THE ROLE OF A TEACHER IN A STUDENT’S LIFE

May 22

Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.        “Aristotle”

The quality of the personality of a person affects the well being of his own, as well as, that of his family, organisation and state. The development of a successful personality becomes the responsibility of an individual and last but the least of the teachers. A teacher is very indispensible in the building years in a student’s life; thereby affecting the overall development of a child. The teacher must be of highest possible quality and also dedicated to the growth and development of the student.

A lot of research has been conducted on the role of education in improving the choice and quality of lives, improving social and economic productivity, and initiating the process of empowerment.

Traditionally, school education acquired immense importance in the post-Independence period and with the consequent expansion of the system, the role of the school teacher also underwent a significant transformation.

Whether it’s the movie “Black” that shows how a teacher helped a physically challenged child to not only develop into a young lady, but finally also find her purpose in life. Or the subtle “Taare Zameen Par” that so correctly shows how one encouraging teacher can be the difference between a talented young boy finding himself or not. Even the more recently released “Stanley Ka Dabba” teaches how children can flourish or wither, depending on how their teachers respond to them and their ideas. Take for instance to “Professor Duggal”, in “Do Dooni Char” who was an ordinary middle class mathematics professor, but yet set an example of integrity and honesty, such that his students thought him as an idol long after passing out of his class.

The role of a teacher in the early years is that of a guide who shows them new paths. A guide who keeps them safe by walking beside them thereby also helps them to explore the world around them. A teacher becomes like a partner in a child’s learning experience, and is a person who encourages them to find their own answers and discover people, environment, situations that they come across. Teachers help student explore special interests or talents, which can have a great impact on their future development.

Children often look to their teachers as role models, and the qualities that a teacher demonstrates through their own behavior can affect a child later in life. Even the way a teacher communicates and expresses him/her can be a big influence on a child’s behavior. This is also a stage, when teachers can be firm with their students, by setting boundaries for them; on what is acceptable behavior and what should not be done. Children in their school environment with the help of teachers learn values such as obedience, punctuality, culture, perseverance and morality.

The student teacher relationship is that of nurturance, trust, guidance, and encouragement, and as a child grows into a young adult, a teacher also becomes a friend and confidant for the student. In order to have quality teachers, management of the school needs to pay special attention to their selection, development, and approach towards teaching the teacher act as role model of an ideal personality. He should bear good moral conduct. Teachers bring enthusiasm and varied teaching and assessment approaches to the classroom, addressing individual students’ needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for every student.

“Teachers can be a living example to their students. Not that teachers should look for students to idealize them. One who is worth idealising does not care whether others idealize them or not. Everyone needs to see that you not only teach human values but you live them. It is unavoidable sometimes you will be idealized — it is better for children to have a role model, or goal, because then the worshipful quality in them can dawn.” ― Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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