The teacher that the 21st century student needs OAS SEVENTH INTER-AMERICAN MEETING OF MINISTERS OF EDUCATION IN THE FRAMEWORK OF CIDI PARAMARIBO, SURINAME, MARCH 1-2, 2012 DENISE VAILLANT

Challenges: an increasingly complex profession with greater demands... “The conceptual and empiric research clearly shows that the teaching profession involves highly complex and multidimenisional phenomenon…” Kelchtermans (2004: 218)

More challenges…work of teachers and professors Heterogeneity of situations Set of teaching skills

Planning Classroom teaching Portfolio preparation Inclusión de estudiantes con dificultades Contention of conflictive situations Exam preparation Grading homework Project preparation Interacting with parents Management of teaching resources Challenging multiplicity of tasks

The best education systems do three things right: They find the best candidates for teaching They encourage the professional development of teachers and professors They guarantee teachers adequate mechanisms of support in their work

Teacher performance: relevant findings Teachers and Capacities Deep knowledge of the subjects they teach Objectives centered on the desired results for their students Verbal and written communication skills A variety of pedagogical strategies; knowing when to use them and with what students

Teacher performance: relevant findings Teachers and Capacities Deep understanding of the linguistic and cultural background of their students Classroom organization and management, using time effectively Ability to evaluate the students’ learning, both formally and informally Understanding of the development stages of the children and young people in the level they teach

Teacher performance: relevant findings Teachers and Capacities They respect students without making any cultural, language or ethnic distinction. High expectations regarding all students’ learning They see students’ mistakes as “windows to their thinking” They reflect about their practice

Strategies for teacher training to become: Well organized classrooms and an environment that fosters interest for learning.. Safe and tidy classrooms where students be treated with justice and fairness. Adequate use of time in general, and with students. Use of effective teaching techniques and support to students so they may relate new knowledge with previous. Collaboration between colleagues and teams.

Teachers for the 21st century that offer students: Opportunities so students get actively involved in their own learning. Formative evaluation to adapt and diversify teaching according to the student groups. Collaborative and friendly bonds between teachers and students. Collaborative partnerships among peers, parents and members of the communituy.