The role of a teacher is transforming every single day, and increasingly so, within the context of a T-shaped higher education model. The classroom environment is evolving and becoming more dynamic. New student profiles are emerging, with an emphasis on diverse and special needs. Technology is changing the way pedagogy is created and consumed.
Today, a good teacher is not only expected to have accurate knowledge of the subject in hand but is also expected to bring that subject matter to the appropriate level of student understanding. A disseminator of knowledge, a developer of attributes, a facilitator of idea exchange, teachers paves the way for powerful and inspiring leadership, societal and global change, among other positive impacts.
But in ensuring the highest level of academic quality, critical factors such as planning, regulation, policy, as well as organizational structures need to work together in synergy. It is important to recognize what truly motivates faculty performance, and then empower instructors and professors with the right skills and tools, to implement best teaching practices!
Self-Based or Reward Based Motivation
Faculty performance is measured on the basis of a number of variables, including quality of course content, the efficacy of course delivery, efficiency in developing and managing instruction, effectiveness in mentoring students, the value of academic advising, and potency of research capabilities.
But what drives this performance, an intrinsic or extraneous force? Is it the inherent passion for teaching, the promise of reputation and esteem, the security of the position, or the prospect of monetary gain, that motivates faculty to do what they do?
Research indicates that people are motivated to act in a certain way because of internal desires and wishes, but at other times, behaviors are driven by a desire for external rewards. By striking the perfect balance between self-based and reward-based motivation, faculty are empowered to reach their maximum potential.
Mentoring the Mentors!
Here are a few ways in which institutions can inspire and incentivize faculty to reach benchmark teaching standards. A simple and sure-fire, you can never go wrong with these tactics.
Acknowledge special contributions from faculty members via weekly memos, e-mails, and/or staff meetings. Through positive reinforcement, management can effectively convey that they care and are willing to give credit when it is due.
Organize professional development courses to maintain and update proficiency levels. Upskilling helps teachers stay relevant in the classroom, especially in the virtual environment, where there are so many collaborative tools to leverage.
Organize skills workshops to imbibe interpersonal and communication skills. Having a variety of students in class necessitates a student-centric approach to teaching. The ability to articulate and simplify thoughts is a core skill that will help educators successfully support a varied set of students.
Provide technical training to achieve complete digital literacy. Educational technology is not transformative on its own, it requires teachers to seamlessly integrate it into the curriculum and use it to improve student learning.
Encourage faculty to share their perspectives on how instruction can be enhanced during counseling sessions. A healthy outlet to provide feedback, register complaints, recommend solutions, express emotions.
Of course, the implementation of these tactics depends upon the educational institution in question. Given the current challenges of shortage of faculty, poor quality teaching, outdated and rigid curricula, lack of accountability and quality assurance, separation of research and teaching, it is imperative for institutions to start making big changes. Public, private, autonomous, affiliated – every university should look into nurturing and cultivating their teaching staff.
How Edtech Can Support Teaching Faculty
The modern classroom differs significantly from its counterpart of just a decade ago. EdTech platforms have evolved from being nice-to-have tools to becoming indispensable aids for teachers everywhere. Platforms such as Student Information Systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) have the potential to alleviate the workload for teachers and significantly enhance the teaching experience, making it more efficient, engaging, and effective.
Streamlining Administrative Tasks: Consider the hours spent grading papers and chasing down permission slips. EdTech tools can handle these tasks in a snap, freeing teachers to invest more quality time in their core responsibility: teaching.
Supercharging Lesson Delivery: EdTech tools offer a plethora of resources to enhance lessons. Teachers can access a diverse range of ready-to-use course materials and interactive activities, often developed by their peers.
Facilitating Continuous Learning: Professional development is crucial in the teaching profession. EdTech provides opportunities for lifelong learning and sustained skill enhancement. Teachers can participate in online training programs, webinars, and workshops to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and technologies.
Promoting Collaboration and Communication: EdTech tools transform the institution into a bustling hub of collaboration among teachers, students, and parents. Platforms like Camu Digital Campus make it easy to share resources, provide feedback, and communicate effectively.
Expanding Teaching Practices: EdTech opens up a whole new world of possibilities for what a teacher can achieve in a single day. With the help of technology, teachers can incorporate new practices that would otherwise be difficult to implement and sustain. This includes differentiated instruction, evidence-based teaching methods, and supporting students’ social and emotional well-being.
