vesterberg.se

You can look at the role and function of a teacher in many ways. One picture in particular has evolved in my mind during past teaching experiences and that is the role of a mediator. I see myself standing between the student and the subject, holding the hand of the student in one hand and the subject in the other. I need a deep understanding of the subject that I am teaching on, but also a good understanding of those who listen to me.

A mediator has to know the worlds of both parties to be successful. I have to frame my words, choose my examples and begin at the appropriate level for my audience. I have to monitor their reaction and response and be prepared to take an alternate route. A mediator has to be prepared for a compromise. Sometimes, if not most of the time, you cannot lead your audience to full understanding.

For teaching to be efficient the students have to be guided by someone walking together with them. If I instruct and stand at a distance, my mission is difficult to accomplish. If the teacher has a desire to see the students really learn he has to get to know their world also. The study of youth culture and how young people think, should have high priority at the teaching department of the University. When I teach Java-programming I have to find out at which level the audience is. I mean, not just passively give them a questionnaire beforehand, but actively “study” my students. Challenging! It is as much didactics and psychology as software science.