Powerful Tools and Bright Ideas in Teaching*

By:
Eric Olivarez

 

*Opening remarks delivered during Abiva Publishing House’s continuing education seminar for teachers on November 3, 2006 at Olivarez College, Parañaque City.

Eric Olivarez has a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Dela Salle University, Manila. He is the Vice President for Academic Affairs of Olivarez College, Parañaque City.

Quality education is first and foremost a function of instruction.  In the hands of uncommitted and ineffective teachers, the best-designed curriculum is doomed to fail.  While it is true that some students can learn in spite of the teacher, it cannot be denied that the quality of education outputs is to a great extent, a function of instruction and a result of students’ interaction with their teachers.

Teachers who are masters of their craft and are genuinely concerned with the total growth of their students can leave an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of the learners that can withstand the passage of time.

Educational institutions that have distinguished themselves for excellence take pride in a cadre of expert teachers who view teaching as a service-oriented mission, an opportunity and a privilege to share their expertise and humane qualities wholly and unconditionally.  These are teachers who empower learners to achieve the goals of education.

Effective Teachers

What is your notion of an effective teacher?  Recall the teachers you had during your schooling—teachers whom you admire the most and will likely not forget.  What makes them memorable and loved?

I believe that expert teachers possess four types of expertise:

  1. Subject matter expertise – mastery of content-specific knowledge and the organization of this knowledge for effective instruction.
  1. Classroom management expertise – maintenance of high levels of on-task students’ classroom behavior, prevention or speedy elimination of learning disruptions, and creation of an environment conducive to learning
  1. Instructional expertise – implicit and explicit knowledge of various teaching strategies and methods to attain predefined instructional objectives.
  2. Diagnostic expertise – knowledge of class and individual needs and goals, abilities, achievement levels, motives, personality attributes, and emotions which influence instruction and learning.

Dr. Flordeliza Reyes, professor at De La Salle University, identified the characteristics of expert teachers in her book Unveiling Teaching Expertise: A Showcase of Sixty-Nine Outstanding Teachers in the Philippines.  These are

  1. Perseverance
  2. Patience
  3. Understanding
  4. Love and concern in dealing with students
  5. Success-oriented
  6. Dedicated to their profession
  7. Motivated
  8. Driven to excel
  9. Penchant for growth and lifelong learning

Flexibility in the use of analytical and global teaching techniques and facility in catering to different learning styles of their students further characterize expert teachers.

All expert teachers manifest in their classroom instruction the following “essentials” of teaching expertise:

  1. content mastery
  2. instructional clarity
  3. non-threatening disposition
  4. provision of psychologically safe learning environment
  5. provision for two-way communication
  6. efficient handing of routine activities and time management
  7. enthusiasm
  8. high rapport with students
  9. sensitivity to students’ learning problems/difficulties and ability to anticipate probable learning problems or misconceptions
  10. absence of class disruptions

 

Expert “Enhancers”

Expert teachers differ among themselves as regards manifestations of additional aspects of “enhancers” of instructional expertise which include the following:

  1. maintenance of students’ on task behavior
  2. use of varied instructional strategies
  3. excellent oral communication skills
  4. expressive body language
  5. learner-centeredness
  6. developing students’ responsibility for their learning
  7. use of varied instructional equipment/materials
  8. magnetism or charisma
  9. values integration
  10. affectionate interaction with students
  11. sense of humor

 

Expert’s Inspiration

Teacher-role models serve as the expert’s inspiration.  They influence their personal and professional lives.  Favorable work conditions that strongly support faculty development and instruction provide reasonable workload and encourage creativity.  Encouraging and supportive school administrators, colleagues, and friends are other sources of inspiration for successful teaching, together with supportive family members who understand the demanding work of a teacher.

Dr. Reyes added that teaching expertise may be acquired at the early stage of one’s career which implies that some teachers are born.  However, the chance of being an expert increases with age, teaching experience, and educational attainment.  This implies that most teachers are made.  Moreover, teaching expertise does not deteriorate with age.  Hence, once an expert is always an expert even at past retirement age.

 

Progressive Philosophies

Expert teachers generally espouse progressive philosophies:

  1. The teacher is a guide or facilitator of learning
  2. Students are active participants in the teaching-learning process
  3. Education is a means of developing the learners holistically and of improving the society

Conceivably, these principles are basic but still prove to be powerful tools and bright ideas in teaching.  The formulae for a successful teaching remain constant.  It is up to the teachers to devise techniques and approaches to improve the formulae.

 
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