Learn to TEACH English with TECHNOLOGY. Free course for American TESOL students.


TESOL certification course online recognized by TESL Canada & ACTDEC UK.

Visit Driven Coffee Fundraising for unique school fundraising ideas.





Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Articles for Teachers

World-Class Teachers Need Not Be Barriotic in Thinking
By:Larry Icabandi Nabiong

It's time to go global some may say. But, as long you are limited in your knowledge of the world, afraid to change, and feeling comfy about narrowed perception, such ambition will not amount to something worthy.

For going global means you are open to different perspectives around. You are not trapped in your limited vision of self-righteousness, etc. making you like one blind man describing an elephant based on his own narrowed perception. Thus, concluding sans complete knowledge, and the result is somewhat hilarious or dangerous.

Well, am not playing one great world citizen for there are lots of things to consider being one. And, am still struggling in my own perspective. Nope, you are not to judge me just because am saying this things sans knowing others' opinion or what--those who know me--well, pretend you don't...anyways, as teachers we are obliged to be guides of our wards in getting informed, making actions, and developing the habit of reflecting on those information, and doing the right things employing those thinking or knowledge for own benefit. Sans positive outlook in life, social skills and the like, one can never be a person with global perspective. Worse, dreaming being one won't turn into reality. It will remain a wish. Nada.

How are we going to guide our wards in knowing what a world citizen is like, and what thoughts must occupy one's mind towards being one?

First, scaffolding. Well, pupils have a hard time absorbing the cultures of other peoples of the world just by reading books sans scaffolding made by competent teachers. S/he must be well-read, well-traveled and well-informed about the said thing.

Second, collaboration with other learners of the world is paramount. Well, with limited resources and leaders indifference in providing these essences in learning; still, a global teacher's perspective of helping his/her pupils go global is in vain.

Third, freedom to be creative. Strict compliance in bullshit rules sans thinking, or putting into consideration the effects of mismatched curriculum, haphazardly done programs, etc. global thinking is merely wishful thinking. Tendency is, global in dream, not in reality. And this is counter-productive to the development of global learners where ignorance, prejudices and the like are things of the past.

Fourth, take initiative. Global teachers must do something, through their own initiatives of getting help from conscientious people, with the same wavelengths, etc. towards achieving the realization of the dream: that of, going global. Barriotic thinking is nothing but fear of change. Still, others are clinging to the old belief and ways of doing things sans considering other ways more effective and efficient to augment learning, thus, the the real aim of education is not achieved.

I have this power-4 principle: power to know, change, create and share as guide to our learners' quest to go global, and towards achieving globally competent thinkers and doers. As conscientious facilitators of learning, our wards are lucky to have us their great mentors who know the essence of erasing illiteracy by 2015 and ensuring worldly competent citizens onwards.

Yes, it's a tough job, but with burning desire to make a difference--nothing is impossible.

Keep on believing that the world is what you make it. Do your part now by making your wards highly creative thinkers and doers. But, of course they must be good readers and users of information, first.

Well, accept this challenge and you'll see a big difference later.

The author is a mentor of teachers in elementary grades in the Philippines. Aside from being a grade school teacher, he is also contributing articles to magazines just to make good use of his spare time. He has joined writing contest in the past, but until now, he is dreaming of bagging an award! This is why, he is now trying his luck in this endeavor--blogging-- to find his niche and somewhere, somehow find a way of publishing a book.


Go to another board -