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Teachers are an indispensable part of human society. They aren’t just people who impart lengthy lectures in classrooms. They have the power to influence and inspire students, and shape the future of human civilization.
But the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the face of teaching as we know it. The start of the pandemic brought many unprecedented challenges for educators and learners across the globe. Amidst the lack of in-person interaction and growing dependence on technology, it’s only natural that the role of teachers will no longer be the same.
In this blog, we’ll explore the ways in which the pandemic is transforming the role of teachers in modern society. But let’s first delve deeper into its overall impact on education.
COVID-19 and the Education Crisis: A Closer Look
To say that the novel coronavirus brought the global education system to a standstill would be an understatement. Billions of students across all levels of education were forced to retreat into their homes. On the other hand, educational institutions were left struggling to maintain learning resilience.
Amidst such a scenario, it’s the educators who have stepped in to prevent the education crisis from turning into a full-blown catastrophe. They’re the ones who have helped students navigate the alien world of online learning.
That, in turn, has compelled teachers to pivot and embrace new roles. Also, it has created a plethora of unforeseen challenges for them.
Teachers Are No Longer Directing the Classroom
Traditionally, teachers have always been put on a pedestal. They hold a position of authority and are responsible for imparting academic knowledge to students. There’s limited emphasis on in-person interaction and student engagement. But the pandemic has rendered that model of teaching obsolete.
Today, teachers have to assume multiple roles for students, including that of a guide and mentor. You’re no longer in charge of how a lesson will be taught. Instead, learners control the direction of a class, and you have to provide them with the right support.
Teachers have to constantly reinvent their techniques to better engage students in an online classroom. That often involves stepping down from the pedagogical role and interacting with students at their level and pace. They need to become facilitators of learning.
Also, it has become imperative for teachers to equip their students with more than academic knowledge. The uncertainty of present times combined with the volatile job market means students need more than academic qualifications to thrive. It is the role of teachers to impart suitable skills that’ll equip students for post-COVID challenges.
Educators Must Up Their Tech Skills
The pandemic-driven education crisis hasn’t just created learning obstacles for students. It has been just as difficult for teachers. For many years, education systems have resisted adopting new-age technology to improve learning models. But school and college closures over the past year have made online learning the norm.
Today, students are increasingly dependent on technology to fulfill all their academic needs. Whether they need help with homework answers or want to conduct research for specific homework questions, they will use modern technology.
That makes it necessary for teachers to hone their technical skills as well. You must be well-versed with online teaching tools and new-age communication platforms. Also, you need to stay abreast of the latest Edtech innovations that will drive a new age of learning.
Teachers must have adequate training to troubleshoot technical issues while conducting online classes. Also, you must learn to utilize various e-learning tools to facilitate active and interactive learning.
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Teachers Are the New Students
Apart from possessing top-notch tech skills, new-age educators must invest in continued education. Whether you’re learning about the newest teaching models or the latest research in your field, it’s necessary to regularly upgrade your knowledge and skills.
It’s just as important for educators to become expert-generalists in the new normal. Instead of specializing in a particular subject, you should focus on diversifying your skill set. It will help strengthen your analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Also, you’ll learn to forge meaningful connections between different domains.
The Role of Teachers in the Post-COVID World
Educators will assume an even more important role when the pandemic is over. They’ll be responsible for helping students transition back to classroom-based learning. Also, they’ll play a crucial part in developing student-friendly learning policies. Similarly, they’ll be the ones in charge of ensuring equal access to learning facilities for students across different regions and social classes.