GRACE MISSION COLLEGE

Catiningan, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

e-Mail: grace.missioncollege@yahoo.com

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
-Proverbs 1:7

Module 1 in Teaching in the Specialized Field

THE CONCEPT OF TEACHING

INTRODUCTION
The concept of teaching denotes a cluster of meanings which naturally differs among different
individuals. It could be defined in a number of ways depending on a crucial goal of teaching that is
considered worth pursuing. To some, it indicates an acceptance of a mission – to provide the necessary
nurturance and love for children. Others intend to give vent to a strong desire to pursue value formation in
order to raise morally upright children. Still others reveal a drive to share instruction, that is, it is basically
information based. Least of all, which could hardly be taken as a goal, is to lift one’s economic status.

A. CONCEPT OF TEACHING

The chief task of education is, above all, to shape man, or to guide the evolving dynamism through
which man forms himself as a man.”
 Traditional concept – Teaching is the act of imparting instructions to the learners in the classroom
situation. It is traditional class-room teaching. In traditional class-room teaching the teacher gives
information to students, or one of the students, or one of the students reads from a text-book, while
the other students silently follow him in their not merely imparting knowledge or information to
students. While imparting knowledge teacher should kept in mind the child as well as the orderly
presentation of subject-matter.
 Modern concept – Teaching is to cause the student to learn and acquire the desired knowledge, skills
and also desirable ways of living in the society. It is a process in which learner, teacher, curriculum
and other variables are organized in a systematic and psychological way to attain some pre-
determined goals.

VIEWS ABOUT TEACHING

Based on a great number of studies on how children learn, educators came to define teaching as
“aggregate of organized strategic methodologies’ aimed to produce a desired learning outcome. It consists of
well-planned tasks which connect all of a teacher’s act to learning. Learning is the definitive goal. Teaching
then, is a personal venture. Only one who is willing to shoulder the enormous responsibilities of shaping the
lives of the young through their own learning can truly say, it is an honest lifework.
Teaching is a dynamic activity which needs a careful analysis of how the learning variables
interrelate with one another. The conclusions arrived at in one situation could not be expected to be the same
in another, even if the same factors exist.
Teaching is described as a moral activity and the teacher who is looked up to as a paragon of virtues
teach values by the very way they relate to their students. Such is the staying quality they possess and they
reap love and respect in return.
 Teaching is a time-honored career, aimed at awakening and nurturing the children’s spirit of inquiry,
at the same time catering to their learning abilities, interests and aspirations.
To many, it is a lifelong mission, characterized by a culture of committed service to children, adults
and the community. Hence teachers are labeled nation-builders.
Teaching is likewise recognized as a science. While science aims at the discovery of the nature and
orderliness of our world around, teaching as a science seeks the application of a scientific attitude and
methodology in deciding about strategies to employ, instructional materials to use and other “best teaching
practices,” to adopt. Guided by a scientific procedure, teaching is regarded as a ‘practical and a consistent
way of modeling how a virtuous, trustworthy and humble scientist works in raising the ethical standards of
the profession.”

Teaching as an Art
Teaching is acknowledged as an art. It signifies the way a teacher expresses her emotions and
communicates her feelings through her teaching chores. In this light, teaching is a conglomeration of one’s
talent, skill and expertise in reaching out and enriching the children’s lives. It aims to achieve an enjoyable
and fruitful learning depending on the teacher’s attributes, craft and finesse in developing their knowledge
base, simultaneous with positive attitudes and values. A skillful teacher exudes a caring, compassionate and
creative approach that makes teaching a masterful act of touching the children’s hearts and minds.

B. DEFINITIONS
Teaching is commonly understood to mean instructing, tutoring and educating. It could stand for
training, tutelage and pedagogy.
Herewith are some more detailed definitions. Note the focus of each meaning.

