Nature of Teaching
Meaning of Teaching
Teaching is a process of guiding, instructing, and facilitating learning. It involves communication between teacher and learner to bring about desired changes in knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes.
Definition of Teaching
- Gage (1964): “Teaching is a form of interpersonal influence aimed at changing the behavior of another person.”
- Clarke (1970): “Teaching is the task of a teacher, which is performed for the development of a student.”
- Amidon (1967): “Teaching is an interactive process that helps students to learn and grow.”
Characteristics of Teaching
- It is both an art and a science.
- It is a purposeful and goal-oriented activity.
- It involves communication and interaction.
- It is student-centered and aims at holistic development.
- It is a continuous and dynamic process.
Importance of Teaching
- Develops knowledge, skills, and values among learners.
- Shapes individual personality and social behavior.
- Bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.
- Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Supports national development by preparing responsible citizens.
Kinds of Teaching
- Formal Teaching: Structured, classroom-based teaching.
- Informal Teaching: Learning through daily experiences, family, and society.
- Non-formal Teaching: Organized activities outside school (e.g., training, workshops).
- Team Teaching: Two or more teachers jointly planning and delivering lessons.
- Programmed Teaching: Teaching using technology and programmed learning material.
Example
If a teacher explains teaching aptitude to UGC NET aspirants using examples, illustrations, and practice questions, it is an instance of formal teaching.
Mock Test: Nature of Teaching (5 Questions)
Q1. Teaching is best described as:
- A. A one-way process
- B. A purposeful activity
- C. A casual conversation
- D. A leisure-time activity
Answer: B
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of teaching?
- A. Goal-oriented
- B. Static in nature
- C. Interactive
- D. Student-centered
Answer: B
Q3. “Teaching is a form of interpersonal influence aimed at changing behavior” was defined by:
- A. Gage
- B. Clarke
- C. Amidon
- D. Dewey
Answer: A
Q4. Learning from family, peers, and environment is an example of:
- A. Formal Teaching
- B. Informal Teaching
- C. Non-formal Teaching
- D. Programmed Teaching
Answer: B
Q5. Team teaching involves:
- A. One teacher teaching multiple subjects
- B. Students teaching each other
- C. Two or more teachers teaching together
- D. Online programmed instruction
Answer: C