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0УДК 373.1 ГРНТИ 14.25.01
THE HEART OF EDUCATION: UNDERSTANDING THE TEACHING PATH
Ацдатпа
Мацалада мугал1мнщ мугал1м болу жолдары мен мYмкiндiктерi царастырылады. Тацырып мYFалiмнiц кэсiбилiгiне элемдiк кезцарастар тургысынан ашылады, жак;сы мYFалiмнiн1 непз-ri дагдылары мен сипаттамаларын анык;тайды.
Аннотация
В статье рассматриваются пути совершенствования и возможности учителя, чтобы стать Учителем. Тема раскрывается с позиции мировых подходов к профессионализму педагога, выявляя основные навыки и характеристики хорошего учителя.
Annotation
The article considers the ways of improvement and the possibilities of a teacher to become a Teacher. The topic is revealed from the position of world approaches to the professionalism of the teacher, identifying the main skills and characteristics of a good teacher.
A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.
Henry Adams
This is the first article in a four-part series titled 'From a Good Teacher to a Great Teacher'. The series aims to elaborate on and critically assess the teaching path for both young and experienced educators in schools and universities. Specifically, the main focus will be on fostering and assisting teachers in effectively educating new generations with impact.
The primary objective of this article is to delve deeper into the teaching profession, viewing it not only as an occupation but as a transformative
Anastasia Marmysh,
Bachelor in International Relations and European Studies (Coventry University, UK), Master of Science in Development and International Cooperation
Sciences (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy), business operations support coordinator, Warsaw, Poland
Heei3ei свздер: мугал1м, жетiлдiру MyraAiMHity ти-ШдШгь
Ключевые слова: учитель, твершенствование, эффективность педагога.
Keywords: teacher, improvement, teacher effectiveness.
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path. It will explore teaching on a global scale, identifying the essential skills and characteristics of a good teacher.
The success of a country is intricately tied to the success of its citizens. In this context, the importance of teachers in nurturing the younger generation, who are the future professionals and driving force of the state, cannot be overstated. In Kazakhstan, a country known for its diverse cultural landscape and peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, teachers hold a significant role in fostering unity and understanding. Through their dedication to education, they bridge gaps between communities, instilling values of tolerance and cooperation among students from various backgrounds. By nurturing a sense of belonging and mutual respect in the classroom, teachers contribute to the building of a resilient and prosperous society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions.
What sets apart a good teacher from a
m great one? Each educator has their own
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2 •a good teacher excels in imparting subject knowledge, ensuring students understand and develop relevant skills;
• conversely, a great teacher goes
§ beyond academics, seeing students
™ holistically and nurturing skills essential
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§ In today's ever-evolving landscape, what qualities help educators become great teachers amidst modern challenges? Let's take a look together:
§ In the context of modern reality,
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o several factors contribute to the
o
o effectiveness of educators in becoming a great teacher:
• adaptability to technological ad-
vancements allows teachers to integrate innovative teaching methods and resources into their classrooms, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes;
• embracing diversity and inclusivity enables teachers to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and supported;
• continuous professional development ensures that teachers stay updated with the latest educational trends and best practices, enabling them to meet the evolving needs of students and society;
• additionally, effective communication and collaboration with colleagues, parents, and the wider community foster a supportive network that enhances the teacher's ability to positively impact students' lives in the ever-changing landscape of education.
These factors serve as steps for every teacher to capitalise on the opportunity and evolve into a great educator for their students. While they offer general guidance, our future articles will delve into practical applications. For now, our focus is on exploring the teaching journey as a transformative experience for both teachers and students.
In order to illustrate the transformative power of teachers, let's consider several notable examples. Maria Mon-tessori's pioneering educational approach, focusing on children's autonomy and self-directed learning, has significantly influenced global educational practices, including in Kazakhstan. Similarly, Anne Sullivan's remarkable success in teaching Helen Keller, enabling Keller to become the first deaf-blind person to earn a degree, highlights the importance of inclusivity, a value that resonates deeply
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with Kazakhstan's efforts to integrate disabled individuals into social life. Furthermore, Ybyrai Altynsarin, revered as the founder of education in Kazakhstan, played a crucial role as a teacher in the Kazakh steppe during the 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on educational development in the country and serving as an inspiration for future generations of educators. Moreover, the legacies of Shoqan Walikhanov and Abay Kunanbayev, renowned scholars and educators in Kazakh history, further underscore the pivotal role of education in shaping Kazakhstan's cultural and intellectual heritage.
The examples set by such influential figures should serve as a catalyst for educators across Kazakhstan to enhance their competencies and exercise mind-fulness in their interactions with students. Within academic discourse, it is pertinent to recognize that competitive dynamics within the educational sector do not engender discord among teachers. Rather, the focus lies on fostering robust collaborative relationships marked by the exchange of experiences and educational resources. Moreover, educators actively participate in a diverse array of cultural and creative endeavours, demonstrating autonomy in goal-setting and lesson planning. This process incorporates not only materials sanctioned by the state but also independently sourced resources reflective of personal and collective insights. By continuously refining their pedagogical skills, exemplary educators are well-positioned to share their wealth of knowledge with both students and colleagues, thereby nurturing a community dedicated to the cultivation of intellectual acumen, erudition, and ambition - all contributing to the
advancement of societal and national progress.
