TASK 2: ACADEMIC WRITING

INTRODUCTION

Dimitriadis, (2006) defines education as a systematic process of acquiring experience,

skill and attitude which makes an individual educated, civilized, cultured and refined. In this
globalization era of the 21-st century world, education plays an important role in developing a
holistic human capital. Teachers are the keyman in the field of education which the future of
children and mankind depends as they play the pivotal role in moulding the future of the human
capital and the nation. According to Trotter (1986) has presented five phases of development
for a teacher to become an expert teacher. The study was later expanded by Gavid Berliner
(1988) as well as other teacher educators. Five developmental developments include novice
levels, advanced novice levels, effective levels, expert levels, and master levels. There are
many developments process that can help teachers to improve theselves. After all, every
profession in this world, has a set of guidelines, principle of ethics, responsibilities and norms
to govern the behaviour of its practitioners.

Teachers play a fundamental role as front liners in every education system. Their role
is not simply that of disseminating knowledge or conveying information. It goes far beyond as
theirs is the role to create an inspiring learning environment to ensure that all students reach
their full potential in all aspects. In that case, the teacher training programme thus, should
include the full potential which included all aspects especially the highlighted ones which are
self-development and career plan in order to help the teacher to shape the future generation.
It is supported by Gatens (2015), who is of the opinion that being a role model is more than a
side effect of teaching: It’s the root of why we need to always be a professional in the
classroom.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO BECOME A

PROFESSIONAL TEACHER

One of the professional development plan that can be achieve over the coming years
would be to join a school Improvement team. The school-based professional development
workshops will provide most of the teacher with the opportunity to collaborate with peers and
develop curriculum that can better meet the needs of our students. Teachers play a vital role
in school. There are several professional responsibilities that a teacher needs to adhere in a
school environment. One of the most significant responsibilities of a teacher in school is being
a role model. A role model is someone we admire and aspire to be like. It can clearly be seen
that teacher is one of the personnel which can influence students’ motivation and attitudes
towards learning. With this school Improvement team, teacher can learn and share about the
steps that can be taken in order to become a professional teacher in the future. A teachers’
style of teaching has a great impact towards the students’ motivation and attitudes. If the
teachers’ style of teaching suit the learning style of the students, the students will not be bored
to learn and help to develop students’ interest in their learning. In order to develop students’
interest and instil positive attitudes among the pupils, the teacher must make sure that he
portrays positive values and attitudes in the classroom. When a teacher characterises positive
values in a learning environment, it will help to arouse students’ interest and at the same time
improve their academic result in the subject (DK Yusimah Pg, 2013).

Next, another professional development plan that can be achieve is to be attend a

teacher's convention. Whether it is local, provincial, or a National Conference, these can
provide a forum in which ideas can be debated, analyzed, and sometimes validated. These
events can inspire, motivate, and create feelings of renewal. The exposure and experiences
that could be gain at such events would be very beneficial to the teacher as an educator and
further their professional development. By attending a conference we are able to have access
to people from a wide range of specialties, and the teachers can try new tips and ideas at
home or in the classsroom. Even the most seasoned educators can always find some new
way of approaching a topic or sharing an idea with students. As educators, we are committed
to lifelong learning, and conferences can help the teachers to fill that cup. Besides, a
convention can provide an array of options for professional development that can meet
teachers’ needs in their careers. Teachers move through several stages or career cycles as
explained by Huberman (1995). According to this author, there are four phases during the
career of a teacher and this explains why teachers have different needs at the different stages.
Each one of these stages involves different needs for professional development that can be
achieved formally or informally, according to Day (1999).

Another self development plan that can be run would be a mentoring and mentorship
program. This program can be a useful exposure at the early teaching career and freshie can
benefit a lot from having a mentor and then possibly grow into providing a mentorship for other
teachers. Furthermore, as mentioned in the Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB),
experienced teachers, who are qualified mentors will supervise the trainees in the classroom
environment to enhance consistency and quality of the teacher (Ministry of Education, 2013).
Thus, hereby, it can be conclude that the qualified mentors will help to evaluate and build
teacher potential as a professional teacher time by time in order to ensure that there is a
positive progression and improvement. Same goes to the methods used in the teacher
education programme especially in terms of physical aspects, there will always a qualified
mentor to assist, evaluate and make constructive criticisms which eventually help the teacher
to develop their self-development and career plan in this profession.
CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, it is believed that weaknesses can be improved and overcame.

Teacher education program can help to improve performance and enhance the learning
experience among the teacher as envisioned in the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-
2025). An appropriate and effective teacher development program could develop the sense of
professionalism and leadership to the teacher. Besides, teachers play a crucial and vital role
in the molding of students, who constitute a nation’s future human resource. Every teacher
should embed the several qualities into their selves, in order to become a competent educator.
Through this, the teachers can guide students to attain the knowledge and skills they need to
succeed in the world. This is because the nations are the way they are and will be in part
because of their teachers.
REFERENCES

Costantino, P., and DeLorenzo, M. (2009). Developing a Professional Teaching Portfolio: A

Guide for Success. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

DK Yusimah Pg, H. (2013). A study of teachers’ strategies so develop students’ interest

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Sciences, 188-192.

Dimitriadis, G., & Kamberelis, G. (2006). Theory for education. Taylor & Francis

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Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Kuala Lumpur: Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia.

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