Hi,
I have just finished reading a very interesting article on teacher development, professionalism, and the skills teachers need to possess to be highly effective in their jobs (reference can be found at the bottom of the post).
In the article the author lists ten core skills or areas of expertise that need to be considered in relation to becoming an effective and professional language teacher. These skills or areas of expertise include: language proficiency, content knowledge, teaching skills, contextual knowledge, language teacher identity, learner-focused teaching, specialized cognitive skills, theorizing from practice, joining a community of practice, and professionalism. (Richards, 2010, p.101)
In today’s post I encourage you to read the article and take stock of the skills and attributes you already possess as a teacher and think about ways you can become even more awesome. (I already think you are awesome because you are reading a blog on a website all about being a better teacher – so that’s AWESOME!)
(Before starting please check out this teacher. She needs to read this blog.)
I have just finished reading a very interesting article on teacher development, professionalism, and the skills teachers need to possess to be highly effective in their jobs (reference can be found at the bottom of the post).
In the article the author lists ten core skills or areas of expertise that need to be considered in relation to becoming an effective and professional language teacher. These skills or areas of expertise include: language proficiency, content knowledge, teaching skills, contextual knowledge, language teacher identity, learner-focused teaching, specialized cognitive skills, theorizing from practice, joining a community of practice, and professionalism. (Richards, 2010, p.101)
In today’s post I encourage you to read the article and take stock of the skills and attributes you already possess as a teacher and think about ways you can become even more awesome. (I already think you are awesome because you are reading a blog on a website all about being a better teacher – so that’s AWESOME!)
(Before starting please check out this teacher. She needs to read this blog.)
In relation to professionalism and growth Richards lists eleven questions for teachers to reflect upon concerning their own teaching practices, values, and philosophies. These questions have been listed below for you to mull over.
Professionalism – Eleven Things To Think About
1. What kind of teacher am I?
2. What am I trying to achieve for myself and for my learners?
3. What are my strengths and limitations as a language teacher?
4. How do my students and colleagues view me?
5. How and why do I teach the way I do? (For some ideas on theory as it relates to second language learning and teaching check out my lecture.)
6. How have I developed as a teacher since I started teaching?
7. What are the gaps in my knowledge? (To help you fill any knowledge gaps you can view my free lectures here.)
8. What role do I play in my school and is my role fulfilling?
9. What is my philosophy of teaching and how does it influence my teaching?
10. What is my relationship with my colleagues and how productive is it?
11. How can I mentor less experienced teachers?
I hope this list inspired you to think about ways you can improve and grow as a teacher.
Thanks for reading and have a great day,
Josh
Keep English Real!
Reference:
Richards, J. (2010) Competence and Performance in Language Teaching RELC journal 41(2) pp. 101–122
Professionalism – Eleven Things To Think About
1. What kind of teacher am I?
2. What am I trying to achieve for myself and for my learners?
3. What are my strengths and limitations as a language teacher?
4. How do my students and colleagues view me?
5. How and why do I teach the way I do? (For some ideas on theory as it relates to second language learning and teaching check out my lecture.)
6. How have I developed as a teacher since I started teaching?
7. What are the gaps in my knowledge? (To help you fill any knowledge gaps you can view my free lectures here.)
8. What role do I play in my school and is my role fulfilling?
9. What is my philosophy of teaching and how does it influence my teaching?
10. What is my relationship with my colleagues and how productive is it?
11. How can I mentor less experienced teachers?
I hope this list inspired you to think about ways you can improve and grow as a teacher.
Thanks for reading and have a great day,
Josh
Keep English Real!
Reference:
Richards, J. (2010) Competence and Performance in Language Teaching RELC journal 41(2) pp. 101–122
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