There is always a gap, it seems like, between theories, what we know we should do, and practice, what we actually do. Hence, it is important, no matter what your profession is, to practice in the field that you are studying, to ensure proximal understanding and performance in the field. Having taught students English Language and Arts, in both a one-on-one and a classroom setting, for two semesters, I am starting to develop my theory of which roles a teacher should take. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     First and foremost, a teacher should be a guide to his or her students. English is a complex subject, with all the patterns and sounds that one has to remember, and students, who are still trying to grasp the information, don’t yet know what they need to know. Hence, it would take the teacher to help guide students in their education path, teaching the simpler information before the complex ones and helping the students to set short-term goals. At the same time, teachers should also guide the students by showing them the long-term goal that we all aim to achieve. Students, while learning about all the nitty-gritty at school, such as which sounds an “a” may make, could easily overlook the fact that reading, at its roots, is a method we use to document and exchange thoughts. Additionally, to be a good guide, teachers need to understand the situations the students may be facing at school and adjust their assistance accordingly. Thus, the teacher needs to be mindful of how students perceive the classroom and the world. Conclusively, the teacher needs to point out along the way and remind the students not to lose sight of the long-term goals while learning new information and attempting to accomplish the short-term goals. The teacher also needs to provide good guidance for the student by being mindful of the students' situations. In this way, a teacher is a guide for the students in their learning journey. 

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     Secondly, a teacher should be a model for his or her students. Due to language limitations and the different ways people may interpret words, actions, oftentimes, speak louder than words. My experiences, during this semester, also show how important it is for students to have a model. Before this semester, I also knew that writing is a good habit. However, I never quite developed the habit of writing until this semester, when I was reminded and given time each week for writing. During class time, the professor would also take time to write with us, thus giving me a model to follow. At first, I struggled with what I wanted to write, but as time progressed, I could think of something to write every time we were given time to write, and I would even write outside of class. Possibly due to the constant reminder of writing, I also started to notice when my friend would document her random ideas as possible future research topics, another writing habit that I wanted to develop but somehow always forget to do. Hence, through modeling, I am starting to develop new habits and practice my writing skills. Based on my experience, I believe that even students of younger ages, if given appropriate instructions and modeling, could learn a lot from the teacher and thrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Last but not least, a teacher should be an authority figure for the students. We are so often taught to be nice and affectionate to the students that we often forget that we still need to remain an authority to ensure that students will follow the instructions given. If a teacher seems goofy and doesn’t establish his or her authoritative role in the classroom, the students will take advantage of this teacher to get out of the work they need to do. The students also have a greater chance of avoiding seeking help or advice from a goofy teacher than they reaching out to an authoritative teacher. Hence, a teacher should make sure that the students respect and look up to him or her. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Having stepped into a classroom and interacted with students inside the classroom, I feel that I understand teaching a little bit more than before. From my experiences, I think a teacher should work to be a guide, a model, and an authority in the classroom. I acknowledge that I do not yet know all the aspects of teaching, and I feel that I may never fully master teaching, but I believe that with more experience and practice, I would be able to refine my teaching skills and help my students to achieve their potential.