Teaching Profession: Lesson 2: General Domains of Teaching Competence
Teaching Profession: Lesson 2: General Domains of Teaching Competence
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Teaching Profession
with institutions and individuals. Sixth, teachers are expected to design
and implement assessment and evaluation tools that measure students'
success and learning progress. Seventh, they are also regarded as leaders
in various activities programs. Finally, teachers should plan for their
Lesson 2: General Domains of Teaching professional growth and development.
Competence
This chapter explores significant literatures and theories that will A. Educational Foundations
help teachers in understanding the different domains of teaching
competence. Much of what is written in this chapter is the result of Teachers should have a solid understanding of educational
research in teacher education different teachers in various levels in the foundations-subjects and disciplines that have important contribution to
country. This chapter also includes activities that will encourage pre- the understanding of education as a field of study and educational
service teachers to examine and reflect on the activities do in school, and processes. These subjects and disciplines a follows: History of Education,
in society. The objectives of this chapter are the following: Philosophy, Legal Foundations of Education, Sociological and
Anthropological Foundations of Education, and Educational Psychology.
Identify domains where teachers should be competent in Over the years, these disciplines and fields have contributed several
doing their job theories, ideas, laws, and principles to enrich education as a field of study.
Analyze various activities performed be teachers in school The following are some standards that teachers need to know in the area
Reflect on the importance of developing teachers’ of Educational Foundations:
competence in different domains.
1. Demonstrate understanding of the historical foundations of
The teaching profession is a dynamic field that requires teachers to education, especially on Philippine education, including
excel different domains. contributions and ideas of individuals and groups from diverse
backgrounds. Teachers need to understand how historical events in
First, as professionals, teachers should demonstrate competence the country and in the world helped shape the field of education.
and knowledge in the different disciplines that influence education as a Many educational theories and all educational systems are
field of study, which are what we call educational foundations. Second, productsof individuals and groups who have dedicated their lives in
teachers need to have an understanding learning environments that findings ways' on how to change society and develop human
promote academic excellence and safety. Third, a strong commitment to beings through education.
respect the diversity of learners whom they teach. Fourth, they should
have knowledge and expertise in the areas of curriculum and instruction, Literatures on the history of education would tell us that the
especially in promoting culturally relevant and responsive curriculum and Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, and even the ancient
pedagogy for Filipino learners. Fifth, as public servants, teachers need to civilizations in Mesopotamia, Persia, China, and other areas of the
establish good partnership with all stakeholders and develop linkages world have contributed a lot in the development of educational
Teachers also need to understand the different educational On a macro level, teachers must understand that education
theories and apply and interpret them in teaching. These theories is said to be one of the pillars of economic progress. This is based
guide teachers in engaging students in meaningful learning. They on the fact that education contributes to the economic growth of
provide alternative solution and explanations to educational issues any country through the development of human resources, ideas,
and concerns. In the same manner, teach need to be updated with and technology. In the Philippines, education is seen as an
latest researches in the field of education and from allied areas, important tool for alleviating poverty and in pushing for economic
such as psychology, neurology, sociology, and others that have progress and human resources development.
influence in the field of education to help them further understand
the learning process and respond to the needs of learners. 5. Integrate ideas and theories to understand the purposes and
nature of education as a discipline. Teachers need to develop an
3. Understand laws and policies related to education, especially in appreciation of the different educational ideas and theories to have
Philippine context. Teachers should seek to understand the a better understanding of the field of education. Education is a very
different laws and policies concerning Philippine education. These dynamic field involving a concrete process of understanding how
laws and policies provide the legal framework that will guide people learn, how an individual think, and how different people
teachers and administrators in making decisions about the school, develop knowledge and skills. It is therefore necessary for teachers
policies, teachers, and students.
1. Understand types of learning environments that accommodate the 4. Create a safe learning environment for all learners. Teachers need
learners’ various needs and promote the development of different to create a safe physical and psychological learning environment
types of learners. Teachers should understand different educational for their learners. Brain-based principles tell us that students learn
environments that influence the learners’ development. As best when they feel safe and secured.
mentioned previously, these educational environments refer to the
physical and psychological environments provided by the school. 5. Create learning environments that promote intercultural exchange
As for the latter, students need to learn in a safe environment with among learners. Teachers should teach their students to value
conducive classrooms equipped with instructional materials individual differences and cultural diversity. They need to expose
needed for each subject. Meanwhile, the psychological their students to different activities and programs that promote
environment of the school should promote a climate of high interaction among students. It is important for students to develop
expectations, appreciation of diversity, and respect for learner's a high level of cultural literacy. Brodin (2010) observed that the
dignity. It is important for teachers to promote a learning need to educate all citizens and provide them with information
environment that values individual ideas, develops individual talent, about other cultures and countries has become imperative. The
and provides a venue for intellectual discussions and activities. thrust of the pre-service teacher education curriculum should focus
The following are some of the standards that teachers should know
and do in the area of professional development:
I. Professional Development
1. Building professional links with colleagues and other professionals.
Teachers need to commit themselves to continuous professional Teachers need to establish a good working relationship with their
development. This is important so that they can update themselves with colleagues and other professionals. These can be done through
different curricular and instructional innovations. The professional membership in academic societies and professional organizations
development of teachers involves attending graduate school to take here in the Philippines or abroad. It is through these academic links
advance courses and degrees; attending conferences; and participating in that they get to know more and share best practices in education.
seminars, workshops, and trainings. These professional development 2. Conduct relevant research. Teachers need to conduct basic
activities are commonly known as continuing education programs or in- research or action research to fully understand some educational
service trainings. In these programs and activities, teachers will have the issues and problems, and test the applicability and strength of a
opportunity to discuss educational issues, understand new challenges in particular curriculum or pedagogical models in their settings. In the
teaching and learning processes, appreciate new information related to Philippines, most teachers do not conduct research. If they do, it is
the subjects they teach, learn new instructional methods and strategies, because it is a requirement for promotion. Research is important in
and improve their classroom management skills. the academe. It is through this that we get to know more about
certain issues and areas of interest. Research enables us to validate
These professional development programs are important in molding
theories and see the applicability of these educational theories in
the minds and character of teachers. Everything in education cannot be
our school context.
learned in the pre-service teacher education curriculum. The world of
3. Commitment to lifelong learning. Teachers need to develop the
knowledge is so dynamic that it evolves as time goes by. New knowledge,
habit or culture of lifelong learning. We see teachers as fountains of
skills, and information across different fields and disciplines are developed
knowledge. Hence, they should serve as models of knowledge
and disseminated regularly through journals, books, online sources, and
seekers and producers. Teachers should never stop learning. Their
through conferences and in-service programs. Many of these professional
position in the society requires them to be always knowledgeable
development activities of teachers are conducted during semester or
in their work and in different areas.
summer vacations.