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Abstract
Most children spend a majority of their day in class with their teacher, and during that time many
form a bond with their teacher that leaves a lasting impact on their lives. Teachers and educators
wear so many hats that simply calling them teachers doesn’t cut it. Teachers are mentors, role
models, friends, therapists and so much more for their students.The wisdom teacher’s share
allows students to blossom and become who they want to be, without judgment. Children interact
and learn so much from one another, and challenge each other which helps with their cognitive
development and decision making skills. In the classroom, students are able to explore different
cultures and discover who they are. Every child has things that make them special and unique, no
two children will ever be the same.
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Having an Impact on Students Lives
Education is one of the most important things a person can have. We are constantly learning and
being educated every single day, especially in the field of education where it is our job to educate
others. Starting at a very young age, it is natural for children to be interested in learning about the
world and asking several questions. Educators have an extremely important part in a child’s life
and leave a lasting impact on the way they live their lives. Being an educator is not just about
teaching required material, but also about guiding, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, listening
and learning from your students. “Teachers have long-lasting impacts on the lives of their
students, and the greatest teachers inspire students towards greatness.” (Bashir, 2020) Children
spend a large part of their day in school and the bond they create with their teachers is an
important one, so make sure it is a positive and inspiring one!
Philosophy of Schools and Learning
The philosophy of schools and learning should consist of inspiring, motivating and encouraging
all students. All schools should commit to their students' life long learning process. Essentialism
is the theory of teaching and learning basic education. Essentialism "aims to transmit the
essentials of the social and cultural heritage by teaching students subject-matter disciplines such
as mathematics, natural sciences, and history and forming their moral and ethical character”.
(Gutek, 2009). I feel as if most students' learning journey lies more with Progressivism. The
main focus of Progressivism is more about the child rather than the topic matter. This shows as
more of a real-world, child/student centered learning process.
Instructional Practice
“Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills
by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging,
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and complex question, problem, or challenge.” (PBL Works, 2020). Project based learning gives
students the chance to learn at their own pace and rate. No two children are exactly the same or
learn the same way, this method makes the outcome of their learning differentiated. PBL puts the
student in control of the way they learn, as the teacher helps in the process. This method gives
students a chance to have a voice in their educational journey, and results in students being able
to collaborate with other students in their classroom throughout their life. Students also get the
opportunity to do interactive learning and be hands-on throughout their learning journey, and this
results in students being more confident and grateful in the end.
Teacher-Learner Relationships
Students spend a large part of their lives and days in classrooms, and sooner or later they are
going to find a teacher they connect and can bond with. . In forming these relationships, it also
can change a student's outlook and experience with learning. Students think of their teachers at
role models and mentors during their time in school, sometimes a teacher is the only consistency
a student gets in their lives that truly cares. Luke 6:40 discusses the importance of teacher-learner
relationships, stating “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will
be like his teacher”. (NIV,2005 )The main role of the learner in the learning process is to be
attentive and responsive, being perceptive and observant, and also continuing to study. . The
learner should also always be kind and respectful to their teacher and those around them. The
role of the teacher in the learning process is to set the standard and the framework for the
classroom. Teachers are also considered counselors, mentors, role models,caregivers, and friends
but most of all educators. For a positive and lasting teacher-learner relationship, there has to be
trust, honesty, and communication and respect between them.
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Diversity
“The presence of diversity in the classroom allows students to consider perspectives and
opinions beyond those they’ve already formed or were shaped in early life by family and
friends.” (Benefits of Inclusion and Diversity, 2019). Teaching students diversity in the
classroom allows them to learn from all different walks of life and perspectives. It allows
children to see the world from several different types of viewpoints, as well as teach about their
own life to other students. In my opinion, diversity enables students to be innovative and gives
them the opportunity to learn how to work through and learn to problem solve effectively in a
student centered learning environment. Having diversity and inclusiveness in the classroom gives
educators the opportunity to get to know their students, who they are and their style of learning.
This allows teachers to be able to offer different teaching approaches for all students. There are
several diverse factors a teacher can consider such as race, sex, gender, home life, background,
academic abilities, athletic abilities, religion, and ethnicity when getting to know their students.
After learning, considering and understanding diversity in the classroom, educators can then add
adaptive technology and varying teaching strategies to make sure they are reaching each and
every student. Some of these methods include project-based learning, blended or inclusive
learning, and differentiated instruction.
Conclusion
Teaching is one of the most rewarding, challenging, inspiring career paths a person can choose.
Embarking on a career as a teacher is so many more things than just teaching. Teachers are some
of the most influential people in a child’s life, and their job’s don’t just stop in the classroom.
Educators are role models, mentors, caregivers,and inspirations that student’s will never forget.
Children spend such a large part of their day in school, and the bond they form with their
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References
Bashir, S., Bajwa, M., & Rana, S. (2014/2020, August). Teacher as a Role Model and Its Impact
on the Life of Female Students. International Journal of Research-Granthaalayah, 1(1), 12.
Retrieved December 9th 2022, from
http://granthaalayah.com/Articles/Vol1Iss1/02_IJRG14_A07_03.pdf
Gutek, G. L. (2009/2014). Philosophical, Ideological, and Theoretical Perspectives on Education
(Second ed.). (J. W. Johnston, Ed.) Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA: PEARSON.
Retrieved December 9th, 2022, from
https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/545761/sp/174035981/mi/560828760/?cfi=
New International Version, T. (2005). NIV Thinline Bible (Luke 6:40 ed.). Grand Rapids,
Michigan, USA: Zondervan. Retrieved December 20th, 2022
PBL Works. (2020). What is PBL? Retrieved December 20th, 2022, from Buck Institute for
Education: https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
The Benefits of Inclusion and Diversity in the Classroom. (2019, July 24). Retrieved December
10th, 2022 from American University: School of Education Online Programs:
https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/benefits-of-inclusion-and-diversity-in-the-classroom
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