English as a world language is becoming more and more important in our culture, thereby affecting the English classroom and its participants. The whole process of teaching English has been changing during the last decades and so have the students. They already start learning their first foreign language at a primary school level and teachers have to be flexible to enable students to learn. Thereby teachers not only educate students what English is about and how it works, but also the usage of it and particularly communication skills.
Every student has a different ability when learning a second language. Some grasp it easily and develop sympathy for it, others struggle and have difficulties which could lead to being demotivated and lack of interest. This leads to the question what an English teacher can and has to do, in order to teach students successfully. Nowadays teachers are supposed not only to educate, but also to create an suitable environment for learners.
Therefore it is necessary to perform many different roles in the classroom to fully achieve the best learning development. Roles which have its own characteristics, work differently and have various aims.
First, this leads to the question “what a role actually is” and I will give a short definition of it. Afterwards the various roles will be introduced and then described in detail. What are the characteristics of a role? What does it mean to perform it? Why is it necessary to do so? These questions will be answered later on. Finally, I will give a conclusion and a brief overview about the portrayed roles.
Table of Contents
1.Introduction
2. Definition of the Term „Role“
3. Roles of a Teacher
3.1 Teacher as Controller
3.2 Teacher as Assessor
3.3 Teacher as Manager
3.3.1 Classroom Management Styles
3.4 Teacher as Resource
3.5 Teacher as Participant
3.6 Teacher as Investigator
3.7 Teacher as Role Model
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the diverse professional roles that English language teachers must adopt to effectively facilitate learning in an evolving classroom environment. It explores the interplay between these roles and their impact on student development, motivation, and the overall classroom atmosphere.
- Theoretical definitions of professional roles in an educational context
- Core teaching functions, including controller, assessor, and manager
- Supportive and interactive roles such as resource and participant
- Reflective practices through the role of the investigator
- The long-term impact of the teacher as a role model
Excerpt from the Book
3.3.1 Classroom Management Styles
When managing a class one can choose between several management styles which all have different characteristics and influence the classroom in various ways. The authoritarian management style is highly organized and controls everything what is going on. The whole lesson is focused on the teacher who decides when students are allowed to talk or act. Communication rarely takes place due to the few opportunities for oral exchange, which is highly negative in respect of developing language skills. Expected obedience and discipline cause a tensed atmosphere in class where students are supposed to be silent, not to ask questions and only act if necessary. As a result students are not encouraged to act by themselves, are scared to make mistakes and have little self motivation. (Bosworth)
An authoritative teacher “[…] places limits and controls on the students but simultaneously encourages independence” (Bosworth). This style is far more appropriate for learning development. Students are welcome to talk and make contributions during the lesson, producing a friendly, communicative atmosphere which motivates them to learn and practice. In this case the teacher acts more as a guide than a leader and develops the student´s independence. (Bosworth)
Another management style is the so called laissez-faire style. Here students are absolutely free to act in class even when their contributions are not always helpful. The teacher, even though popular among the pupils, has difficulties to maintain control over the class which leads to indiscipline. The behaviour of laissez-faire teachers, being too friendly and not demanding enough, makes it difficult for students to learn accordingly due to a lack of clear established routines and chaotic lessons. Challenging activities and little control over the class, makes students become demotivated and learning achievement is quite low. (Bosworth)
Summary of Chapters
1.Introduction: Outlines the changing nature of the English classroom and the necessity for teachers to adopt multiple roles to address diverse student needs.
2. Definition of the Term „Role“: Provides a theoretical basis for understanding "roles" as functions or positions involving social expectations.
3. Roles of a Teacher: Offers a comprehensive overview of various teaching personas and how they influence the learning process.
3.1 Teacher as Controller: Discusses the teacher-centered approach where the educator guides the pace and content of the lesson.
3.2 Teacher as Assessor: Examines the teacher's responsibility in evaluating student performance through feedback and correction.
3.3 Teacher as Manager: Explores organizational skills required to maintain discipline and create an effective learning atmosphere.
3.3.1 Classroom Management Styles: Compares authoritarian, authoritative, laissez-faire, and indifferent management approaches.
3.4 Teacher as Resource: Explains the teacher's function as a provider of information and a model of target language usage.
3.5 Teacher as Participant: Highlights the value of the teacher joining activities to increase student engagement and language competence.
3.6 Teacher as Investigator: Focuses on the teacher's need to constantly analyze and improve their own pedagogical practices.
3.7 Teacher as Role Model: Addresses the ethical and personal influence teachers have on students' character development.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes how balancing these various roles leads to successful teaching and a more effective learning environment.
Keywords
Teacher Roles, English Language Teaching, Classroom Management, Teacher Talk, Assessment, Pedagogical Strategies, Professional Development, Student Motivation, Language Acquisition, Role Model, Reflective Teaching, Learner-Centered Approach, Communication Skills, Classroom Atmosphere, Educational Leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work fundamentally explores the various professional roles an English teacher fulfills in the classroom and how these roles shape the educational experience of students.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include classroom control, student assessment, management styles, the teacher as a resource or participant, the importance of self-investigation for professional improvement, and the teacher's impact as a role model.
What is the main objective of the paper?
The primary goal is to provide a structured overview of teaching roles, demonstrating that effective teaching requires a dynamic balance between active and passive roles to foster student progress.
What research methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a literature review and synthesis of established pedagogical theories and definitions regarding the roles of teachers in language classrooms.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body systematically analyzes seven distinct teacher roles, ranging from the instructor as a controller and manager to the teacher as a participant and role model, including specific sub-categories like classroom management styles.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Teacher Roles, Classroom Management, Reflective Teaching, Pedagogical Development, Student Motivation, and Language Acquisition.
How does the "Teacher as Investigator" role contribute to a better learning environment?
By observing and analyzing their own lessons and student reactions, teachers can identify what works and what does not, allowing for constant improvement and a more rewarding teaching experience.
Why is the "Teacher as Role Model" considered to have a permanent impact?
This role goes beyond school subjects, as teachers exemplify human qualities like honesty and fairness, which influence students' personal development throughout their entire lives.
How should a teacher balance different management styles?
The paper suggests that an authoritative style, which places limits while encouraging student independence, is generally more effective for learning than strictly authoritarian or laissez-faire approaches.
- Quote paper
- Tom Keller (Author), 2011, The Various Roles of the Teacher in the English Classroom, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319479
