students by making sure that the lessons and classroom activities result in the recognition of what is morally right . These philosophical foundations also act as the primary philosophical underpinnings that impact educational practice around the world

These philosophical foundations of education is reflected with more significance every time there are education-related conflicts and problems because problems resulting to the deviance from these foundations automatically means that the cause of the problem does not fit well at all in the educational system and set up . These philosophical foundations act as vanguards so that the moral structure of the educational system and its social functional integrity is protected , for example , from issues surrounding the public school system and public education

The important thing to remember is that issues affecting the education should be addressed in a manner that reflects the position of the students , the educators and the education itself as the paramount consideration for resolving crisis . Academicians are equipped with tools that can help them in negotiations that may go outside the realms of academic consideration but these leaders are expected theless to put the best interests of the important segment of education first before anything else

References

Wojcicki , T .

. Implementing Teacher Competencies as a Professional Development

Activity . PAACE Journal of Lifelong Learning , Vol . 12 , 2003 59-67 . 59 . Retrieved

February 24 , 2008 , fromhttp /www .coe .iup .edu /ace /PAACE 20Journal 20PDF /PDF2003 /Wojcicki2003 .pd f

Odom , J . D . The Make-up of an Excellent Teacher . Department of Chemistry

Retrieved February 24 , 2008 , from

http /www .abacon .com /lefton /excellent .html

Turner , G . M (2003 . Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education

Appalachian State University . Retrieved February 24 , 2008 , from

http /gayleturner .net /foundations_information .html

Wolk , R . A (May 1 , 2007 . Doctor , Lawyer , Teacher . Teacher Magazine Retrieved February

24 , 2008 , fromhttp /www .teachermagazine .org /tm /articles /2007 /05 /01 /06perspective .h18 html ...