Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

Personal statement.

Student’s name.

Institutional affiliations.
Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

a) Introduction.

Teaching is the process of taking control and intervening in people's needs, experiences, and

feelings so that they learn certain things and go beyond what is given. Interventions generally

take the form of questions, hearing, and information. This topic "teaching" is essential

because it provides an insight into an activity that has been in existence for many centuries,

yet the philosophy behind "teaching" is not commonly discussed.

There have always been differing opinions on "what is teaching" because this question

determines how teaching is done. This article will attempt to answer four fundamental

questions on teaching e.g., what is effective teaching? Is education for all a myth or reality?

How is teaching a moral activity that is heavily value-laden? And why should teaching even

take place?

b) Question 1:

“A key issue of concern in discussions around effective teaching relates to what is

defined as ‘effective’” (Devine, Fahie and McGillicuddy 2013, p.83). Write a response to

this statement that critically explores what constitutes ‘effective’ teaching in a learning

context of your choice.

The word “effective” is used to describe success in producing the desired result. Effective

teaching would, therefore, imply that the teacher should offer a learning process that has the

objective of producing the desired result. Teachers, learners, and the entire society at large

have different expectations about teaching. Still, for teaching to be effective, there should be

a consensus that the effectiveness of the teaching process should be based on what the

students aim to achieve rather than what the teacher desire to deliver.
Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

In my opinion, effective instrumental teaching should be result-orientated. For instance, if an

adult student decides to learn an instrument in order to become a professional musician or

enter a music college. Based on this expectation, if a teacher succeeds in educating a student

to a higher level of instrumental expertise, then the teaching is effective. In order to achieve

the intended results, teachers must possess several crucial attributes, such as being functional,

communicative, as well as maintain the necessary knowledge and skills to teach advanced

students.

But on the other hand, many adult students decide to learn an instrument simply to enjoy the

experience of playing the music. Additionally, all instrumental students must develop a love

for music, which one can argue is more important than mastering the skill of playing itself. If

a teacher is capable of creating an environment where learners can grow their passion for

music in students, then his or her teaching is effective.

I also think effective teaching is also inclusive teaching. Educators should know it is their

responsibility to recognize student's learning needs and use them in designing their teaching

strategies. They should know various teaching approaches and how to apply them in practice

to suit learners' needs. Inclusive teaching is the only way to ensure a high quality of education

is delivered to all students. Teachers who practice it are more effective than the ones who do

not (Jordan, 2018).

Adults have different expectations and goals to achieve when they decide to learn a musical

instrument. The teachers must recognize student's goals and design appropriate teaching

strategies to work towards them. However, teaching will not be effective unless educators

regularly reflect on it. According to Dewey, when practicing reflecting, educators examine

and respond to problems in their teaching (Cooper, 2014). Therefore, effective teachers

should regularly review themselves and reflect on their teaching to see if their overall

performance is impacting learners positively (Devine et al., 2013).

c) Question 2.

Education for all – myth or reality? Propose a response to this question that examines

issues relating to educational access and inequality in a learning context of your choice.

Education for all is a global movement that intends to meet the learning needs of all the

children, youths, and adults. It was adopted in the year 2000 by the Dakar Framework, and it

aimed that by the year 2015, all children would have received primary education. This has

not been achieved 20 years later, thus making education for all just a myth. A lot is yet to be

achieved as far as equality in society is concerned. There is still massive inequality in the

provision of education globally due to the following reasons.

In Ireland, instrumental tuition in classical music, which includes individual classes, exams as

well as equipment and materials is costly and only available for wealthy people. Even though

there are some scholarships for musically talented students, none are available for

disadvantaged children who would like to take up individual instrumental tuition. In

comparison, in many Asian countries such as China or South Korea, instrumental tuition is
Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

accessible and affordable for all children, which is why instrumentalists from Asia have

dominated international competitions as well as third-level institutions (Lloyd Webber,

2019). Sadly, this example confirms education for all is a myth.

Educational goals can be affected by the personal beliefs and practices of educators,

including music teachers. Importantly, approaches and different teaching strategies that are

adopted by educators are primarily influenced by their ideas (Fitzmaurice, 2008). Since the

views of all the teachers may not be universal, it is therefore clear that the process, as well as

the outcome, maybe affected adversely. For instance, if a teacher practices immoral activities

such as gender discrimination and racism, there is a very high probability that the decisions

made will be biased. Additionally, such teachers may favor musically talented students or the

ones from a particular social background. Eventually, due to personal beliefs and approaches

taken by teachers, education may not empower everyone as expected.