a. On Teacher Activities
 Teaching refers to the overall cluster of activities which is associated with a teacher, among which
are explaining, questioning, demonstrating and motivating.
 Teaching stands for a “family of logical and strategic acts” aimed at inducing learning of skills,
knowledge and values. Examples of logical acts are defining, deducing and concluding. Strategic
acts are questioning, motivating and evaluating.
 To be called teaching, the activity must involve an interpersonal relationship that promotes learning.
A positive personal relationship is the needed ingredient for learning to occur.
b. On Components
 Teaching involves a triad of elements – teacher, student and subject matter, and the triad is dynamic
in quality. In teaching each element influences and is influenced by the relationship between the
other two elements.
c. In Relation to Subject Matter
 Teaching points to interactions that occur between the teachers and the content being taught to
students of varied characters.
d. On Goals
 A teacher aims to achieve the acquisition of knowledge, development of skills and inculcation of
values.
 It is synonymous to “teaching that” (knowledge), “teaching how” (skill), and “teaching to be”
(values).
e. As a Career
 Teaching refers to a dynamic role of teachers and other qualified adults to awaken and usher
children’s ways of thinking and reacting. C. Teaching as a Profession
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  Teaching is universally accepted as a profession. What is a profession? When does a series of tasks
that are performed at long periods of time become a profession?
 The term profession commonly refers to one’s occupation, job or specialty. It has defined goals and
from its performance one derives self-fulfillment. Educators and others in the field of education view
profession as one’s vocation, employment or lifework. A teacher considers it as his career or field of
lifelong endeavor.
 Teaching is considered a profession if its choice is motivated by any or all of the following:
a. Pursued to achieve a goal, objective or purpose.
b. Involves direction borne by proper planning.
c. Provides opportunities for fulfillment and enhances self-esteem.
d. Allows expression of love, care and compassion for children
e. Contributes to one’s growth and advancement.
f. Provide job security.

D. THE NATURE OF TEACHING

Teaching is one of the most demanding of all professions. It exacts a tremendous demand on the
teacher’s teaching skill and personal qualities before they can satisfactorily perform the multiple roles and
manifold responsibilities it entails. At all times, the practice of teaching calls for a facilitator of learning and
a nurture of the learners. At their own times it needs a leader, administrator and manager. The teachers, to be
able to enjoy their tasks with associates automatically feel as a friend, an enthusiastic colleague and a caring
partner. A more serious role, teaching necessarily makes them decision-makers, instructional materials,
developers and instant researchers. Add to these the task they assume to establish a smooth relationship with
parents and other members of the community.
A more important role that teaching evokes is the unwavering commitment and loyalty to the
profession. Their adherence to the ethical and moral standards are elicited through a code. Ultimately, an
impeccable integrity, honesty, and sincerity it brings forth makes them worthy of emulation by the students,
co-workers and other professionals.
The unique teaching experience that every teacher gains deserves a closer look. Everyday a teacher
faces her class, she is ready to address the whole class as a group, at the same time, attend to a child as an
individual. During her everyday classroom encounter, she is able to satisfy two educational objectives
simultaneously – cognitive and effective. Such is what educators term the “challenging dailiness of
teaching.” The ensuing interactions, emotions and sometimes confusions that add flavor to ones learning
give teaching its one-of-a kind characteristic. Good teachers take said dailiness of teaching and turn them
into special sessions wherein she tries to make them exciting and enjoyable. This is the intellectual journey
that teaching paves for both teachers and students. Teaching is indeed a noble calling and mission-keeping
for others, despite its daunting list of diversified roles. Rewards come in the form of winning the students’
love and emulation and the parents’ acknowledgement and gratification.

E. THE TRIAD OF TEACHING

Ones concept of teaching recognizes the important role inherent among three elements – teacher,
student and subject matter and the significant interaction that occurs between and among them. In every
teaching-learning activity, the teacher influences the learning styles of the students. The students respond
either positively or negatively depending on the teacher’s attributes and skill in presenting a learning task
The nature of the subject matter needs to be considered in determining the strategy to be used. This
interrelationship stresses the dynamic nature of the triad. They are interdependent and neither one is

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effective alone in achieving a particular goal. When one of the three elements is missing, the other two
becomes disconnected and teaching cannot take place.

F. ESSENTIAL TEACHING SKILLS

Teachers have the ability to change lives and develop well-educated and respectable students; they
can help with not only knowledge growth but personal improvement, too. It’s an incredibly rewarding career
path and the long holidays are a huge plus! Good educators are high in demand, but to be an effective
teacher, you need to have a diverse set of professional skills to complete the package.

