Some people believe that anybody can be a teacher, if he is trained properly. Others think that there are some personal qualities a good teacher should have. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
A tug of war has ensued about who can take up teaching as a profession. Some stress on vocational training turning one into adept teachers, while others emphasize presence of innate calibre helping excel in this trade. This essay shall delve deeper into both sides and deliver a justified conclusion.
As per the conventional thought, effective teaching hinges on innate traits: being sensitive and compassionate to surroundings and expectations of pupils, and an ability to respond to typical individual requirements; having the capability to translate personal experiments and mundane experiences into tangible teaching practices; a preparedness to take on the role of a mentor. These characteristics are inbuilt and no training can help one garner these, and up till now, the most accomplished tutors have been the ones, be it a school, a university, or even a professional institution, who have actually helped learners gain most out of their studies. For example, a ten-year study carried out by the University of California revealed that those studying under naturally-abled teachers tended to be more open about their weaknesses, seeking clarifications, and churning out brilliant excellent academic performances.
However, an army of people vehemently supports the view that anyone can join the profession of teaching by gaining certification, and operate successfully. This methodology sets the professional on a tried and tested path, backed by training, which exposes those aspiring to be educators to a variety of scientifically-tested theories and practical devices, allowing them to perfect the art of creating and disseminating lessons, enhancing learner participation and assessing their abilities through pre-defined formulae.
Overall, to excel at teaching, a professional should possess a blend of inherent qualities, and also be adept in using state-of-the-art pedagogical methods - which training affords them - to be successful in the occupation of teaching.