Fortunately, society has an opportunity of making education for all a reality in life. According

to Fitzmaurice (2008), it has been established that teachers can be encouraged to make ethical

decisions by identifying a set of fundamental values that will not allow teachers to rely on

personal beliefs (Fitzmaurice, 2008). Indeed, if teachers can rely on moral and ethical values

as well as justified facts in making decisions and designing a teaching approach, each person

will have fair access to education. As a result, the overall learning outcome will be improved

tremendously.

d) Question 3.
Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

“Teaching is a moral activity that is heavily values-laden” (Ehrich, Kimber, Millwater

and Cranston 2011, p.2)

Teachers are the reflection of the entire education process and what it intends to achieve.

Therefore, teaching becomes a moral activity that sets standards for the society and the

learning community. Teaching acts as a delicate balance between the bad and right in a

society. i.e., if a teacher engages in vices, he/she cannot inspire good morals to the learner,

but when a teacher is highly disciplined and ethical, he/she inspire good morals and values.

There are many values educators need to have to be effective in their professional careers. In

Ireland, music tutors teach children and adults from various socio-economic, cultural, and

family backgrounds. In order to ensure inclusive education for all learners, teachers need to

respect and treat all students in the same manner as well as act morally when assessing and

providing feedback. Educators also need to create a positive and caring environment to

motivate and inspire students and be compassionate to their needs. According to the value of

responsibility and accountability, music teachers need to continue to improve their

professional skills and reflective practice. Furthermore, tutors are responsible for the welfare

of the students, and they need to respond if they think they are well being is endangered.

Music teachers, for instance, need to act professionally towards their colleagues.

Disagreements between teachers can negatively impact the students as well as the atmosphere

in work; therefore, educators need to avoid conflicts and act according to the value of

integrity (The Teaching Council, 2016). The value of professionalism is also important to

educators who need to adhere to all school's rules and policies.

Music teachers also need to act morally to inspire learners to do the same. If a teacher can

operate in an exemplary manner, there is no doubt that the students will imitate them. As a

result, the entire society may experience a tremendous improvement in how moral values and

principles are observed. Whenever teachers are faced with conditions that need a proper

decision to be made, they should obey the existing moral principles. If teachers can make

verdicts that are not in line with the moral values of society, students may also copy and

practice the same. Since the actions made by teachers are frequently judged based on how

they adhere to the moral values of a society, it is clear that teaching is a noble activity and not

just a mere profession.

e) Question 4.

“What we should teach – and how we should teach it are all very well as issues for

discussion, but they pale into insignificance beside the why questions. Why bother with

educating young people? What does it mean to be educated?”

The young people are the face of tomorrow. The future is entirely in the hands of the young

generation. A better future implies that the young generation should be well educated and

informed. To be educated, in my opinion, is to under the purpose of education itself. The

purpose of education is to invest in an informed generation of people who will provide a

future workforce and develop more sustainable democratic societies.

Many young people do not understand themselves and also their relationship with the entire

world (Kimbell, 2015). In my opinion, schools should focus more on preparing young people

for adult life as well as dealing with mental health issues, which have been increasing
Running head: Teaching Argumentative Essay.

(Kaminer & Shabalala, 2019). In my professional career as an instrumental tutor, I teach

many students with high levels of anxiety as well as low self-esteem. Apart from teaching

them music, I work on improving their confidence and self-belief. I feel that by educating my

students about where their insecurities come from and how to deal with them equips the

learners with skills they need for adult life, for example when sitting exams or attending job

interviews. Therefore, it is important to educate students so they become influential

individuals who can face the problems of the world they live in. Education should also

encourage the youths to make and implement decisions according to factual information

instead of personal feelings, including choosing right from wrong. Additionally, I believe we

need to educate people to be open-minded and free from racism and prejudice, which also

benefits society.

I think the role of the teachers is to lead by example. While it is important to pass on the

knowledge and skills necessary for the learner's professional career, it is also essential to

teach values and ethics as well as prepare them for adult life. It is essential to educate people

to enable them for a better future and general well being. Furthermore, young people hold the

future of the world, which means they need to be prepared expertly by being educated.

References.