21st Century Teachers

By Fernand Kevin A. Dumalay

Education is an ever-evolving phenomenon. Looking back, we have progressed as an academic community, redefining
what teaching and learning mean. Technological advancements and further research in the field continuously improve
and influence our views and practices. Now, as our paradigm shifts to 21 st century education, we must acknowledge a
broader set of knowledge, skills, habits, and character traits which must be translated to our teaching pedagogies to be
able to produce globally competitive graduates.
We must embrace these important changes and adapt to whatever is good for our students. This means that we
ourselves must be ready for the challenges our current education system brings. But, what does it really mean to be a
21st century educator and how do we become one? The answer may be simple but the journey is rigorous.
To become a 21st century educator, one must be multi-literate, adaptable, and competent. Since technology is now part
of our everyday lives, it is important for us to do our best to learn how to maximize its potential in the classroom. It is
no longer enough that you know how to speak in front of your classes. You must bring learning to a higher level
considering the different natures of your students. From Manila paper and other visual aids, Powerpoint and video
presentations are now the common teaching aids. Knowing how to use technology to your advantage is indeed an
essential skill. It will be a shame if your students are better than you in using computer. Therefore we must continually
expose ourselves to opportunities that will hone our skills in this aspect.
The number of educators pursuing further studies is also an indication that we are painstakingly moving towards 21 st
century educational paradigm. It is not enough that teaching and learning remain inside the four walls of our school
since greater wisdom awaits outside. We have to update ourselves to current trends and issues in education so we can
apply and address them inside the classroom. Attending graduate classes and having productive discussions with other
professionals can enrich this experience. It also allows us to scrutinize certain solutions to existing classroom
problems using different perspectives which would eventually lead to the best answer possible. Equipped with the
right knowledge and skills, we become more adaptable to different situations, and more competent in guiding our
learners accomplish their academic goals.
The conflict does not stop there. We must also acknowledge that there is sometimes a gap between the students and
their teachers, especially if they are generations apart. A lot of things may have happened and various advancements
may have influenced and brought about changes in their attitude and behavior. So how can we address this disparity?
This may be bridged by getting to know our students better, like for example, by assessing their learning styles. There
are tests available online which may be administered to your students to know their learning styles. After knowing and
validating this information, actions may be taken. Teaching strategies may be adjusted depending on the results. Most
21st century learners are visual learners and are able to use technology very well. You may opt to provide pictures,
graphs, and video presentations for them, while role-playing, simulation, and games for tactile learners. Therefore, we
must integrate these things in every lesson that we teach. This may be challenging but not impossible.
Being aware of the learning styles of your students is just one aspect. You must also know their learning needs which
are determined by the society and industries. For instance, decades ago, diagramming sentences are taught in class,
but that is now irrelevant. The focus now is how to use the target language in real-life conversation. This means that
the need now is to equip students with language skills not merely language points. The goal now is to have productive
citizens.
The interest of your students is also an important consideration. It is common knowledge among us educators that
motivation affects the quality of learning. An effective 21 st century teacher is able to relate himself/herself to the
experiences of his/her students, and use these points to enhance the lesson. For example, literary discussions will be
more meaningful if these are being related to everyday encounters of the students.
These realizations will remain insights unless translated into actions. As we continue to assess ourselves, we must
keep on moving toward the right path and altogether we have to brave these challenges. Only then, we can truly be
teachers of the 21st century.