(“An Afternoon at the SSS” concludes next week because the story is as yet, telling. This week, this column presents another valuable insight into Education from school head Jesusa Yadao, who bylines this piece)
Learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. Education does not stop when you finish a course or even graduate studies. Others are content with what they learn in college and even do not want to attend further training. This can be true especially for teachers when they are enjoying their summer vacation. Some teachers become aloof when training is mentioned. Some would be busy taking the opportunity to increase their income through business.
Every teacher needs to take responsibility for his or her own growth. It is also the responsibility of the school or school head to allocate funds to make the teachers up-to-date on new research on how students learn, emerging technology tools for the classroom, new curriculum resources, developing differentiated lessons, methods and strategies in managing classrooms, filling out paperwork, and current trends and issues in the educational system that would enhance teaching skills.
But why should there be a continuing training or education for teachers and even staff? Training is an activity leading to skilled behavior. Training is developing a skill and teaching is a skill. What teachers learn in college and graduate studies sometimes do not appear to be the same with what they learn in up-to-date trainings. There are always new things to learn and to share with others or strategies to innovate, disseminate and evaluate.
Research shows that an inspiring and informed teacher is the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement. Great induction programs create opportunities for novice teachers to learn from best practices and analyze and reflect on the profession of teaching.
As an educator, I would still encourage everyone to continue educating themselves either through attending seminars and trainings or enrolling in graduate studies, besides reading on current events. Age doesn’t matter. The knowledge you learn will also be your powerful weapon you can use to change the world. As Peter Drucker once said, knowledge has to be improved, challenged and increased constantly or it vanishes.