Perspective! MAKING EVERY CLASS COUNT

ROSELLE Z. CRUZ

The role of teachers in education is far beyond the transfer of knowledge. Educators have a big contribution in shaping the minds of the next generation, instilling not only academic proficiency but also life skills, values, and a thirst for lifelong learning. The school serves as the source of every adult and professionals we have and will have, and the teacher are the ones sharpening their minds up. Each educator has his own way of teaching his students, allowing all ways of learning to be recognized and used in the classroom.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it becomes increasingly clear that the approach to teaching must adapt to meet the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This is a challenge for both the learner and the educator. A test that not all can pass. A shifting in the education field that made a big impact in our history and how teachers teach and how students learn. It’s all different now. The bar has been set higher ever since we let technology influence teaching.

Technology has become an integral part of daily life, and its integration into the education is no exception. Teaching this generation requires educators that maximizes the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance the students’ learning experience. From interactive learning modules and virtual simulations to online collaboration tools, technology can facilitate personalized learning and prepare students for the digital age. As we are now dominated by technological advancements, educators are challenged with the task of preparing students for a future that is very different from the one they themselves experienced. Thus, this demands a holistic approach to education, one that goes beyond textbooks and exams to achieve critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.

All emotions should be considered and all opinions should be protected, not offended. Teaching in today’s society is made easier by technology, but it also made it limited. Each student that enters a classroom is not just a student. He is also a son, a friend and an individual still figuring out what he wants in life. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, he can be a different person in every essay and in every assignment that he submits to his professor. You can never know who he really is.

Teaching the next generation involves exposing them to diverse perspectives, fostering an appreciation for cultural differences, and instilling a sense of responsibility towards global issues. This prepares students to navigate an increasingly multicultural and interdependent world with openmindedness and a global perspective.

However, academic intelligence is nothing if you don’t have the right values and principles. That’s why it is vital for educators to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes emotional well-being and encourages positive social interactions. Beyond academic achievement, teaching the next generation involves fostering emotional intelligence. Recognizing and managing emotions, empathizing with others, and developing strong interpersonal skills are crucial for success in both personal and professional realms.

The pace of change in the 21st century requires individuals to embrace lifelong learning. The teachers’ biggest responsibility is instilling the students a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. By cultivating a growth mindset and teaching students how to learn, unlearn, and relearn, teachers empower the next generation to adapt to new challenges and continue their educational journey throughout their lives. It will always be a never-ending question that we as professors must know and try to answer. How will we make every class count?

-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS TEACHER I AT SAN VICENTE PILOT SCHOOL FOR PHILIPPINE CRAFTSMEN BULAON RESETTLEMENT SITE, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO (P)