This
blog post was inspired by a conversation I had with a close friend of mine
(also a graduate student but at a different institution). She is in the process
of deciding whether or not serve as a Teaching Assistant for a lab course and
expressed a deep concern about not being a “good enough” teacher to make a good
TA. She echoed sentiments that I had heard from other colleagues who have struggled
with confidence in the classroom because they just “didn’t have the flair for
teaching.”
My curiosity grew and I began
looking into whether or not effective teachers are born or made. To my delight,
this turns out to be a very popular conversation among educators over the
years. From my readings, I find myself leaning towards the argument that
effective teachers are MADE/RAISED/GROOMED. I have included some of my readings
below for your reference.
Great Teachers: Born or Made?
Natural Born Teachers
Teaching the Teachers
Excellence in Teaching
I must
say that I came across a number of valid arguments for the contribution of an
innate gift to an individual’s teaching abilities. However, with the proper
tools and training, the lack of some innate ability should not be an obstacle that
prevents an individual from achieving teaching success. Even the most naturally
talented teacher would fail to be effective in the classroom without
implementing practical elements such as preparation, organization,
knowledge/love of content, clarity, stimulating student interest and being
respectful. Furthermore, this article highlights nine characteristics
of great teachers and it is reassuring to see that 8 out of the 9 highlighted
characteristics are skills that an individual can learn and put into practice. This
concept ties in very nicely with what we do at the CTL; we provide students and
postdocs with tools that allow them to become effective teachers irrespective
of natural gifts/predispositions.
Moving
on to my dear friend’s dilemma, I wanted to provide a starting point for her
and other individuals struggling with the fear of not being effective teachers,
to begin to tackle this challenge. I have compiled a (very) short list of
resources below that provide helpful information/tools to
help one navigate the apprehension that could come with teaching, especially
for the first time.
Chapter 1: Teaching the First Class
Tips for First-time Teachers
I’d love
to hear your thoughts on this discussion. Are good teachers born or made? Please
also feel free to suggest other resources you have found helpful along your
journey as a developing teacher.
The good teacher is Born or Made is really a great work all the one will really confused about your word. I feel that the teachers are really borne one they can make a good society.
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ReplyDeleteI personally think it's 50,50. Because caring humble nature is by birth but teaching style is to be learnt. So a perfect teacher is a mix of both.
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ReplyDeleteAccording to my approach the good teachers are born. If the person is better qualified teacher and he is the gold medalist, but have not good skills in making the people or students understand any topic then he is not a good teacher. I don't like to extend paper length and don't like to waste my time. My point is just to teach the children with your heart.
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ReplyDeleteA teacher is a person who helps others to acquire knowledge, competences or values. Informally the role of teacher may be taken on by anyone. For More information check http://www.capstoneproposal.com This is actually very good article about great question that good teacher born or made. Here I think a good teacher actually born. Thanks for shared this valuable post.
ReplyDeleteA teacher is the backbone of a nation. A teacher Can make anyone shine in his life. In addition, a good teacher is not found over night. A good teacher is made with a lot of hard work. We can find more information about this on http://www.capstoneproposal.com/ from online. Thanks a lot for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, you have to maintain the environment of the class and sitting it so well. I am not a teacher my I can understand that what type of the problem you can face. You are looking so positive and homepage your techniques are so wonderful.
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