The changing role of teachers in the 21st century.
I. Introduction
It is no secret that the world is changing rapidly. Every day, new technologies and new ways of doing things are being developed and introduced to the masses. This is especially true in the field of education. Teachers today have to contend with a whole host of new challenges that their predecessors never had to face.
One of the biggest challenges facing teachers today is keeping up with today’s rapidly changing role as a good teacher. Previously, teachers were primarily responsible for imparting knowledge to their students. In the 21st century, however, the role of a teacher includes more: they must also aid their students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, digital wellbeing, etc.
The 21st century has brought out many changes and challenges for teachers especially. But on the fairer side, it has also opened several new opportunities for them. With the right mindset and approach, teachers can embrace these challenges and use them to improve their pedagogic practices.
II. 21st Century Changes
Two major realms that the 21st century has seen dramatic changes in are technological advancement and the mental revolution. Naturally, one of the most important facets of human life which directly or indirectly relies on both of these aspects of societal improvement, i.e., education, is bound to see fresh changes. Following is a list of important changes that have come into the picture in today’s education system internationally:
Increased importance is given to skill-based courses that enable students to enter the workforce as assets
Effective utilisation of rampantly available information, and internet maturity are taught
An increasing number of curriculum experts and researchers have given rise to a more comprehensive and inclusive subject matters
Increased use of digital learning platforms
Increased usage of educational technology in classrooms
Improved grading systems
III. Expectations from a 21st Century Educator
1. A passion for learning
Successful twenty-first-century educators not only want their pupils to be lifelong learners, but they also keep up with what's new in education and other disciplines that interest them. They appreciate learning new things and look forward to new experiences. They try to keep up-to-date and understand how to change past lesson plans to make them more relevant today.
Teachers that enjoy learning will automatically inspire their pupils, resulting in a more engaging classroom atmosphere. Students will also feel free to share their knowledge and ideas with the teacher, which will help them gain confidence and develop their ability to think independently.
2. Empathic and benevolent
Every day, 21st-century teacher demonstrates empathy and offers opportunities to their students to express it as well. What is the significance of empathy? It gives you the ability to understand the diversity in our world and makes it simpler to perceive things from various perspectives; it, in turn, leads to improved tolerance and acceptance. Individuals who are cognizant of applying their knowledge and abilities to enhance the conditions around them and make a constructive contribution to the world are nurtured as a result. Integrating interactive classroom games and technology into the lesson, are an excellent method to embrace empathy in the classroom.
3. Techno-buff
Today, technology is rapidly changing, and a smart 21st-century teacher must learn to ride this wave of change. Whether it's the customization of courses or gamification of the learning process, the latest gadgets, applications, software, and websites enable a revolution in the way students learn.
The 21st-century educator recognises this and takes advantage of it by not only keeping up with the latest trends but also experimenting with new tools and strategies that might help them, and their students learn more effectively. Effective 21st-century teachers can use technology in the classroom to truly invigorate a love for learning in their students.
4. Collaborative
Harry K. Wong, a well-known educational author, claims that the hallmark of excellent schools is a culture in which all teachers share responsibility for all students' learning. The 21st-century educator realises this and recognises that a student's education is the responsibility of all teachers, not just one.
Sharing expertise and experience, as well as talking with and learning from others, are all crucial aspects of the learning and teaching process. As a result, today's instructors must value collaboration and be at ease contributing their unique thoughts and perspectives as part of a team. Teachers are exposed to better methods because of increased effective teamwork, which leads to stronger pedagogy. Naturally, the more effective a teacher is the more the students benefit and prosper.
5. Creative
Students require increased opportunities to learn the art of brainstorming and thinking creatively. In a world where technology enables you to find answers to any questions through Google, creativity is dissipating away. People tend to have varied levels of creativity. Whatever the premise, the 21st-century educator prioritises encouraging children to be creative, resourceful, and expressive.
They accomplish this by providing an environment in which the flow of creativity is not hindered by traditional classroom routines, textbooks, or assignments. An eager question-and-answer session, performance assessment and feedback, and collaboration with others are all characteristics of a creativity-driven classroom.
IV. 21st-century Teaching Methodologies
1. Flipped classroom
Flipped Classroom is a pedagogical strategy in which the usual aspects of the lesson given by the teacher are reversed - the key educational materials are studied by the students at home and then worked on in the classroom. The main goal of this technique is to maximise the utilisation of class time by devoting it to meeting the unique requirements of each student, working on group projects, or other specific tasks.
2. Project-based learning
With the introduction of new information and communication technologies into schools, new teaching techniques for the digital generation have evolved. Project-Based Learning is currently one of the most popular in the classroom (PBL). In essence, PBL allows students to gain important knowledge and skills by creating projects that address real-world issues.
Students' ability to retain knowledge and the potential to build complex competencies such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving improves significantly when they begin with a concrete challenge rather than the usual theoretical and abstract model.
3. Cooperative learning
"We're stronger together." In a nutshell, cooperative learning is a mechanism that teachers employ to group students together and ensure a good impact on learning. Working in a group, according to this model, promotes students' attention, involvement, and knowledge gain. The ultimate aim is always group-oriented effort and thinking, and it will be attained if each member completes their job satisfactorily.
4. Gamification
Gamification, or the application of game mechanics and dynamics to non-ludic situations, has been practised for a long time. However, in recent years, and particularly as a result of the evolution of video games, the problem has taken on unprecedented proportions, and it is now one of the most widely discussed present and future trends in the EdTech business.
Since the 1980s, when games with a global appeal such as the "Carmen Sandiego" series or "Reader Rabbit" became popular, the number of instructional titles has steadily expanded. Not just those geared at the general public, but also those tailored to students and specialised courses are becoming increasingly common.
This trend has been consolidated by the increasing incorporation of gamification into academic curricula, which is expected to continue in the future as well.
V. Bibliography
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