Reformation of the education system – the role of teachers in bringing positive changes

Since the past decade, the education system has gone through tremendous changes. Technology has taken over, computers are replacing books, and online school has become a reality. Credits to the recent pandemic, virtual classes are in demand more than ever. However, a group of significant individuals is there without whom none of these changes would have been possible. That's correct; we are talking about teachers. They are the source behind these constant positive changes in the education system. Had it not been because of their ability to adapt to changes, students would have to stay with the old, outmoded education system.

Just like parents, teachers are significant figures in every child's life. Teachers have the capability of shaping children's thought processes, opinions, and ideas from a very early age. Teachers act as role models and inspirations throughout students' years at school and as every student's support system.

However, being a teacher is no less than a stressful job. Early hours, uncontrollable children, deadlines, and very tight pay makes it worse. Besides, nowadays, teachers must go through at least some training and present a degree in a related field before applying for a job. Therefore, many institutes have started offering a bachelor's and masters teaching program online and physically.

We talked about how teachers influence children and adapt to changes, but how do teachers bring these positive changes? Below, we have outlined some points which help teachers in getting positive changes to the education system.

1. Discouraging discrimination

The most crucial 21st-century phenomenon is bringing an end to cultural, ethnic, and racial discrimination. A teacher can play a very significant part in this. Since teachers have the power to shape students' ideas and perceptions of this world, they can ensure there is no sense of discrimination growing in them. Suppose children encourage diverse cultures, religions, ethnic groups and disregard discriminatory thoughts towards anyone. In that case, it is very highly unlikely that they'll outgrow as discriminators. Of course, this is only applicable when the teacher herself shows zero discrimination in front of students.

2. Acting as role models

It might sound like a cliché point, but the most crucial job a teacher can do (apart from teaching) is to act as a role model for his/her students. Students, especially younger ones, look up to their teachers and often try to copy them. Teachers can't expect their students to act and behave in a certain way if they don't model their desired behavior. Hence, the teacher needs to behave in a particular manner and comply with the classroom code of conduct.

A good teacher never discourages her students. Good teachers stay positive, show compassion and understanding towards their students, and are always appreciative of their students. It not only encourages a positive culture in the classroom but in the entire education system. If all teachers started making efforts to act as role models, the world would have a much more civilized future generation.

3. Innovative ways of learning

Children tend to get bored very quickly, so the teacher needs to develop different and innovative ways to teach. It could include game-based learning or frequent presentations and skits. Teachers can also opt for video-based teaching, where teachers teach with movies, short films, and YouTube videos. It will help keep students' interest, concentration, and enjoyment intact and allow teachers to discover new teaching methods. Some of them might even turn out to be more effective than traditional textbook learning.

Teachers can call in for meetings and simultaneously decide the best possible ways of building positive changes for students. Multiple ideas can help teachers come up with more creative techniques of teaching.

4. They provide guidance

Teachers are the best guides students can find in their entire academic career. They inspire and motivate students to do their best and excel in all walks of life. They are also a source of assistance to their students. Teachers continuously push their students to do better and assist them whenever they need.

While teachers mainly contribute to a student's academic life, some often act as life counselors too. Teachers are always available for any emotional help a student might need due to reasons other than academics. They are still considerate and kind to students going through stress, anxiety, or any other disorder.

5. Rewarding students

A teacher-student bond gets its strength when a teacher and school rewards students for their positive behavior and attitude. Nothing makes students more excited than being rewarded for something. Rewards can include stuff like a field trip, a free period, or an extension in their games class. For younger students, there are even simpler rewards like a smiley face or golden stars stickers.

It motivates students to keep up with their excellent behavior. It reminds them how positive behavior and actions lead to great outcomes. It is a potent tool in maintaining student attitude.

6. Teachers are dedicated

The most effective tool which contributes to bringing positive educational changes is the teachers' dedication. Teachers act as academic goal-setters, goal pushers, mentors, and life coaches to help their students. Nothing makes a teacher happier than seeing his/her student succeed in life.

Even though teachers are significantly underpaid, and most of them are left unrecognized, they still don't hold back their efforts in teaching their students. They start early morning and work till well after school hours have ended. Most of their days pass by just grading assignments and exams and making study plans. It shows the level of dedication teachers carry and the respect they deserve. Not only are they making a huge impact on their students' life, but they are setting standards for the future education system as well.

Conclusion

Teachers are the real gems of society. They are the only hope for the education system to shape the leaders of tomorrow. They are energetic and put a lot of effort into shaping society. Had it not been for the teachers' willingness to put in the effort and teach, there would have been little to no economic and social developments in this world.