"Would the REAL you please stand up." The importance of Self as Teacher.
Dr Jens J. Hansen, Woodhill Park Research Retreat
As teachers we assume a broad range of roles – we sometimes prompt learners, we are often prompted by them; we are sometimes teachers, oft-times learners; we are sometimes testers and we’re very frequently tested. We’re expected to have the soul of a leader and the mind of a manager; we have to be politically astute sensitive ambassadors but we also have to be hard-nosed, resolute drivers. At the drop of a hat we’re expected to perform brilliantly– sometimes as comical buffoons and at other times as tragic-heroes, dripping with pathos. And occasionally we even perform farcically. We need eyes in the back of our head and ears which discern more than what is being said. We even need a nose that ‘knows’! So how best might we make sense of the complex mosaic that is the teacher’s role-set? This address examines role-challenges which confront teachers – novices and veterans alike. It is reasoned that clarifying teacher roles involves knowing yourself, your values, your ethics, your ideals. That’s never going to be easy even though it’s important for your learners and for your professional self. But it can be done.
Goffman, E. (1959).
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books
What is shown above is the abstract for that presentation. The accompanying powerpoint presentation, which provides more detail, can be accessed by clicking here.
[Please note that the various film clips and animations which were used are not accessible in this powerpoint presentation.]