Week 7 Questions

What do you think the role of teacher is? Does it differ if you're in a classroom or online?
One basic idea of a teacher is to facilitate the learning process for the student. Basically the teacher is there to help the student. The teacher can be a master at the subject that is being learnt or can simply have enough knowledge to guide the student in the right direction. Does this change whether it is done in a classroom or online? No. It simply changes how the teacher does some of his/her communication with the student. They still function in the same way, only adjust the tools they use.

What is the relationship between teacher and learner?
First, they both assume some responsibility in the process. It isn't just the teacher or learners responsibility. Now the responsibility may shift over time as students get older, but there is always some responsibility on the student. Teachers are there to assist and guide the learner. They have specialized knowledge, but also a willingness to guide and direct the learner into helping themselves. Learners need to just be open to direction and motivated. Sometimes a teacher can motivate or even help the student self motivate.

Is the role of the teacher imposed upon you? Or does it arise from within?
Both. What I mean is occasionally we are simply put in the situation to be teachers. We may not exactly choose it or at least we don't know we are choosing it. We simply find ourselves in a teachable situation with someone and do it. But "teachers" in general should be people that have the desire to teach within. It should be as though you are born to do it. Not everyone has the temperament, knowledge, or passion to teach. Good luck to all of those who choose to teach!