Human Life is a series of activities and education imparted with the purpose of preparing an individual definitely and effectively for all the specific activities of life. It is believed, except for the mandatory training for school teachers, that teachers learn through experience the nuances of teaching, but if that alone is the basis, it ultimately limits the development. Because the experiences in just one’s own life may not necessary equip a teacher to understand and cater to the batches and batches of students trained by the teacher. Through reflection, inquiry and critical thinking, common traits found among many good teachers, the gap is bridged to certain extent. Apart from these, there is another important trait, which contributes to the making of a great teacher and about which there are umpteen examples from ancient times to the present. Empathy, spiritual bent of mind, a mentoristic approach towards students from the teachers, especially the language teachers, uplifts the quality of education. This article is an earnest attempt to explore the inextricable relationship between a successful teacher and the spiritual bent of mind. To substantiate this I will etch in a few examples and references from various sources.
Purpose of the study and its relevance:
The topic I selected may appear too enthusiastic or unfair. My odyssey started after reading a few biographies of successful teachers, from past to the present, it was so enlivening that I decided to write a full paper on this. It is not only interesting but also advantageous to study about the roots which nourish the giant tree. Perhaps with our focused practice we can better understand the pedagogical implications thereof.
Introduction:
On hearing the word “...
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...ty within.” (CW p.228)
Why not let that impact be from the teaching fraternity? Let us all aspire to be the torch bearers to the society. This article is dedicated to all the teachers who, directly or indirectly, have instilled positive outlook in me.
Works Cited
• Goyal,B.R. Documents on Soocial, Moral and Spiritual Values in Education. National Council of Educational Research and Training; New Delhi, 1979.
• Position Paper: National Focus Group on Education for Peace. National Council of Educational Research and Training. New Delhi, 2006.
• The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Advaita Ashram: Kolkatta, 2002. Vol. 8.
• The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Advaita Ashram: Calcutta, 1988. Vol. 4.
• Sheldrake, Philip. A Brief History of Spirituality, Wiley Blackwell, 2007.
• Tagore, Rabindranath. My Reminiscences. London: Macmillan, 1917.
“A teacher who establishes rapport with the taught, becomes one with them, learns more from them than he teaches them. He who learns nothing from his disciples is, in my opinion, worthless. Whenever I talk with someone I learn from him. I take from him more than I give him. In this way, a true teacher regards himself as a student of his students. If you will teach your pupils with this attitude, you will benefit much from them.” - Mahatma Gandhi
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Before her tragic death in space, Christa McAuliffe left us with her inspirational words, “I touch the future. I teach.” Since I was in second grade, I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to be a teacher. After considering my options and analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of being a teacher, I came to the conclusion that being an educator was the only profession that would completely satisfy me. Consequently, I have encountered a lot of criticism because of my decision. However, these opinions have only encouraged me to strive to become an extraordinary teacher that will change the lives and instill knowledge into students that will last a lifetime.
Empowering the students to embrace and these qualities in themselves, with the influence of religion and to live their lives with the understanding of
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“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”
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Teachers serve as the guiding force in a student’s life. They are responsible for molding a student’s personality and shaping his/her mental orientation. Teachers deeply impact our lives and direct the course of our future. One cannot deny the influence of teachers in one’s life. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that, till a certain age, out life revolves around our teachers. They are our constant companions, until we grow old enough to come out of their shadow and move ahead on our own.
When thinking of a philosophy of teaching, four major issues need to be considered. Those issues are one’s views on education, the role of the teacher, teaching and learning, and on the children. This is something that someone entering the teaching profession needs to give serious thought to and realize the importance that this will hold in the future. The following essay will express my philosophy of teaching.
Goodlad, J. I., Sirotnik, K. A., & Soder, R. (1990). The moral dimensions of teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
As knowledge and experiences continue throughout life in response to circumstances, modifications of both self-identity and professional-identity are ever present, and being able to reflect on who you are and why, is imperative. Because of this, as professed by Day and Assunção-Flores, ‘learning to become an effective teacher is a long and complex process’…being shaped, reshaped and reflected upon many times, especially over the first two years of teaching (2006:219).
Along these two weeks we have been prompt to make a recall to our own way of learning and why we became a teacher: Was it because coincidence, due to life circumstances, maybe because family tradition, was it a conscious decision or because someone influenced us? Whatever the answer is, we have to face reality and be conscious that being a teacher does not only means to teach a lesson and asses students learning. It requires playing the different roles a teacher must perform whenever is needed and required by our learners, identify our pupils needs and preferences, respecting their integrity and individuality but influencing and motivating them to improve themselves and become independent.
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Philosophy is very important when it comes to the teaching practice. It helps teachers to understand everything that is happening in the school settings as well as helping them to understand the way in which all the school citizens act and how they think. It also helps them to think more clearly. It gives them wisdom and helps them to learn more about what is happening in the world which they live in. It helps them to learn about each other. This assignment will focus on explaining the importance of philosophy for the teaching practice by highlighting how epistemology has influence on how I teach, the importance of ethics in the teaching practice as well as identifying one philosophy of teaching amongst, pragmatism, existentialism or liberalism.