function of a teacher by russell

 

function of a teacher by russell

Function of a teacher

Teachers are the most respected profession on the planet, but governments use them as a tool. In his essay "Functions of a Teacher," Bertrand Russell sheds insight on the subject. Teaching, he claims, is no different than slavery. Teachers currently do not discuss revolutionary ideas or assist students in developing their creativity. To put it another way, they are uninterested in teaching. They have no choice in the matter, so teaching is a tedious job for them. It is well documented that professors such as Socrates were executed. Plato was imprisoned in the same way. Regardless, they did not abandon their beliefs. In today's world, the situation is completely different. Bertrand Russell's goal throughout the article is to demonstrate that the "Functions of a Teacher" in the modern society are extremely limited. Each teacher is a pawn in the government's and system's hands. He is concerned that instructors do not have any autonomy. They are unable to teach according to their own preferences, but rather according to the preferences of their different governments.

Bertrand Russell argues that the government has weakened the role of the teacher in today's society. A teacher cannot teach his kids what he believes is best for them; instead, it is his obligation to impose attitudes and prejudices that his employers deem beneficial. As a result, teachers' instructional autonomy has been eroded.

He acknowledges that education is important for everyone and that it should be provided by the government, but he believes that instructors should not be given limits. He goes on to say that the vast majority of teachers have gone on to become civil servants. The only attitude that teachers have toward education is that of a propagandist. Because education is founded on propaganda, it differs from country to country. In his book "Functions of a Teacher," Bertrand Russell offers some proposals for transforming the teaching profession from one of enslavement to one of revolution and creativity. His goal is to prevent a teacher from  flattering a tool in the government's hands. A teacher's prejudiced attitude can destroy a country. The teacher should be able to distinguish between good and wrong. If he prefers his own country, culture and religion over all others without distinguishing between good and bad, he is not a teacher. He should educate his students what is right rather than what is good for the state. According to Bertrand Russell, humanity is one of the most important responsibilities of a teacher. He should teach humanity to his students. He should not distort reality to suit his government's needs. The well-being of humanity should take precedence.  He adds that a true teacher transforms malice into kindness while explaining the functions of a teacher.

 Bertrand Russell distinguishes between a teacher and a propagandist in "Functions of a Teachers." According to Bertrand Russell, a teacher's job is to educate and teach equality. By doing so, a teacher serves humanity and improves education.

Russell's philosophy is global and widely accepted. Furthermore, it is applicable in the real world. He spent his entire life promoting love and peace. Bertrand Russel's goal in "Functions of a Teacher" is similar. He seeks peace for all countries, nations, and religions.

Russell believes that a teacher must have autonomy. He should not teach what his bosses want, but rather what is appropriate for his students. In his essay "Functions of a Teacher," Bertrand Russell depicts the truth. His viewpoints are valuable. In reality, most institutions require all teachers to teach their students the state-mandated curriculum. He isn't able to teach anything else. A instructor must prepare his students for exams in a short amount of time.

“The teachers have no authority to decide what shall be taught or what the methods of instruction are to be.”

Russell uses the term self-determination to emphasize that the instructor determines what is required of the students, but regrettably, this is not the case.

Russell very delightfully defends a teacher from becoming slave or a tool in the hands of government. He writes:

“The only way to prevent totalitarianism ….. teachers deserve a foremost place.”

Furthermore, Bertrand Russell redefines the notion of education in "Functions of a Teacher." Education does not imply that kids are being prepared for exams. It involves distinguishing between right and wrong while discarding the concept of national superiority.

Another thought that comes to Russell's thoughts is the teacher's overwork. He says:

“Most teachers are overworked … with a sense of the intellectual delights to be obtained from new understanding and new knowledge.”

Russell brings a new suggestion to the mix. Tolerance is something that a teacher should teach his students. There are many distinctions in customs between countries. A person with no tolerance becomes enraged over minor disagreements. There are two basic reasons for this: custom and religious differences. If a person lacks tolerance, the issue may deteriorate. Nobody's custom, religion, or civilization is better or worse than anybody else's, and no one should make critical remarks about anyone else. If one makes something, the other should put up with it. As a result, tolerance is a crucial quality. According to Bertrand Russell, one of the most essential functions of a teacher is to teach tolerance to his students. Bertrand Russell's suggestions are dependable and more than adequate. His point of view is reasonable. Teachers are dealing with similar issues. Every country's students are taught that their faiths, customs, nations, and countries are superior to those of other countries. Teachers keep one side of the narrative hidden and only teach the other. Every teacher and nation should reconsider their teaching methods in order to assure a prosperous civilised future. For a better future, they should follow Russell's lead and adopt his methodology.

To summarise, Russell's worldview keeps a teacher from becoming a tool in the government's hands. Bertrand Russell's "Functions of a Teacher" concludes with the following lines:-

“The function of a teacher, …aware of what civilization is, and desirous of imparting a civilized attitude to their pupils.”