THE TRANSFORMATION OF TEACHING
I n 1916, Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell wrote that teaching is one of the noblest tasks because it shapes the minds of future generations, and that teachers should strive to foster curiosity, scepticism, and creativity, rather than simply convey information (Russell, 1916).
Since then, the role of teachers have become increasingly complex and challenging.
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT
In Singapore, teachers are laden with heavy workloads, large class sizes, and a highly-centralised curriculum that limits creativity, while grappling with the shift towards a knowledge-based economy (Lee, 2022).
In the US state of Florida, politics and religion have permeated into the classroom, resulting in the banning of hundreds of school books from the conservative Republican state (Pen America, 2023).
These changes have led to an increase in stress for teachers, which can impact their effectiveness and well-being.
So, while Russell highlighted the teacher’s role, John Locke suggested instead that education should be tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each student, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach (Locke, 1693). This is to account for students from lower-income backgrounds, who may be affected by the quality of their education due to fewer opportunities and pathways.
In his same book “Some Thoughts Concerning Education”, Locke also emphasised the importance of family, that parents must play an intrinsic role in shaping children’s moral character, habits, and values. So unlike Russell’s assertion, Locke advocated that education should not rest solely on teachers, but should be shared with parents as well (Locke, 1693).
MARX’S THEORY OF ALIENATION
When it comes to property and labour ownership, Marx’s alienation theory applies wholly to teachers as well. Having little control over the teaching materials and adhering to standardised testing could lead to a sense of alienation from the educational process or the broader purpose of education.
Heavy workloads, bureaucratic requirements, and the daily routine may also alienate teachers from the process of their labour.
Lastly, teachers may feel alienated from themselves and others, as the demands of the job and societal expectations can lead to burnout and a sense of disconnection from one’s own needs, desires, and sense of purpose (Marx, 1844).
DURKHEIM’S THEORY OF DIVISION OF LABOUR
In his seminal work, “The Division of Labour in Society”, Durkheim believed that education serves as a means of socialising individuals into the norms and expectations of society, and prepares them for their future roles in the workforce. He saw teaching as a specialised task within the division of labour, where teachers are responsible for imparting knowledge and skills to students (Durkheim, 1893).
Durkheim also claimed that education serves two functions: social integration and regulation. And through these functions, education helps to maintain social cohesion (Durkheim, 1956).
AUTOMATION AND TEACHING
While technology and automation have been present in teaching for centuries, Covid-19 has undoubtedly accelerated their roles. Online classrooms are now part of every school’s mode of learning. This has positively helped teachers streamline their work, automate grading, and provide personalised feedback (Lai, 2021).
However, automation has also posed challenges to the teaching profession. One negative impact is the over-reliance on advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT for assignments , thus limiting students’ learning and understanding. In fact, universities have sounded warnings of plagiarism from the use of AI tools (Yiu, 2023). Although automation can elevate the learning processes, they may not be able to provide the personal care and support that human teachers can.
IN SUMMARY
All in all, teachers are largely affected by social, economic, and technological factors. From the pressures to perform, to keeping up with technology, and to finding fulfilment in their work.
The theories of John Locke, Karl Marx, and Émile Durkheim provide insights into the meaning and value of labour in teaching. Locke believed that education should begin at home, with parents taking the lead. Marx warned that the lack of recognition of teachers can lead to burnout and a sense of alienation. And Durkheim saw teachers as specialists who contribute positively to the norms of society-at-large.
As for “Bertie” (Russell’s nickname), he truly believed that “The teacher is one of the most important instruments in the education of a nation.” (Russell, 1916)
REFERENCES:
- Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. G. Simpson, Trans. The Free Press.
- Durkheim, E. (1956). Education and Sociology. The Free Press. (Original work published posthumously in 1922)
- Lai, L. (2021, 16 May). S’pore Schools To Start Full Home-based Learning from May 19 Amid Spike in Covid-19 Cases. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/spore-schools-to-start-full-home-based-learning-from-may-19-amid-spike
- Lee, L. (2022, 17 August). Pay raise doesn’t solve high stress levels, workload issues, say teachers and allied educators. Today Online. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/moe-pay-increase-teachers-workload-stress-1971726
- Locke, J. (1693). Some Thoughts Concerning Education. A & J Churchill. Retrieved on April 8, 2023, from https://bit.ly/3nSMVNE
- Marx, K. (1844). Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 (J. Martin, Trans.). In R. Tucker (Ed.), The Marx-Engels Reader (2nd ed., pp. 66–125). W.W. Norton & Company. (Original work published 1932)
- Pen America. (2023, 10 March). Florida Book Bans Are No Hoax: Here Are The Facts. Pen America. https://pen.org/florida-book-bans-not-a-hoax/
- Russell, B. (1916). The Functions of a Teacher. In Mortals and Others: American Essays, 1931–1935 (pp. 246–257). Taylor & Francis.
- Yiu, W. (2023, 13 March). Students to be expelled if caught using ChatGPT, AI software at Chinese University of Hong Kong, new guide reveals. South China Morning Post (SCMP). https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3213387/students-be-expelled-if-caught-using-chatgpt-ai-software-chinese-university-hong-kong-new-guide
