Understanding roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training
Roles in Education and Training
- Professional responsibility: Educators are role models, as well as moral, ethical, and legal exemplars for those they teach. They hold a professional duty to model and foster respectful behaviour and responsibility.
- Content delivery: A fundamental responsibility of an educator is to pass on accurate and relevant information, using teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning styles.
- Motivational influence: Educators should instil a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject in their learners, motivating them to actively participate in the learning process.
- Support system: The educator provides emotional, social and academic support to learners, guiding them through different stages of their learning journey.
Responsibilities in Education and Training
- Learner assessment: Educators have a duty to fairly evaluate, monitor and provide feedback on learners' progress. This includes formal assessments such as tests and assignments, and informal observations in class.
- Inclusive practices: Educators should ensure each learner has equal access to learning opportunities, regardless of their unique needs, abilities or backgrounds. This involves appropriately adapting materials, lesson plans and teaching strategies.
- Record-keeping: This pertains to maintaining accurate records of learner progress, attendance, and achievements. These records serve as evidence of teaching and learning, and support planning and decision-making.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Educators should continuously update their skills and knowledge to maintain professional competence and stay current with new developments in education.
Relationships in Education and Training
- Professional boundaries: While fostering positive, respectful relationships with learners, educators must maintain a professional distance to ensure objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Collaboration with colleagues: This entails engagement with other professionals in exchanging ideas, techniques and resources, contributing to collective growth and development within the educational community.
- Engagement with parents or guardians: Teachers may regularly interact with parents or guardians, discussing learners' progress, issues or successes, seeking their support, and building community involvement in education.
- Interaction with other professionals: Educators may interact with other stakeholders such as support staff, administrative personnel, and external experts. This collaboration contributes to the overall effectiveness of the learning environment.