Gleaning on the meanings of “Teaching”, “Techniques” and “Methods”

Gleaning on the meanings of “Teaching”, “Techniques” and “Methods”

In the path of Genuine Education

Why did you enroll in this class? This was the highlighted question which was asked from all of us during our Teaching Techniques and Methods class with Dr. Leonides Son.  Surprisingly, from all responses, one answer was highlighted from this question, “It is required”.  This answer entails a lot of meaning.  Allow me expound this term. What is first the meaning of “require”.  According to the dictionary it means ‘to demand as necessary or essential; having compelling need for (Merriam Webster).  Thus, in gleaning on its relationship with this course, this subject possesses such characteristics that are important in addressing the necessity in the discipline/study of Christian Education. As I reflect with the word, “essential”, as an educator, what does this course offer to address such “need”? What is/are the “essential/s” of “techniques” as we teach?  What is/are the essential/s of the “methods” in the way we execute our lessons?  And in gleaning on these concepts, how could we obtain genuine education with all of these?

               The synonym of “technique” is “approach”, meaning, ‘to make advances to especially in order to create a desired result; to take preliminary steps towards accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of’’ (Merriam Webster).  Thus, this course is in relation to a “preparation with intention and connection”.  In teaching, or being a teacher, being prepared, I believe, is not only about documenting our lesson plans but it also incorporates the teacher’s spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical being.  I think, these factors should go along with the process of the “preparation”.  I think I should also be reminded that “preparation” in teaching is not only a “mechanical and structural” approach but it is should also be “personal”.  As a teacher, as I prepare my lessons, how involved am I? Do I see the relevance of my teaching with how I view God and my relationship to Him? How do I view the world and its nature? On how I see myself?  On how I regard each of my students as unique and special beings? Or am I just preparing “just” to “attain” my goal “extrinsically” but not “internally”? I believe that these questions await answers that would help us obtain the education’s genuineness.

               In gleaning on the word “method”, it means the “process; orderly arrangement or the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity” (Merriam Webster).  How do these descriptions relate with me as a teacher?  For me, being a teacher is not just a career or endeavour but it is a “lifestyle”.  There is a saying that “we should walk with what we talk”. I think that the ‘method’, ‘the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity’ on the way we live our lives are important elements as teachers/teaching. I believe that teaching should not only be boxed in the four corners of a classroom but it should also penetrate to the outside world.  I remember one of the topics that we had in our Ministry to the Youth last semester, it was about the importance of “ethics”, the conduct and morality of a teacher and how we models them in the way he lives his life and on how he translates and teaches the values to his students.  Oh, how will this guiding philosophy could really quicken “Christlikeness” in the way we do our education!

               Now, let me expound the meaning of teaching.  Teaching correlates with the word “tutelage”, meaning, ‘an act and process of serving as a guardian and protector’ (Merriam Webster).  As I reflect, as I plan and as I visualize the lessons I will teach my students in the future with the conviction to address to their needs, do I see these actions as an embodying role of being their ‘guard’ and their ‘protector’ from the waywardness of the world’s knowledge?  Am I that devoted and willing to take those roles to “serve” them?

Lastly, as I meditate on these things, I believe that with all the factors which I elaborated above about teaching, in techniques and in methods, the essence of being in the spirit of ‘servanthood’ is very integral because I believe carries on the good quality of a model teacher, “humbleness, lowliness, meekness and modesty” just like what our Master Teacher-the Lord Jesus Christ has exemplified.  I believe that it is the heart of education—the peak of what is “required” where we plan, perform and outlive our duties as good stewards and servants of guiding, directing and serving the learners in the path of genuine education!