KSA + F + G = EFFECTIVE TEACHING =
SUCCESS
“Effective
teaching may be the hardest job there is.” These are the challenging words of
William Glasser. But do we, future educators, allow this quotation lose our
vision and mission to teach the world that is hungry of right knowledge and
actions and that is thirsty of correct values? We must confidently and
positively respond to this great challenge of teaching.
However,
how can we accept and perform the responsibilities and the duties as teachers
efficiently and effectively if we do not possess adequate knowledge, necessary
skills, and right attitudes? We must not be like those soldiers who go to the
battlefield without any preparations and die on the fields because of
ignorance, incompetence, and indirection, and eventually face their tragedy and
downfall and their dream of a free, peaceful, and prosperous country is lost.
We hope that our future is not similar to that. We will save the Filipino
people, the Philippines, and the world from ignorance, disease, poverty, and
war, for we all have what it takes to be the great teachers of the 21st
century. Thanks to Foundation University offering quality education!
We,
the 21st century teachers, must possess personal and professional
characteristics. These qualities are expressed in the formula KSA+F+G =
EFFECTIVE TEACHING = SUCCESS. SUCCESS!
K
stands for knowledge – which pertains to the understanding of the world (arts
and sciences, business, health, education, agriculture, engineering, computer,
etc.) We must also have good theoretical and practical backgrounds of teaching
and learning. We must master our field of specialization to become efficient
and effective teachers.
S
is for skills. If a teacher says these, “I do not know how to use a computer
and an ipad. I don’t know how to use PowerPoint presentations in my lectures. I
do not know how to use microscopes in my Biology class. I do not know how to write,
to speak, to listen well, and to read with comprehension,” what will be you
reaction? My response would be, “You do not know how to be a teacher.” Teacher
mush have skills.
Moreover,
Bertrand Russell said, “No man can be a good teacher unless he has feelings of
warm affection toward his pupils and a genuine desire to impart to them what he
himself believes to be of value.
Yes!
I agree with Mr. Russell.
When
I was teaching in a Catholic high school after I finished my course, Bachelors
of Arts major in English, here at Foundation University, I encountered
failures, pains, hardships, triumphs, and lessons in life. But I survived all
those impediments because I love teaching. I love my students. I wanted them to
learn and to experience the wonderful changes that could happen when they would
apply their knowledge to become skills, and show industry, patience, humility,
sacrifice, generosity, respect. How could I do all of these?
When
I was teaching already, I woke up in the cold and silent dawn, traveled from
home to school early, attended a mass, participated in the flag ceremony, and
went to my classes to discuss my lessons. I even had English writing workshops
or trainings for the staff of the school paper even without payment and without
snacks, for it was a great joy to see in the eyes of the children, listen to
what they say and watch what they are making that they learned. Because of our
courage, positivism, and preparation, my students won in the Private Schools
Press Conference in the Division of Negros Oriental and in the Division Schools
Press Conference. There were even champions. We reached the Regional Schools
Press Conference. I am very proud of my students of their achievements. I
believe that it was they who exerted the greatest effort that led them to
winning the contests. Those were their prizes. My prizes were the miracles that
are happening in them. They become better thinkers, writers, speakers,
listeners, and persons.
I am happy to reminisce the
past I shared with my students. The joy is the greatest compensation. It was
the passion, the love for teaching students and the love for students!!!! We
hope that it is and will be that love that will make us firm and positive to be
in the teaching profession as we face life’s new tests every day.
On
each day, our family is with us. In times we celebrate success like this, they
are with us. When our tears fall, bodies weakened, and spirits almost die, our
mother, father, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends are there ever ready
to give strength when we are powerless, joy when sad, and light when blind.
Thanks to them!
Above
all, the greatest light is God. He is life. I believe that Jesus is God who
creates all things on Earth. We must thank God for all the wonderful graces we
have received because of His mercy, generosity, and love for His people.
In
all our undertakings as teachers, we must ask His guidance and help in times of
failures and disappointments. We must not forget to give glory to His name in
every accomplishment we make.
With
our knowledge, skills, attitudes, family, and God, we will succeed in our
vision and mission to make the world a better place to live.
Thank
you to all our teachers, to the dean of College of Education, Dr. Roullette
Cordevilla, to the administrators, and to the institution that I love, Foundation
University.
To
all fourth year regular students and CPs, the question what do you want to be?
A teacher. But are you ready? Thank you!
