The professional Science Teacher
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed., JRF & NET
Assistant Professor in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Profession
The
term 'Profession' stands for an occupation which requires some specialized
study and training, and the purpose of which is generally to provide skilled
services and guidance. A profession is a calling and implies acquisition of a
fond of knowledge, range skills and their application in service of humanity.
They services rendered by a professional may be direct as will the case of
teachers and doctors or indirect as is in the case of teacher educators i.e. teacher
of a teacher. It is a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged
training and a formal qualification.
Profession-
Definition
According
to Halliday “a profession is an occupation with a set of competency based on
knowledge acquired through many years of academic training, the goal of its
members being a commitment to service guided by a code of ethics. It requires
formal qualification, mastery of skills, specialized knowledge and prolonged
training.
A
professional is a skilled practitioner.
“Teaching
is a profession laden with risk and responsibility that requires a great deal
from those who enter into it.” --John I. Goodlad
Characteristics of a profession
The
following are the common characteristics of a profession:
1.
It demands possession of a body of
specialised knowledge and extended practical training.
2.
It renders an essential social service.
3.
It demands continuous in service
training of its members.
4.
It has a clearly defined membership of a
particular group with a view to safe- guarding the interests of the profession.
5.
It involves a code of ethics.
6.
It sets up its own professional
organization.
7.
It assures its members a professional
career.
8.
It has a truth and loyalty.
9.
It should have the qualities such as
Honesty, Humbleness, Accountability, self regulation and Integrity.
10. It
must have responsibilities and Social justice.
11. It
demands regularity and punctuality.
Teaching
as a profession
Teaching is a profession. It is
seen as the noblest profession around the world. It is the career that receives
highest respect in the society. Teachers prefer to be identified by their
profession. The points of reason for seeing teaching as a profession are the
following.
1)
Teaching requires a sound body of
knowledge.
2)
It requires special training and practice.
3)
It is a multi skill activity.
4)
It creates all professionals.
5)
It requires continuous updating of one’s
knowledge.
6)
It emphasizes punctuality and
regularity.
7)
It focuses on character.
8)
It has rigid code of ethics.
9)
It has high status and dignity.
Since teaching being a
profession, teachers are expected to have appropriate professional behavior,
appearance and outlook. The values, commitments, and professional ethics that
influence their behaviours towards students, families, colleagues and communities
must be there in teachers. Teachers affect students learning, motivation and
development. They must have professional growth, guided by the beliefs and
attitudes related to global values such as commitment to the teaching
profession, professional ethics and manners, professional speaking and writing
skills etc. They should not use abusive language, cursing words etc and should
wear suitable dress, make appropriate movements and cause best impression.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam,
former president of India has quoted that, “We
request that teachers do two things, first let them think about
developed India in their own ways &
enthuse the students, secondly they should update their own knowledge,
because the student is only as good as
teacher. Let them constantly try to upgrade their skills so that they can
enthuse the children to think big.”
Professionalism in teacher
education is the key factor to improve the quality of education. Teaching is a
noble profession which lays the foundation for preparing the individual for all
other profession.
