A teacher is always needed

In the digital age of the 21st century, the role of the teacher has changed but remains crucial, even indispensable. 

There is a flood of information available today and the teacher is no longer the depository of information or even knowledge. 
But this has led to a superficiality that will damage the world if not addressed. 

Students cannot distinguish between the insignificant and the important.

So while the banking philosophy is no longer relevant in education, the constructivist philosophy which acknowledges that new knowledge is being created in the classroom, requires the guidance of the elder, the more experienced, the expert, who will ensure depth and wisdom. That is why the teacher is so necessary.

But most importantly, the teacher is needed as an example of lived values 
- with an integrity that inspires. 

Values are caught, not taught
- and a good teacher is able to provoke critical reflection on the deeper issues of life, by living a set of values that rub off on her charges. 

A teacher is still needed to create the future.

- Fr.  Frazer Mascarenhas  SJ,
  Principal, St Xavier's College,
  Mumbai

*(e_mail)courtesy:
D.K.Roy

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