1. Desirable Teaching Attributes

a. Caring Attitude
Attitudes constitute the basic attributes that could make teaching effective and productive. A caring
attitude is expressed through a thorough understanding of how the students feel and react. A teacher who
cares is ready to spend time with her students and listen to their stories of successes and failures, help them
with difficult tasks and consistently provide a supportive and safe learning environment. The very thought
that someone in the class shows concern and attention, encourages them to reciprocate by trying their best to
be diligent and mindful with their studies.
b. Enthusiasm, Humor and Warmth
There is nothing that can influence and inspire children to “move and follow” other than a teacher’s
spontaneous enthusiasm and energy. A smile evokes a pleasant feeling. Wit and humor set a good mood and
spirit among children. It can soothe their feelings momentarily. It is therefore not surprising if a teacher with
a happy mix of these traits can make every learning event something to look forward to with eagerness and
fun. The rapport she creates can be matched by a lively and friendly atmosphere, conducive to animated
discussions of the lesson.
c. Honesty and Sincerity
A teacher can easily develop these traits by modeling. She is a sticker to truth in her words and
actions. She is genuinely straightforward and offers assistance wholeheartedly. Easily, she could make
teaching a pleasant, satisfying and enriching experience that could transform to a lasting learning.
d. Open-mindedness
A respect for the opinions and ideas expressed by the students open avenues for unrestricted search
for information and evidence. They are encouraged to resolve issues and problems in a democratic way.
Learning becomes an insightful experience for them based on an exhaustive consideration of other
individuals’ findings and explanations. Such brings about an idea teaching situation, wherein they develop
the same attitude and disposition.
e. Fairness and Impartiality
A teacher who treats all her students in a fair and just manner can easily win their respect and
cordiality. Being impartial and unbiased in judging their works and study habits will instill a positive feeling
and willingness to participate in class undertakings. Students are sensitive to discriminations, such that
preferential treatment can result to negative responses and indifference. Objective suggestions are easily
accepted and gratefully acknowledged. It inculcates self-confidence and a friendly attitude among students.
f. Patience
In teaching, patience refers to a teacher’s uncomplaining nature, self-control and persistence. Patient
teachers can forego momentous frustrations and disappointments. Instead they calmly endure their students’
limitations and difficulties.

2. Mastery of Teaching Methodologies

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 The skill in selecting the right strategies in the context of a particular lesson is critical. He teacher
has mastered this ability through sharp and incisive observation of how students learn. Her long convincing
experiences regarding the factors that influence the choice of a strategy must have been honed to near
perfection otherwise its use cannot be expected to promote learning. Numerous studies have shown that
there is no best strategy that could work in a milieu of differing student background and characteristics. The
choice lies in her analytical, discriminating and sensitive appraisal of all the known factors that fringe upon
teaching and learning. A wide experience gained through varying teaching procedures will come in handy in
the many situations she will be confronted with and decisions that she will have to make.

3. Teaching Proficiency
Aside from processing the skill in selecting the strategy to be employed, the teacher’s teaching
proficiency contributes immensely to every lesson’s success. Planning, implementing and evaluating a daily
lesson are tasks that necessitate a smooth integration of the content to be studied and the learning activities
that will be undertaken.

G. EFFECTIVE TEACHING
Effective teaching connotes utmost commitment to enable the children achieve the threefold goals,
namely, gain knowledge, develop skills and imbibe values and attitudes. Teaching as an art and as a science
encompasses, these three dimensions, directed towards an overriding goal to mold the child’s mind and
heart. The quest for a broadening of their knowledge, improving their acquired skills and fostering of
personal and social values constitute the paramount vision of every teaching-for-learning activity.
For teachers to achieve effective teaching they must possess a solid background knowledge of a
particular subject area that is included in the child’s curriculum, equipped with competence in deciding and
implementing appropriate teaching methodologies, and capped with a compassionate and winsome nature.

ACTIVITY NO. 1
Answer the following:
1. State your own definition of teaching
2. Why is teaching often labeled as the noblest of all professions?
3. After reading the module, as a prospective teacher what are some expectations you have now?
4. Describe one learning episode which could be traced to effective teaching. 5. What is the role of
teachers as suggested by the quotation beneath the Module title?

ACTIVITY NO. 2
1. Describe the professional teacher by means of a song or verses.
2. “Like all good teachers, you have a touch of the actor. …You also have a touch of the doctor or
nurse in you” said Rev. Father Joseph V. Landy, SJ. In what sense is the professional teacher an
actor, a doctor and a nurse?
3. Read an article about teaching or a life of a teacher. Write the title and brief synopsis of your
readings. Indicate the reference and make a reflection paper.
4. Make a collection of quotations on the role and importance of teachers.

RESOURCES:

 Corpuz, Brenda B., et.al. (2015). Principles of teaching 1, 4th Ed. Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
 Cruickshank, Donald R., et.at. (2012). The art of teaching 6th edition. McGraw-Hill.
 De Ocampo, Victorina, A., et.al. (2015). Principles of teaching 1. Rex Book Store
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 Killen, Roy. (2009). Effective Teaching Strategies: Lesson from research and practice 5th Edition.
Cengage Learning.
 Salandanan, Gloria. (2008). Teaching approaches and strategies. Quezon City: Katha Publishing.

“Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself.”

– Chinese Proverb