I recently applied to be part of the National Forum on the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (application pending!). As part of it I had to do a 3 minute video on my motivation to be part of the forum and also 3 bullet points on my views on teaching as a profession. You can read my points below (slightly edited for this purpose).
Teaching is a profession that can sometimes be misunderstood as just teaching facts and leaving it at that; teaching is much more than that. It is a journey with you and the student to a place where they become masters of their own learning. It is a profession that ascertains where the student is and then teaches them accordingly. I believe teachers need to be taught these methods appropriately.
Teachers are the crux of student learning; they need to be shown how to teach effectively through formative assessment strategies; embracing new curriculum and leading the way in times of change and uncertainty. It is important that teachers and particularly student teachers have a voice in terms of the way forward with education in Ireland. Learning has to be shared and an atmosphere of collaboration between likeminded people fostered and developed over time.
We are taught that learning in schools is a relationship between students and teachers; in that case, learning in higher education institutes needs to be a relationship between the people who write national policies and the ones who are expected to implement them..the teachers! Therefore, our voice needs to be heard and listened to and our opinions taken on board as to the best way forward. This is essential with regards to the new 21st-century student and their learning needs.
