Teaching in the 21st Century
- Jul 31, 2016
- 2 min read
Learners of today learn far different from those of the learners of yesterday. The shift of students’ way of learning goes with that of the leap of technology. With this, it is a great challenge for a teacher to upgrade and possess the characteristics of a 21st century teacher.
It is a must for teachers to inculcate and use technology in the classroom instruction. I wonder how this could be possible when in fact most of the teachers in the public schools and even in private ones belong to Generation X and Y which are products of the traditional classroom. We cannot impart to students what we do not have. However, I would like to emphasize that being born in those ages doesn’t mean one cannot adapt to the latest trends in today’s teaching.
Learning is not for students only. One must continue to learn in order not to be left behind and not to become illiterate. Learning is a lifelong process. This may sound cliché but it is so true. Today’s teachers should possess some skills in order to be called a “21st century teacher”. According to Alvin Toffer, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Some remain resistant to change and are not willing to learn for they prefer the ones that they are used to. They even do not know how to simply operate a smart phone. DepEd is helping them through seminars and they should as well help themselves or else they will be called as the “illiterate” ones in the 21st century.
Moreover, teaching approach to be used should be learner-centered. Students should be the one responsible in constructing their learning. Teachers should get rid of those unwanted teaching strategies and methods that would not benefit the kind of learners we have now. It is a big no no for an hour or more of purely teacher’s discussion. Pupils would definitely say you’re boring if you do such. Also, one should need to get out from his shell. Connect, communicate and share. Technology would let you easily get and disseminate ideas from all around the world. What’s good is it is just one click away. How cool is that? It is a good way to gather ideas on some approaches you might as well apply on your classroom instruction. In a matter of fact, I really appreciate those teachers who are so updated and active in social media and the like.
Yes we can adopt the use of technology to improve our classroom instruction but it shouldn’t be without paper at all. There should be a sense of balance. Technology is not reliable at all times. Many are the sources but we must choose the best and the most reliable ones.
As 21st century teachers and learners as well, all we have to do to improve is to learn, adapt and upgrade. No matter what generation we may come from for as long as it is what we need to do for the sake of the learners then so be it. The students are not the sole beneficiaries of these all but ourselves as well as a learner of the 21st century.
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