Generally when it comes to the teaching profession we always think of our school teacher. We all are very familiar with the word “teacher” but when we grow up and reach Colleges and Universities we hear a new word for teacher that is “lecturer”. Sounds strict but not as you are thinking. Now the question arises who are the lecturers ? Lets see what does a lecturer do at a university?
So in this article we shall discuss about the lecturers such as the roles , skills , salary of the lecturers.
Let’s start with the meaning or we can say the definition of the lecturers.
Lecturer – Lecturer is a post-secondary teacher who teaches in a College or University to graduate and postgraduate students.
How to Become a Lecturer ?
The post of Lecturer is very unique and significant as you have to be perfect with respect to your subject .
First lecturer’s post one shall have completed its master’s program and PhD in the specific subject.
For instance , if Peter has completed his master’s degree in philosophy then he should complete his PhD in the same subject then he will be eligible for the post of lecturer. Various institutions provide tests to get the job of lecturer , anyone who wants to get a job can apply for the same.
What are the Roles of Lecturers ?
Lecturer need expertise in the specific subject area in order to teach students and act as a guide for the students as it has various roles to play such as :
- Act as coach to the students who used his skills to teach students.
- Deliver lectures and conduct seminars for better learning.
- Their teaching is mostly based on practical learning and application based which is helpful in efficient learning which is better than theory.
- Provide flexibility to their students in terms of completion of the project.
- Apart from teaching, the lecturer is also active in conducting tutorials , seminars , practical demonstration , field work and e-learning.
- Develop effective way of teaching for a wider change amongst students
- Guide students in their research activities and project
- Assess the student’s assignment
- Focus on the career of the students and improving their skills
- Set marking scheme and exam assessment
- Supervise students as mentor for curriculum development
- Deliver online session to support students learning
- Participate in staff training activities and engaging activities
- Conduct professional conferences and meetings to enhance the practical work culture of the college
- Play administrative tasks of various departments of Universities.e.g. admissions of students, categorisation of students on the basis of their courses.
- Undertake research and prepare for publication contributing to the college’s research profile.
Are Lecturers Act as Visiting Scholars ?
Visiting scholars are the professionals in teaching who are invited to teach a specific subject in other colleges ( do not have the experienced teacher for the same subject ) for a short period of time to share their insights with the students.
For instance , A sociology Lecturer who is expert in social issues which are more dynamic in nature then he may be invited to teach the same subject in other colleges and universities.
- As a Visiting Scholar, Lecturer establishes a collaborative link with other colleges
- They are invited by industrial, commercial and public organization on related topics such as:
- Economic –
- To give opinion on the growth of the nation
- To analyze the development in the society
- To demonstrate the real GDP and per capita income of the nation.
2.Social –
- To aware people of different sections of the society
- To talk on issues such as illiteracy rate, education, women empowerment,poverty , malnutrition ,housing and public hygiene.
3.Cultural –
- To aware students about the cultural values in today’s world
- To make them realize their duty to preserve the rich culture of their nation.
Students are avoiding to attend such cultural oriented seminars but if such seminars would be conducted by the prominent lecturer of the prestigious Universities then it might generate an interest amongst students and they might get inspired from this.
How to Know About a Lecturer?
Now when the world is digitally growing so rapidly , it is not a difficult task to know about your Lecturer. Most Universities have shared the details of the Lectures on their websites such as their – name,subject specifications, rank in University , status ( full time or part time ) and profile showing their academic credentials.
Skills Required To Be A Lecturer
It might be possible that the lecturer may not have specific experience in some topics but their insight to see everything in a positive way may be privileged to the students who are unaware about it.
As teaching is one of the best professions in the world which makes doctors, engineers, lawyers etc.so it is significant for the lecturer to enhance their values and skills required for this profession.
Skills Required such as-
- Expertise in their respective subject area
- Enthusiastic approach and ability to share their learning with the students in broadway
- Willingness to participate and collaborate in college activities
- Excellent and great communication skills to deliver lectures
- Adaptive capabilities to manage demand of the college and students as well
- Better networking skills for making good relationship with other universities
- Capacity to organize their own research groups
- Ability to publish their research in college journal
- Strong aptitude and analytical skills
- Perseverance towards the goal
- Dedication for multi tasking approach
- Ability to manage responsibilities and undertake different roles provided by colleges.
However, Lecturers help students to think in a more logical way .
It does not matter whether your teacher is a professor or a lecturer but what matters is the quality of education that has been provided by them.
Accredited Universities will always have high standard and experienced faculties to provide quality and rational learning to the students.
With good faith and true determination towards education can make you a good lecturer who has its own place in the society.
