Who is a teacher?

[hallenrm]

Today the 5th of September is observed as the teacher's day in India, remembering the contributions of S.Radhakrishnan, a great teacher and former President of Indian Union.

 

That is sufficient for me to ponder about the question, "Who is a teacher?" because I myself take pride in calling myself a teacher. But before we proceed any further let me solicit the opinions of some other members of Hypography community about this question.

[Jay-qu]

Simply a person who teaches, to impart ones knowlege or skills to another person..

 

I am a teacher by this definition, though I dont consider myself an offical one. I am more of a tutor. Though one day I wouldnt mind been a teacher :D

[Tarantism]

i agree, anyone who gives their knowlege of anything to others is at that time a teacher. somtimes its interesting to think that we all have this power as people, but so few use it.

[Tormod]

A teacher is a good mentor who also has the ability to make people learn how to learn.

[Jay-qu]

More time should be spent teaching people how to learn, it would save a lot of time and make the whole education system more efficient.

[Southtown]

Someone who is both willing and able to help society seperate fact from fiction.

[InfiniteNow]

Teacher - A person walking a particular path, who kindly shows others what they've seen and encourages them down their own.

 

 

By the way, it doesn't appear that your choices were adequate considering 100% thus far have checked "Other." :beer:

[Mercedes Benzene]

I believe a teacher is someone who provides ANY sort of information whatsoever, no matter how mundane or extraordinary.

[Turtle]

I voted "Other" so I get to write an original definition too.:eek2:

A teacher is that which imparts information to that which lacked that information. :D

[hallenrm]

By the way, it doesn't appear that your choices were adequate considering 100% thus far have checked "Other." :D

 

Should I say that was partly intentional, so as to prompt people to give their own definitions! :eek2:

 

The options listed are mainly those that are common amongst present day students.

[ronthepon]

To be a teacher, you need to respect the whole matter of imparting knowledge.

 

Else it becomes money minded tutoring.

[hallenrm]

To be a teacher, you need to respect the whole matter of imparting knowledge.

 

Else it becomes money minded tutoring.

Well said Ron.

 

A teacher is that which imparts information to that which lacked that information.

Sorry Turtle a teacher, in my opinion is not just an information vending machine. My comment in response to Mercedes Benzene opinion is therefore no different.

 

I believe a teacher is someone who provides ANY sort of information whatsoever, no matter how mundane or extraordinary.

 

Infinitenow comes very close to my ideal for the definition of a teacher.

 

Teacher - A person walking a particular path, who kindly shows others what they've seen and encourages them down their own.

 

Same is the case with Jay-qu's definition:

 

More time should be spent teaching people how to learn, it would save a lot of time and make the whole education system more efficient.

 

But I differ from his later comment:

 

Simply a person who teaches, to impart ones knowledge or skills to another person.

 

Because I think this definition does not say much, just plays with the words.

 

Tormod said:

A teacher is a good mentor who also has the ability to make people learn how to learn.

To that I would say, there is a subtle difference between a mentor and a teacher! :beer:

 

Now it is my turn to express my view.

 

According to me a true teacher is one who dedicates one's life to the art of learning and then communicating knowledge and personal experiences and thought. A true teacher would think deeply about every bit of knowledge that s/he gets and then reflect upon the process by which it can be received most efficiently by his/her pupils. Teaching, according to me is an art, in which only few become proficient. The most proficient practitioners of this art are the most respected teachers!!! :eek:

[Turtle]

A teacher is that which imparts information to that which lacked that information.

Sorry Turtle a teacher, in my opinion is not just an information vending machine. :)

Because "teacher" is broad a term, I sought to express the definition by the broadest most general possible means. It is often said "experience is the best teacher", and in this context the teacher is not a person; similarly we say a person "learned from their mistakes".

When the teacher is a person, so much of the teaching depends on the specific circumstances that a generalized description is inadequate. For example I spent 20 years teaching swimming & water safety to thousands of people in a proffesional capacity, and found this teaching requires unique challenges compared to tutoring English composition or math for example.

So, I reassert my definition is valid. Whenever knowledge is gained, the student is the gainer & the teacher is the gainee.:)

[infamous]

The teacher: Those sharing human beings that add so much to the lives of others, the great lessons which they would otherwise, rarely obtain..........Infy

[arkain101]

A teacher is... where a student learns.

 

There is a relationship, there is no teacher untill there is one who becomes the student, only then is ones doings representing them as a teacher.

[Ananke]

A teacher is one who passes on a certain world-view and set of beliefs to another. These beliefs can include such things as scientific theories and historical 'facts', but in essence a teacher is a transmitter of culture.

[Turtle]

...', but in essence a teacher is a transmitter of culture.

 

Except for a swimming teacher...:esmoking: