Having a Heart and Attitude of a Learner

Rendon Bromahon Coloma

At the onslaught of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) has shifted from the traditional face-to-face classes to Distance learning. As we are all busy preparing our virtual classrooms and other matters relative to the opening of the classes, it is understood that we don’t notice some changes especially the addition of new teachers to our school. Most of these teachers came from the different private schools within the province and beyond. With the exodus of private school students to the public schools, more teachers are needed to make sure that the delivery of quality education to all learners will still be assured at the advent of the so-called ‘new normal in education’. On the other hand, there is a need to start mentoring and coaching the greenhorns as they undergo baptism of fire in public school teaching.

There are two essential tips that I would like to share to our new members of our increasing number of teaching force in the school.

1.Have a heart of a learner. Teachers who have a heart of a learner have positive feelings about learning new things. They are always motivated to acquire new skills or knowledge or to build on existing skills or knowledge in their profession especially in the way they deal with their learners and facilitate learning in the new normal utilizing the new learning delivery modalities. We cannot instill love for learning to our students if it is not manifested to us.

2.Have an attitude of a learner. Being a successful learner starts with having a positive attitude towards learning. Teachers whether they are new or seasoned, must always be open to new ideas and other ways of doing things most likely in facilitating learning and in dealing with their colleagues. Formal classroom learning can be important and valuable, but it is only one of many learning opportunities that are accessible to you. There are also must-learned lessons that can be acquired from the wisdom and experiences of your colleagues.

We can really never learn enough. As teachers, we must also be life-long learners. No matter what level of education we have, if we want to succeed, we need to keep on learning. As what Carl Rogers said: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” Have a heart and attitude of a learner at all times!

--oOo-

The author is Head Teacher III at Angeles City National Trade School.