Philippine E-Journals

The Role of the Teacher in the Pedagogy of the 21st Century

June P. Salana

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Teachers are charged with providing a foundation for life in the complex, diverse and uncertain economic and social environment of the current times. They are faced with the different impact of new technologies, new economies and a challenging world.

Being a teacher in the 21st Century goes beyond work in the classroom; it requires an understanding of the multiple contexts of teaching, the multiple players in education, and the diverse roles of the teacher.  It also involves an ongoing professional learning in the forms of further studies, participation in professional development programs and engagement in professional school-based learning communities.

It is the goal of teachers to develop students with the skills and knowledge necessary not just for lifelong learning but more specifically for the KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY.  The knowledge-based economy is a complex interaction between individuals and institutions actively seeking to learn from one another. One of its characteristics is innovativeness, where people often exhibit curiosity, creativity and commitment.  As such, they develop into people with a vision, become customer-driven, have a holistic view, and are risk-tolerant. They are able to utilize a resources and mutual learning process that translates knowledge into economic growth (Butterham, 2000).