Teaching, Nature, Characteristics and Types of teaching

Teaching is one of the oldest and most respected jobs in human history. It’s not just about passing information from a teacher to a student, but it’s a lively, meaningful, and organized way of helping students change their behavior, beliefs, and character. As Swami Vivekananda said, “The real teacher is someone who can connect with the student on their level, share their soul, see through their eyes, hear through their ears, and think with their mind.” This shows that teaching is about building relationships, showing care, and helping people grow.

Nature of teaching

The nature of teaching involves its fundamental characteristics, core principles, and overall range. Many scholars and education experts have tried to explain teaching in a way that reflects its multifaceted and complex nature.

• Morrison defined teaching as “a disciplined social process in which an individual, by using content and method, helps others to learn and to change their behavior.”
• Gage) considered teaching as “a form of interpersonal influence aimed at changing the behavior potential of another person.”

From these definitions, the nature of teaching can be understood as follows:

• Teaching is a triangular process that follows a process—it follows and involves three main components: teacher, student, and curriculum. Effective teaching harmonizes these three elements for meaningful learning.
• Teaching has two components: the teacher and both an art and a science—as an art, teaching requires creativity, intuition, and personal touch. As a science, it depends on systematic methods, principles of psychology, and evidence-based strategies.
• Teaching is a continuous process—teaching is not confined to the classroom. It continues through guidance, counseling, mentoring, and real-life experiences.
• Teaching is goal-oriented—it is always directed toward achieving specific educational objectives, such as cognitive development, skill acquisition, and character building.
• Teaching is a social process—since it occurs in a social setting, it cannot be detached from cultural, social, and moral contexts. A teacher is both a knowledge-giver and a social reformer.
• Teaching is developmental—it aims at the all-round development of the learner—cognitive, emotional, social, and moral.

Thus, the nature of teaching can be summarized as purposeful, systematic, interpersonal, and transformative.

Characteristics of teaching

The characteristics of teaching are qualities that define what teaching truly is and set it apart from other actions people take. Some of the main features include

• Teaching is intentional—every act of teaching has a purpose. It may be to impart knowledge, develop skills, inculcate values, or nurture creativity. Unlike casual communication, teaching always has specific objectives.
• emphasized, “Education Teaching is student-centered—modern teaching emphasizes learner-centered approaches. John Dewey emphasized, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Teaching must respect learners’ needs, interests, abilities, and pace of learning.
• interactive—it Teaching is interactive—it is not a one-way transmission but a two-way process involving dialogue, questioning, feedback, and active participation. A teacher must be a good listener as well as a good speaker.
• Teaching is adaptive—no two learners are alike. Effective teaching requires the teacher to adapt methods and strategies according to students’ abilities, learning styles, and socio-cultural backgrounds.
• Teaching is measurable—the success of teaching can be evaluated through assessment, tests, projects, and behavioral changes. Teaching must be result-oriented and observable in learners’ performance.
• Teaching is motivational—without motivation, learning cannot take place. Teaching should inspire students to explore, inquire, and engage in self-directed learning.
• Teaching is skill-based—it requires mastery of pedagogical skills like communication, questioning, explanation, reinforcement, classroom management, and evaluation.
• Teaching is ethical—a teacher is a moral guide. Ethical values, integrity, fairness, and respect are integral to effective teaching.

As Dr. S. Radhakrishnan said, “The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.”

Types of teaching

Teaching is a process that can be grouped into different kinds based on where it happens, how it’s organized, and what it aims to achieve. Three main types are formal, informal, and non-formal teaching. Each has its own way of working, what it covers, and how it’s done. It’s important for future teachers to understand these three types because education goes beyond the classroom and plays a role in society and learning throughout life.

Formal teaching

Formal teaching refers to systematic and structured instruction that takes place within recognized educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities. It follows a planned curriculum, fixed timetable, certified teachers, and evaluation system.

According to Good’s Dictionary of Education, “Formal education is the systematic instruction, schooling, or training given by professional teachers in educational institutions.”

Key characteristics of formal teaching include

• – It is well-organized and structured.
• – It follows a curriculum that has been approved by educational authorities.
• – It is delivered by trained and certified teachers.
• – Assessment is an essential component, including exams, tests, and assignments.
• – It results in the awarding of certificates or degrees.

Examples of formal teaching include

• – Lessons in a school classroom.
• – Lectures at a university.
• – Programs for training teachers.

As John Dewey noted, “Education is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.” In formal education, this process is carefully organized to help achieve specific objectives.

Informal Teaching

Informal teaching refers to the spontaneous and unorganized form of learning that occurs naturally through life experiences, family interactions, peer groups, media, and social environment. It does not follow a fixed curriculum or structured method.

According to Deadlier (1967), “Informal education is a lifelong process whereby every individual acquires attitudes, values, skills, and knowledge from daily experience and educative influences in his or her environment.”

Features of Informal Teaching—

• Unplanned, spontaneous, and incidental.
• No formal curriculum or timetable.
• Not confined to educational institutions.
• Learning takes place through observation, imitation, and experience. No formal certification is provided

Examples:

• A child learning social manners at home.
• Learning language from peers.
• Acquiring skills by observing elders at work.

Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” This reflects the essence of informal teaching—learning that is absorbed naturally through life.

Non-Formal Teaching

Non-formal teaching refers to organized and systematic learning outside the formal school system, designed to meet the needs of children, youth, or adults who are unable to participate in formal education. It is flexible, need-based, and often short-term.

Coombs and Ahmed (1974) defined non-formal education as “any organized educational activity outside the established formal system—whether operating separately or as an important feature of some broader activity—that is intended to serve identifiable learning objectives and clientele.”

Features of Non-Formal Teaching—

• Organized but flexible in content and duration.
• Usually short-term and need-based.
• Conducted by trained or semi-trained instructors.
• No rigid age requirements.
• May or may not lead to certification.

Example:

• Adult literacy programs.
• Vocational training courses.
• Distance education and online learning.
• Skill development workshops

As Paulo Freire stated, “Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity, or it becomes the practice of freedom.” Non-formal teaching often represents this “practice of freedom,” providing learning opportunities beyond traditional schooling.

Comparison at a Glance