extraordinary educators
For my past 11 years, I've met a spectrum of different types of educators. An interesting array of creation, and form whom I've learnt much and unlearned much. From, here I want to note and show appreciation to the traits of extraordinary educators that had shaped me through the years. This is about
extraordinary educators, not just good ones, not just ordinary ones, you can be good, but not
extraordinary. Needless to say, no one isn't void of flaws, they're traits special in those we'll see.
1. They teach with passion.
Imparting knowledge with passion and a complete hack-care-who-gives-an-F attitude are worlds of differences. They don't embark in penmanship or dictation exercises, but put their own dedication and heart to the art of teaching.
Examples: just about every extraordinary educator.
2. Not spoonfeeding, but making you understand the fundamentals yourself.
"Give a man a fish he'll be full for a day, teach him how to fish and he'll be full for his life", is a teaching philosophy I've strongly believed in since the moment I'm taught. These educators don't give you the answers, but all the raw materials to reach that answer which you are to figure out yourself. It's much easier to just tell you the answer, but these guys make you understand a concept: a much more tedious job, let alone the number of questions students will raise regarding the subject.
Examples: Alistair M. Chew K-E
3. They're not just concerned with the subject he's teaching, but also your general well-being.
There are a number of teachers I've had who expressed concern towards my mental and spiritual health. When I say that I don't mean mindless extensions, but enquiry and care towards your well-being in general though it has nothing doing with academics. Some teachers, you can just speak to about anything about your life, any troubles you face.. etc.
Examples: Azmi Bin Azeman
4. They make you understand the beauty of the subject.
For some subjects, no amount of mugging can shadow the beauty beheld in the eyes of the learner. One such subject is literature, generally, art. They structure their lessons to arouse your interest and give you an idea of the beauty of the subject. I don't mean they tell you "don't you frikin see the beauty of it?" but I mean that they teach and structure their lesson in a way that not only you absorb something from the subject, but you grow in appreciation and respect towards the subject.
Examples: Aaron Koh, Ferdinand Quek, Alice Teo Bai Yang
5. Non-elitist
This is one of the worst, baddest and most inaccurate perceptions towards certain educators. But it's one of the least-found traits because it's so hard to say whether a teacher is elitist or not. Elitist means: purposefully wanting to associate themselves with the high-scoring candidates, showing favoritism in terms of care and grading and that they don't give much a shit about students they deem "less potential" and "less good". One misconception to be hi-lighted here, just because a teacher quotes, exemplifies, or extols an elite student,
DOESN'T NECESSARILY mean that he/she is elitist. That's one of the ugliest misconceptions towards "favoritism". A non-elitist teacher is
willing to give the same concern towards every single student regardless of grade.
Examples: Because it's hard to conclude, I won't cite.
6. Goes the extra mile.
Gives extra lessons, prints extra notes, give extra tips, stays back with students even when sleep deprived are all traits of a teacher who is willing to go the extra mile with the students. They aren't necessary for the teacher as he's doing out of his own will, that's why it's called mile, and
extraordinary teachers do do that man. It's very difficult to stay dedicated for an extended period of time, and some teacher, just somehow manage to find the drive to do that! Thank God for all of them man. Really a number of teachers to list, but I'll just do with 2.
Examples: Chin Siew Moy, Mr. Chooi (dno his full name).
These are some 6 points, the traits of extraordinary educators, who have become examples for me to follow, they (not just those listed) earned my utmost undying respect towards the subject over the years of my education. I've learned much from them, and to internalize them into myself and my life is something I'm continually learning. They are indeed pillars of society, for it takes quite a bit to be a teacher, it takes much to be an extraordinary teacher, and it takes really alot to be an extraordinarily good teacher. As for myself, though a teaching career isn't any of my considered options, I still learn these traits as they are important for, just teaching, or guiding others, and even being taught, in a sense.
Labels: education, knowledge