As we delve deeper into the essence of our article, let's ponder: "What truly defines a great teacher?" While conventional responses may include attributes like "professionalism" or "possession of international diplomas", it's enlightening to consider the perspective of students, particularly younger learners. Their responses often echo sentiments such as 'a great teacher listens to us,' 'knows about my favourite movie,' or 'becomes a friend.' Despite their simplicity, these responses hold profound significance. A great teacher not only possesses a keen understanding of their students but also delves into their individual ideas and interests. They perceive the unique personality behind each student and discern the specific skills that need nurturing in each individual.
Achieving a deep understanding of students requires proactive engagement
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through surveys and questionnaires,
demonstrating a genuine interest in their m
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lives and experiences. By expressing a £2
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desire to know and understand them, g teachers can foster a sense of connection 2 and trust. Indeed, a great teacher [2 embodies various roles - mentor,
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tutor, friend, parent, psychologist -
yet remains fundamentally attentive §
to students' needs. Crucially, treating ™
students as one would their own to
children fosters empathy and prompts § reflection on one's own formative o
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years, highlighting the universal need for support and understanding during
adolescence. §
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Embracing the notion of lifelong lear- o ning, educators should view teaching as o
a dynamic process that unfolds alongside s
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their students' growth. Acknowledging
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that every teacher, like any other person, is prone to making mistakes, fosters an environment of humility and continuous improvement. Rather than fearing these missteps, educators should approach them as invaluable learning opportunities, enriching their teaching practice and personal development.
Furthermore, the power dynamics inherent in teacher-student relationships should be handled with sensitivity and nuance. While authority and respect are fundamental, it's imperative to eschew any form of aggression or dominance. By cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, educators can create a safe and supportive space where students feel empowered to express themselves freely and engage meaningfully in the learning process.
Moreover, recognizing the diversity of communication styles, ideas, and thinking patterns among students underscores the importance of individualised approaches to teaching and learning. Each student brings a unique perspective to the classroom, enriching discussions and fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. By embracing this diversity, educators not only cultivate a sense of belonging but also inspire curiosity and creativity among their students, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.
As teacher-student relationships form the cornerstone of effective teaching, it's essential to explore avenues for developing career skills and fostering professional growth.
Undoubtedly, the teaching profession presents numerous challenges, compounded by societal expectations and evolving educational landscapes. However, there are tangible steps educators can take to demonstrate
their professionalism and enhance their career trajectory. One such avenue is pursuing certification, with Cambridge certificates emerging as a highly regarded and academically recognized benchmark.
Among the array of certification options, Cambridge certificates, particularly the Teacher Knowledge Test (TKT) and examinations assessing English proficiency, stand out as invaluable credentials. These certifications not only validate educators' expertise but also signify a commitment to ongoing professional development. Unlike other assessments, Cambridge exams offer flexibility without compromising the rigour and credibility associated with internationally recognized standards of English proficiency.
By obtaining Cambridge certifications, educators can effectively showcase their mastery of essential teaching competencies and linguistic proficiency, thereby bolstering their credentials and advancing their careers in the dynamic field of education.
Additionally, short-term courses provide valuable opportunities for professional development in teaching. Platforms like Coursera offer a plethora of internationally recognized courses covering various topics, including English language instruction. These courses not only enhance educators' pedagogical skills but also broaden their teaching horizons by exposing them to diverse English-speaking contexts.
For instance, courses focusing on business English development provide insights into specialised language instruction, equipping teachers with the tools to address specific needs in professional settings. Moreover,
Coursera's video-based format offers a unique opportunity to learn from esteemed professors, immersing educators in real-life English scenarios and enriching their teaching practices with authentic language examples.
By engaging in such courses, educators can stay abreast of the latest trends and methodologies in the English language instruction, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and advancing their professional growth.
Lastly, active participation in teaching webinars and courses is pivotal for developing pedagogical skills and navigating the rapidly evolving educational landscape. These opportunities, offered by various organizations such as regional institutions like ORLEU or private entities like StudyInn, foster a sense of community among educators, facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights.
For instance, in Kostanay, the English Teachers Association (KETA) provides a vibrant platform for teachers to connect, share resources, and seek guidance from peers. Such associations serve as invaluable sources of support and camaraderie, empowering teachers to navigate challenges and stay abreast of emerging trends in education.
As a point to highlight, investing in professional development through avenues like obtaining certificates and participating in teaching webinars empowers educators to continually refine their skills and stay updated with the latest trends in education. By leveraging these resources, teachers can enhance their effectiveness in the classroom and better support their students' learning journey.
In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize the transformative nature
of teaching, which extends far beyond the confines of the classroom and profoundly impacts society as a whole. Students crave teachers who foster strong relationships built on trust and empathy, valuing their perspectives and actively engaging in the learning process alongside them. Effective teaching involves not only imparting knowledge but also actively listening to students, understanding their struggles, and creating a supportive learning environment. In subsequent parts of this series, we will delve deeper into the array of resources and innovative ideas designed to empower educators on their journey to greatness. Through exploration of practical tools, methodologies, and pedagogical approaches, we aim to equip teachers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to excel in their profession and make a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Stay tuned for insightful discussions and actionable insights that will inspire and elevate teaching practice to new heights.
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