Now-a-days, the teachers of the 21st century emanate qualities that really radiate the essence of a contemporary teacher of the present generation. These traits or characteristics are evident among the teachers in our recent time, to wit:
A. Be pupil-centered in the class. As a 21st century teacher, always remember that the child is the center of the educative process. Let the pupil be the center and focus of the teaching learning process. The child should be an active participant in the daily classroom situation and the teacher should emphasize this scenario in his/her daily interaction with the learners. The teacher should let the child be a dynamic individual who discovers knowledge, develops oneself and grows with the fullest potentials.
B. Makes use of technology. As a 21st century teacher, you need to be well-abreast with the components of the modern technology most especially the ones being used in the teaching instructions. Technology plays a big role in developing modern classrooms. Thus, modern classrooms enhance the learning experiences and eventually widen the pupils’ achievements.
C. Boosts active and cooperative learning. As a teacher of the 21st century, you need to increase active and cooperating learning in the class. The sharing of ideas and collaborating suggestions will further lead the learners to better outcomes which are more beneficial and more fruitful. Moreover, the cooperation yielded from them will promote teamwork.
D. Has performance-based assessment. A 21st century teacher should let the pupils strengthen his/her assessment and not merely confined on written test. He/she must make use of different methods in order to evaluate the achievement of the child. The assessment should be appropriately tailored to the needs and achievements of the learner.
E. Shows creativity. A 21st century teacher displays creativity not only in the physical setting of the classroom but also in the execution of the lessons in the class. Spoon feeding is not acceptable. The teacher must let his/her pupils move and enjoy the class at the same time learning from the activities being conducted by the teacher.
F. Being resourceful. A 21st century teacher is extremely resourceful. He/she looks for the things in order to make oneself and the pupils learn and become productive. He/she searches for more ideas and information for enrichment, enhancement and advancement.
G. Has mutual respect. A 21st century teacher has respect for everybody and treats everyone fairly. He/she shows fairness and objectively to all kinds of learners from different socio-economic strata. Moreover, he/she never fails to treat and accommodate people very well and with kindness.
H. Let pupils become responsible on their learning. A 21st century teacher lets his/her learners grow and soar high. He/she teaches the value of independence or freedom to learn and discover realities. By means of this, the learners will become responsible and will develop in themselves initiative to search for knowledge.
These are the traits of the 21st century educators and they are truly worth rewarding.
By: Raichel M. Evaristo | Teacher I | Legua Elementary School | Orani, Bataan
