Teaching: Nature, objectives, characteristics and basic requirements

Chapter 1: Teaching Aptitude 

I.    Concept of Teaching

Education is important for:
·         Preservation and transmission of culture

·         Preparation for a vocation

A proper definition of teaching should:

·         Identify whether teaching is a process or product

·         Indicate Constitutional factors

·         Reveal Objectives

·         Reveal Organizational & Structural Aspect

                  Definitions of Teaching

                  1.      Morrison

·         A disciplined social process

·         Where the teacher influences the behaviour of less experienced pupil

·         Helps them develop according to the need & ideas of the society

2.      Smith

·         An organized system of specific activities aimed to help the learner learn something

·         Considered a tripolar process involving an agent, goal & intervening variables

3.      Brubacher

·         Where the pupils play a central role

4.      Gage

·         Personal relationship between teacher & taught resulting in behaviour modification

5.      Amidon

·         A process of  cooperative social interaction between teacher and taught

6.      Clarke

·         All organized activities resulting in behaviour modification

7.      Green

·         What a teacher does for the development of a child

II. Nature and Characteristics of Teaching

Nature of Teaching:

a. Dynamic, Social & Humane: Influenced by human & social factors

b. An Art & Science: Exercise of being systematic & including talent & creativity

c. Diverse in Application: There are various forms of teaching

Characteristics of Teaching

a. A system of actions

b. A professional activity

c. Subjected to analysis & assessment

d. An interactive process

e. A specialized task

f.  A collection of various modes

III.    Aims & Modes of Teaching

Aims of Teaching

a. Change the behaviour of students – Teaching

b. Improve learning skills of students – Conditioning

c. Shaping behaviour & conduct – Training

d. Acquisition of knowledge – Instruction

e. Formation of beliefs  - Indoctrination

Modes of Teaching

1. Training helps to shape conduct and various skills

2. Instruction & Indoctrination work on a higher footing than conditioning & training

3. Instruction is concerned with the development of knowledge & understanding in an individual

4. Teaching is aimed towards the shaping of a total individual

5. Indoctrination is a high level of teaching shaping beliefs & ideals

IV.    Objectives of Teaching

·         Desired changes in pupils

·         Shape behaviour & conduct

·         Acquisition of knowledge

·         Improve learning skills

·         Formation of a belief system

·         Provide a social & efficient member to the society

V.   Modern Concepts of Teaching

a.       Questioning

·         By the teacher to the student and student to the teacher

b.      Discussion

·         Clears doubts of students

·         Expression of thought

·         Teacher directs discussion

c.       Investigation

·         Either individual or group after the teacher presents the information

·         Can be followed by expression of thoughts of the students

d.      Expression

·         Can be in the form of practical activities

VI.   Basic Requirements in Teaching

a.       Three variables in teaching – Includes the Teacher, Student & Environmental factors

b.      Professionalism

c.       Suitable Environment

d.      Teacher Student Relationship

e.       Students Discipline

f.       Teacher & Students devotion to teaching & learning

Learner Characteristics

i. Readiness – Motivation, interest & curiosity to learn

ii. Exercise – Practice what is learnt

iii. Effect – Activities associated with pleasure are preferred over those that lead to pain or punishment

iv. Attitudes & Habits – Must be positive & encouraging

v.  Absence of anger & jealousy- They weaken learning abilities

vi.  Slow beginning followed by gradual development of interests

VII.   Factors Effecting Teaching

·         The three variables of the teacher, student & environment

·         Teacher student relationship

·         Methods of teaching used

·         Teacher- Administration relationship

·         The social environment