Why teachers are no longer revered as sacred

June 10, 2010

In 1971 a scholar by the name of Robert Nisbet claimed that “the man of knowledge and his pursuits were sacred”. Much has changed in the 40 or so years since professor Nisbet wrote those words. And it goes beyond the fact that do we not write only in the masculine gender any more. While teachers are still regarded as knowledgeable, they are no longer revered as sacred. While some may lament, and even resist it, teachers no longer enjoy the “aura of the sacred”, as Nisbet calls it.

In today’s world where technology is moving at the speed of light, young people are very aware that they know more than many of the “over-30s”, especially when it comes to technology. Adults regularly turn to young people for help and coaching on matters of hardware, software and social media.

Old, traditional, hierarchical and patriarchal attitudes are giving way to more collaborative approaches. Old, authoritative, “teacher-centred” or “expert-centred” approaches to teaching are as out as black and white televisions. Are you still lamenting the days when the teacher was worshiped?

Reference:

Nisbet, R. (1971). The Degradation of the Academic Dogma: The University in America, 1945-1970. N.Y.: Basic Books Inc.

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Update – January 2018 – This blog has had over 1.8 million views thanks to readers like you. If you enjoyed this post, please “like” it or share it on social media. Thanks!

Sarah Elaine Eaton is a faculty member in the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Canada.

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Posted by Sarah Elaine Eaton, Ph.D.

Why literacy teachers need digital literacy

April 1, 2010

It drives me crazy people who are in leadership positions who somehow feel they’re now exempt from the need to learn further. People who work in literacy and languages know their stuff. At least they know it when it comes to traditional literacy. I am baffled by the number of people who work in that sector who lack technological literacy.

These are trained teachers, dedicated tutors and people who really make a difference in the world. Yet, when it comes to technology they flap around giving excuses not unlike their very own learners, trying to mask their own lack of skills. How about, “Oh, I don’t have time,” or “I don’t get all that stuff” or “What good is it going to do me?” or my personal favorite, “I’ve gotten along just fine until now, thank you very much.”

In today’s world where we use tools like the International Adult Literacy and Life Surveys Skills IALSS to demonstrate an individual’s strengths, it seems to me that this very scale should also apply to those who work in the industry, not just the learners.

It’s not enough to know how to turn on your computer and use your mouse. Maybe that would count as Level 2 on the IALLS scale? In today’s world, if we are talking about functional ability to use technology to interact and prosper, we’re looking at the need for skilled leaders – say Level 3 minimum, though even better, Level 4. That means knowing what social media is (and knowing how to use it), exchanging ideas with other professionals in a discussion forum and possibly even knowing how to Skype so you can connect with others far away at a low cost.

So, if you were to score yourself on the IALLS scale for technology, where would you rank?

If it’s good for the learner, it’s good for the leader. How are you supposed to lead by example if you’re not living what you want your learners to live?

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Update – January 2018 – This blog has had over 1.8 million views thanks to readers like you. If you enjoyed this post, please “like” it or share it on social media. Thanks!

Sarah Elaine Eaton is a faculty member in the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Canada.

3 Comments | IALSS, leadership, Literacy | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Sarah Elaine Eaton, Ph.D.

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