TEACHER = EDUCATOR ???
Since the inception of this F-R-E-E Chemistry website few days ago, i have received numerous emails and blog comments by educators from different regions – about the roles of “Teachers” and “Educators”.
Many in Singapore associates Teachers to only NIE-Trained Teachers which applies to Primary, Secondary & Junior College Teachers. Personally, i thought more credit should be given to Kindergarden & Child-Care Teachers and Assistants, Tutors, Coaches, Instructors, Trainers, Polytechnics & Universities’ Lecturers, even parents & siblings. As such, Educators seemed to be a more correct term to used.
I did a quick check with my decade-old dictionary to find the terms stated:
Teacher - person who gives systematic information to (person) or about (subject or skill); enable (person) to do something by instruction
Educator – person who trains or instructs mentally and morally, besides giving information
These days, children (especially this group of teenagers under “Y” Generation) are getting more matured earlier and have a mindset of their own. Giving of information to students and instructing them is no more effective. And thus the role of Educators / Teachers have to emcompass other elements in order to made their teachings more effective, such as:
- Passion of the subject
- Knowledge of subject (besides the textbook theories)
- Motivation / Inspiration
- Fun & Humorous
- Classroom management
What do you think?
If you are an educator: Teacher, Tutor, Home-Schooling parent, etc – what are you challenges?
If you are a student: How do you think your school teachers can make the subject more interesting for you?
Love to hear your thoughts on it. Write your comments below. =)
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