Role of Teachers

Teaching is key to student success. Teachers are responsible for developing appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, as well as appropriate methods for assessing and evaluating student learning. Teachers bring enthusiasm and varied teaching and assessment approaches to the classroom, addressing individual students’ needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for every student.

Using a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies, teachers provide numerous hands-on opportunities for students to develop and refine their inquiry skills, problem-solving skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and communication skills, while discovering fundamental concepts through investigation, exploration, observation, and experimentation. The activities offered should enable students to relate and apply these concepts to the social, environmental, and economic conditions and concerns of the world in which they live. Opportunities to relate knowledge and skills to these wider contexts will motivate students to learn in a meaningful way and to become lifelong learners.

Teachers can help students understand that problem solving of any kind often requires a considerable expenditure of time and energy and a good deal of perseverance. Teachers can also encourage students to investigate, to reason, and to explore alternative solutions, and to take the risks necessary to become successful problem-solvers.

Science and technology can play a key role in shaping students’ views about life and learning. Science and technology exist in a broader social and economic context. Both are affected by the values and choices of individuals, businesses, and governments, and in turn have a significant impact on society and the environment. Teachers must provide opportunities for students to develop habits of mind appropriate for science and technology, which include a commitment to precision and integrity in observation, experimentation, and reporting; respect for evidence; adherence to safety procedures; and respect for living things and the environment.

Teachers are also responsible for ensuring the safety of students during classroom activities and for encouraging and motivating students to assume responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. They must also ensure that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for safe participation in science and technology activities.