Quality of teacher in 21 century

The 21st century educator is a lifelong learner

Whereas the teacher focuses on facilitating knowledge and skill acquisition – and most of the time BASED on what he too acquired from previous teachers and life experiences, the evolving trends in technology require he stays on top of the knowledge curve with new information.

He must follow, understand and learn the emerging knowledge curve surrounding technology.

The drive to remain current and informed becomes a motivating factor, which should trickle down to the learner.

The educator, therefore, is a persistentlearner, an avid reader, and a greedy one at that, of emerging knowledge base and smart trends.

 

1. The new educator is tech savvy

Technology is the fulcrum upon which productivity and socio-economic existence rotate in the 21st century.

It is used extensively in science, finance, manufacturing, the labor market, social-economic environment, communication, and domestic installations.

New technology means new ways to affect productivity, communicate, and teach.

For the Teacher, it calls for the right balance between old learning models and emerging technologies.

A case in point is the implementation of the Smart Learning Environment (SLE) to ensure learning remains relevant.

Regardless, the teacher has to evolve with the advancements, experiment with new hardware and software, and sort out relevant components for an improved learning experience.  

Below are some focal points for the tech-savvy teacher:

Track learner progress as an attribute of SLE

Analyze and explore technology smartly and extensively

Discover and recognize new learning environment

Integrate apps, multimedia, and e-learning tools

Promote the use of online virtual and other smart tools

Get to understand Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning better

Bridge learning communities and environment

A deeper look into the workings of technology will motivate the tech-savvy teacher to shape even better syllabi for future educators and learners.

2. The new educator is a team leader & collaborator

Unlike the traditional modal of learning where knowledge was a reserve of the teacher, inside the classroom, in the library or prepped learning facilities, information today is no longer a monopoly.

Only a few years ago, all a teacher had to do was walk into the classroom with a textbook and get the job done. 

But times have changed since information is no longer a reserve of any one person. Learners today acquire information from multiple sources and collaborations.

These notably include internet repositories, collaborations, and public libraries. Information is available through a click, a swipe, a tap on mobile screens, and audio-visual interactions with voice assistants.

With new innovations and variant lines of thoughts, the teacher of the 21st Century should get out of his shell and

become literate about global matters

encourage learner-centered education – cooperative learning

is inclusive of every learner

promote smart communication skills

preach accountability and responsibility

encourage digital citizenship

create new learning avenues

enable critical thinking and problem solving

become visionary and inspirational of what is coming next

encourage career learning and guidance of the learners

promote hands-on knowledge and skills.

3. The new teacher is creative & innovative

It is incumbent upon the teacher of the 21st Century to instill creative and innovative intelligence in young learners, based on their skillsets, interest, and motivation.

Creative teaching is helpful in promoting original thought and action and challenges the mind to look for NEW ideas and solutions to emerging challenges.

The antiquated education system prepared learners for static job markets they would meet once they graduated.

Out of the many, the teacher can participate and encourage some or all of these:

flipped learning

playful learning

critical thinking in solving problems

creative collaborations

imaginative games

cooperative learning

design tests

instructional scaffolding

Established and startup firms are constantly looking for new ideas to create better and new products for the emerging smart markets.

Likewise, the modern-day life challenges arising from urbanization and globalization are a cue for creatives to come up with smart ideas that help to solve 21st Century challenges.

4. The 21st century teacher is a role model & mentor

Today, more than ever, children and learners find themselves at crossroads in the journey towards adulthood.

The youth have to endure unbearable challenges if they are to grow into responsible adults.

For this and many other factors, the teacher of the 21st Century is obliged to set a good example by becoming a good role model.