A teacher’s role does not begin and end with merely being able to teach students skills and concepts expected at their age or grade level. They are also expected to help the students achieve in their academic and life goals.
Providing and helping students learn not only formal school lesson but also practical skills are very helpful if you want them to become real achievers in life. Remember that we all live in a world where a person should not only learn things taught in school but also lessons life gives. This is where guidance without prejudice should come in with the help of the teacher.
One important value you can teach them is the appreciation for high academic standards. As early as elementary, students should understand why they are in school. It is not merely about going to school because children of their age should be there. Inculcate the love for learning and help them see the value of education. This can help them appreciate and give worth to it as they grow older.
Help them understand that achieving high standards of education is not only about passing or for them to land a job when they become adults, it is about many other things that directly or indirectly affects them as an individual. For example, when they learn basic mathematics concepts, they will use the learning as they go for higher Maths. Eventually, they could become accountants when they grow up. Then, as accountants, they can help in improving businesses. The business will flourish and it could contribute to a better economy.
The backbone of a student achiever begins with a truly genuine understanding of why and how they are learning. If a teacher is able to deeply root this into their young minds and hearts, that student can go a long way towards success not only in the academe but in hi/her life as well.
References:
Brdar, Ingrid; Majda Rijavec; Darko Loncaric (2006). “Goal orientations, coping with school failure and school achievement”. European Journal of Psychology of Education
Greenberg, D. (2000) 21st Century Schools. Edited transcript of a talk delivered at the April 2000 International Conference on Learning in the 21st Century. Retrieved from http://sudburyvalleyschool.org/essays/102008.shtml on October 12, 2014.
Studentification: A Guide to Opportunities, Challenges, and Practice. (2012) Retrieved from http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/Publications/Documents/studentification_guide.pdf: on October 30, 2014.
By: Ruel P. Labrador | T – III | Morong Elementary School
