Teaching between the “whys” and “hows”

During my study in college preparing myself to be a teacher, I usually learn more about “how” to teach rather than “why” to teach. Stories are told to us about “how” acknowledged teachers teach. The motivation that drives teachers to be successful is rarely mentioned. “How” to teach is truly important, but “why” we teach has more impact on the results.


Any teacher needs to know about various teaching strategies, methods, certain technologies, stages of human development, and so on. This knowledge supports the teacher in her/his career. It gives her/him the confidence and courage. It paves the way for more success. For example, to be familiar with educational technology tools helps in reducing teaching efforts and loads. Such technologies expand every day in educational environments. However, this “HOW” to teach is changing. New strategies and approaches are revealed and updated every now and then repeatedly. Although it is supposed that all teachers are familiar with these recommendations, they can be learned in different ways.


Teachers’ motivation and reasons fuel their energy every day. It makes them look for ways to achieve their goals. They keep overcoming obstacles by looking for opportunities and creating more valuable choices. Such “WHY” encourage them to read more, search more, and updating their knowledge. This “WHY” has an influence on how they wisely deal with students.


There is no logical reason to degrade colleges and courses that have an important role in giving teachers the necessary information needed to flourish in their career development. Yet, the “WHY” teachers go to schools, prepare lesson plans and deal with low-performing students is essential to be highlighted. Teachers need to remind themselves with this “WHY” because it stimulates determination when they are weakened by job stresses and pressures. Poor results are expected if the teacher has a low self-esteem even if her/his class is well equipped with all modern facilities.