Linguistic and Professional Equipment Desirable for the Secondary School Teachers of English. [Archives:1999/45/Culture]

Dr. Bushra Sadoon M. Al-Noor 
Ibb University English Department 
Language is a means of communication among human beings. It is characterized by arbitrary spoken or written symbols that make sense. More broadly, language may be defined as an instrument for understanding in general. It is regarded by many linguists as a form of knowledge, thought or cognition. 
Throughout the history of civilizations, one can not get any society without language. In other words, language is so important that no society can exist without a certain language. This is so because language is a means of communication among the members of the same culture. It is best suited to convey the meanings, current in that particular culture. This also means that no development is conceivable in any society without language through which its members interact, cooperate, and work. 
On the other hand, learning a foreign language is also necessary for any society to develop. This is asserted by the fact that any advanced or developing society makes it imperative for its members to learn a living foreign language. 
To study a foreign language and know the intellectual treasures available through that language are the primary means to develop the necessary trends and skills for human needs. Besides, to study a foreign language is not to develop the efficiency in a foreign language only, but to extend the members’ understanding of a national language, too as well as to enrich the recognition of linguistic principles in general. Moreover, it enriches the person with a background of culture knowledge which serves him in his work and in his role as a citizen. 
In the Arab countries, English is taught from the primary stage. It is considered the starting point of learning English through a preplanned program. In the secondary stage, there are follow up programs for consiledating the knowledge of this language. Learning a foreign language at the college level, is also necessary in developing the student’s personality and his potentials. 
Educationalists, specialists, and researchers assure that teachers play an important role in this respect. As a matter of fact our great prophet “Mohammed” (peace and prayers be upon him) said “I was sent as a teacher” where he himself directed and led Muslims reading and memorizing the Holy Quran. The great prophet, Mohammed (peace be upon him), had sent teachers to people to teach them religion. The kholafa Al-Rashidin (The Orthodox Califs) had followed him. The Caliph, “Omar” had sent religious men to help people learn their religion. 
So, the teacher is considered to be the most important factor in the educational process among the three main elements, of learning which are the teacher, pupil and the program. In fact, there are some crucial factors which are influential in developing the teacher’s personality and competence. 
In order to improve the professional competence of teachers, the folowing attributes are vital: 
A model teacher of English should: 
1- Have good manners. 
2- Be well educated and cultured. 
3- Organize his work. 
4- Develop himself in the field of his specialization. 
5- Be fair with his students. 
6- Prepare clear and relevant questions. 
7- Choose suitable techniques of teaching. 
8- Present the materiel clearly. 
9- Consider the individual differences among his students. 
10- Like his profession. 
11- Encourage the students to participate in the classroom activities. 
The desired linguistic accomplishments of a model teacher of English are that he should: 
1- Have clear voice. 
2- Be good at spelling of words. 
3- Have acceptable pronunciation. 
4- Speak clear and simple language. 
5- Have knowledge in testing. 
6- Have a full mastery in the art of reading to the students. 
7- Be highly qualified and well trained. 

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