Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam famously quoted that "Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me." While teaching indeed is one of the noblest and greatest professions, teaching in the 21st century is not quite what teaching was perceived as in the olden days. Have you ever wondered about the challenges our teachers face in the 21st-century? With the ongoing global pandemic, the world has witnessed a revolution in the field of education and teaching. Classroom learning and teaching have been replaced with digital learning. Students and teachers are struggling to keep up with their roles from across a screen and while everyone stays at home.
In this article below, we at National Model School, Coimbatore, shall discuss with you, what is a 21st-century teacher? Why are 21st-century teachers necessary for the world? What are the characteristics of a 21st-century teacher? And, everything you need to know about modern-day 21st-century teaching.
What Is A 21st Century Teacher?
Teachers in the 21st century are those who continue to teach in the same way that they have been teaching, but with the tools and technology of today. They are employing everything that is necessary in today's world for students to be able to survive and succeed in times to come. A 21st-century teacher must be able to lead and create a balance between education and develop problem-solving skills in students so that they can adapt to the constant changes in the future.
A 21st-century teacher is optimistic about the future. They are fully conscious of the ever-changing technological trends and are contemplating what the future has in store for education. A competent 21st-century teacher is aware of the professional options that will be available to his / her pupils in the next few years and are always promoting forward-thinking and preparation to guarantee that no kid is left behind.
Why 21st Century Teachers Are Necessary For Today's Time?
The 21st century is an age of collaborative information gathering and learning. The 21st-century teacher is necessary to help facilitate students in the development of comprehension, creative, imaginative, and deep thinking abilities.
The role of teachers in the 21st century is necessary for altering the globalizing environment and improving the long-term education of their students. Simultaneously, 21st-century teachers must be able to inspire and mentor students in developing employability skills through the use of digital technologies.
The importance of a teacher in the twenty-first century has shifted dramatically from that of just an educator to that of an all-around mentor. Teaching in the twenty-first century is a completely new experience, made even newer by the change in how we learn. Learning may now take place anywhere, at any time, and can be tailored to an individual's approach and interests. Thus, 21st-century teachers are not only necessary to render basic education but also to make sure their students are ready for the latest trends and changes in the world.
What Are The Salient Skills Of A 21st Century Teacher?
Mentioned below are the top salient skills and characteristics of an effective 21st-century teacher.
Adaptability 21st-century teachers must know that smart boards are taking the place of blackboards, and laptops are taking the place of textbooks, and a 21st-century teacher must be comfortable with this. The 21st-century teacher must be able to adapt to the changing tools and technology. The first skill that teachers must possess is adaptability, or the capacity to tailor their instruction to the requirements of their students. This may be accomplished by adopting techniques to maintain students' attention, brainstorming innovative ways to distribute content, and educating themselves on developing technology.
Learner-Centered Classroom Individualized education is not only feasible, but desired because students have distinct personalities, aspirations, and requirements. Students nowadays should be treated as participants rather than passive listeners, and they should be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning. As a result, classroom education must be modified to include students' contributions and choices. Every kid has distinct learning needs, talents, and aspirations, and the classroom should be a place where they may reflect on all of them.
Lifelong Learners The 21st-century teacher must be a lifelong learner. The 21st-century teacher has to keep up with the latest teaching trends and technology and must know how to modernize previous teaching ideas and make them more interactive.
Collaborative Learning An effective teacher must be able to collaborate and work successfully in a group setting. Collaborative learning has exploded in popularity in classrooms during the last decade. When students and teachers can share their thoughts and information with others, learning is thought to be more effective.
Technology Friendly Technology is rapidly evolving daily, which means that a 21st-century teacher is right in the middle of being technology-friendly. Using the most up-to-date technology, whether for teaching or grading, will help both the instructor and the student to learn more effectively and quickly. A good 21st-century teacher recognizes that knowing about the latest technology may completely alter their students' education, so they are not only up to date on the latest trends, but also know how to grasp them.
Importance Of Adopting Technology As A Skill For Teaching, Homework, Revisions & Exams For The 21st Century Teacher
At present, due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, education throughout the world has pivoted online. Technology has become a very important tool for teachers and students. Right from teaching to assignments and exams, everything is happening with the help of technology.
Owing to technology, teachers and students have access to a wealth of internet resources that should encourage them to conduct research and therefore get onto the path of self-sufficiency. It also makes learning easier by making topics more consumable. One must also understand that many learning styles exist, and standard schooling may not be able to accommodate them all.
Students may find it difficult to stay involved in what they are learning in a traditional classroom, so the use of engaging technology is critical in keeping their attention and allowing them to absorb knowledge more effectively. Technology can also assist students in achieving a good education.
Closing Thoughts; How National Model School Coimbatore Is Ensuring Their Teachers Are the 21st Century Teachers
By teaching appropriate skills for life and behavior at our school, students will develop global competencies and self-discipline, responsibility, good judgment capacity, and respect for self and others.
Our school adopts new methods of 21st-century teaching through PowerPoint presentations, interactive TV’s, internet in classrooms, Audio/Visual presentations, Online Teaching, Quiz, Roleplay, Debates, Demos, Experiments, and Enactments.
Author: Dr. P Mohan Chandar (BBS, MBA, Ph D)
Chairman of National Group of Schools