The Principles of Effective Teaching is a proof of how multifaceted the education profession is. Teaching encompassess more than content delivery. There is a need for us to navigate diversity in students, social-emotional competencies, and adapt to different methods and globalization. It’s a complex role that underscores the importance of principles that guide effective teaching practices and self-reflection
I thought I had a good grasp of what teaching is. I was astonished with how it opened my eyes to other challenges and changes. It took me down the memory lane of childhood days, role playing as a teacher. I thought being a teacher was as simple as reading stories, checking test papers and wearing neatly ironed uniforms. Adulting and reality came, a different view from a five year old dreamer.
The Principles of Teaching sent me a resonating message- Are you ready for the challenges? Well, I thought I was! I realized that my level of understanding the profession has only touched the surface of the ocean called education!
“Expect More and You Will Achieve More”
There are parts of the principles of teaching that challenged my purpose after learning deeper about its core ideas. First, is “Expect More and You Will Achieve More”. I remember a quote from The Power of Positive Thinking- “What the mind profoundly expects, it tends to receive”. The Pygmalion effect principle reminded me of the power of a growth mindset. How the educators’ beliefs or perceptions influence the students’ learning outcome. Imagine teaching for underprivileged kids in a rural area. I know some of them who puts a limits to their dreams . I aim to teach them to aim higher. Let them know that they can go places with proper education. The role of a teacher as a role model has a deeper meaning to me with this principle. To model and teach self-management for the students to exhibit positive motivation to overcome obstacles related to their condition.
“There are many roads to learning”
Thinking of the underprivileged students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas led me to another principle- “There are many roads to learning”. This is perhaps the most challenging part in a teacher’s career, to be placed in a rural area in the Philippines with diverse learners. Here comes the ultimate challenge for me, diversity and disparity or what I call the 2D combo. How do I recognize and leverage their existing schema? The first answer I could think of is to know how they construct knowledge. I view this as the opportunity to utilize the interconnectedness of culture and creativity. There are many roads to learning and other than the theories that exist, educators are encouraged and are capable of re-imagining or transforming these existing methods. It turns out that the 2D combo is a blessing in disguise, an opportunity for continuing professional development.
“Teachers’ knowledge for the subject matter is essential to the implementation of important teaching tasks”
“Teachers’ knowledge for the subject matter is essential to the implementation of important teaching tasks”. I thought of this principle as an individual task of a teacher. Cohort learning or interdisciplinary approach didn’t come to mind as an essential part in teachers’ content knowledge. The teachers’ TPACK plays an essential part in curriculum development and learning innovation. This is something I look forward to doing, creating materials for learning.
“Materials for learning must be meaningful”
“Materials for learning must be meaningful”, this principle speaks volume. I developed an interest in news or documentaries related to education. The Education Commission reported that Filipino students are 4 to 5 years behind literacy standards. One of the culprit, is the fact that the materials don’t connect to the students’ mental framework. I found out the importance of aligning the content of material with culture in order to achieve meaningful learning. This got me thinking how little I value cultural identity. I came across a video of Professor Felipe M. De Leon Jr. where he talks about FIlipinos being the most relational people in the world. If that was the case, how come our students find it hard to connect with the contents of their books? Our students can read but they can’t comprehend.
“Both teaching and learning are enhanced by descriptive feedback”.
I think one of the most important roles of an educator is giving feedback. It is crucial for teachers to know the proper way of giving it in order to optimize student learning. Feedback can either help them improve or be unmotivated. “Both teaching and learning are enhanced by descriptive feedback”. This principle taught me the importance of getting feedback from the students and peers. With the classroom diversity challenges, feedback- a two way street, is a useful strategy in developing the pedagogical approach.
Teaching is easier said than done. I am no longer playing pretend, I am getting ready to fulfill a deeper purpose in life. Teaching principles gave me a good view of what it is like to be an educator in our country. I am glad I decided to pursue this dream. I imagine the five year old me would be so proud for not giving up on blackboard and chalk!
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