Chapter 5 Teachers Roles in Primary School

Chapter 5 Teachers Roles in Primary SchoolTeachers roles significant influence on childrens cognitive and psychosocial development.carry out various roles-practitioner of knowledge and skills, guide, reflective practitioner, researcher, socialisation agent, change agent, substitute parents and behaviour shapers.Teacher as Practitioner of Knowledge and Skills responsibility to always search for knowledge and apply it in order to fulfil the educational needs of the nations future young generation.adopt the attitude of wanting to learn to teachLove for knowledgeUpdate & upgradeLIFELONG LEARNINGDiscussion with colleaguesAttending in-service coursesCarrying out researchesExhibiting open-mind to knowledge acquisition opportunities GuideShertzer and Stone (1981) defines guidance as a service to guide individuals who need to reach an understanding, knowledge, and specific skills.Teacher as a guide of:KnowledgeSelf and time managementBuilding positive relationshipAdjustment to changes in life routine Cultivate interest and a healthy personalityReflective Practitionerself-reflective teacher practice self-inquiry (Schon, 1987; Sparks-Langer, 199; Zeichner & Liston, 1996).Reflection-in-action; reflection-on-action (Schon)

REFLECTIONISSUES/PROBLEMSPLANNINGACTION/IMPLEMENTATIONANALYSISRESULTS/CONCLUSIONREFLECTION PROCESS IN ACTION RESEARCH7Researcherresearch culture to understand the learning environments and their own actions in order to improve the quality of their professionalism.Produce new innovationSystematically examine the issue of classroom practice, inquires to produce new theory and understanding that are related to the problem faced. /problem solvingSocialisation AgentDevelop individuals who can socialise and have high emotional intelligence (EQ)to be able to adapt to the working world.Good interpersonal skillsRoles of agents of socialisation:Contributor of knowledge and skills Shaping positive social behaviorShaping a caring cultureA social role model/ exampleA link between the school institution and public community.Must participate in local community activities such as family carnivals, hiking expedition, cultural events, tuition/guidance classes and so on.Change AgentSchool is an educational institution that plays role in bringing change and innovative modernised community.According to Fullen (1993), there are four conditions to face changes, they are:Personal vision buildingInquiryMasterycollaboration

Substitute Parentsbaby sitterNot all students come from an ideal or organised family.Some students in your class might be subjected to child abuse, child labour, misuse of drugs or other problems.Caring, good listener, needs & welfare childrenThe concern and sensitivity to these issues will help children cope school life with more confidence.By showing love, care and preparing meaningful and quality learning experiences, teachers are able to become substitute parents for the students.

Shapes Behaviour Teacher is an important model in channelling message about practicing values, beliefs, philosophies and attitudes to their students.In shaping behaviour, teachers must understand the learning aims that he/she which to achieve.The behaviour shaping approach used must support aims and purposes of education.Behaviour shapers who apply the behaviourist approach would:Focus on behaviour changesBehaviour is act that can be observed, heard and measured.Aim of behaviourist approach is to teach new behaviour or maintain the desired behaviour through reinforcement. Behaviour shapers who apply the humanistic approach wouldFocus on the individuals thoughts, feelings, psychological and emotional needs.Provide opportunities to individuals to master controlling their behaviour.Intervention steps emphasises on communication skills, understanding students motive, private conferences, group/ individual problem solving and use of consultants.

Managing Learning/classroomAs a classroom manager, teachers are responsible for:Planning, organising, directing and controlling the teaching and learning activity.Managing classroom in terms of rules and handling class routines.Manages the physical environment of the classroom.Manage the psychosocial environment of the classroom.Manage the assessment process in the classroom.