Impact of socialisation process on becoming a teacher

What is socialisation?

Socialisation is a process wherein a living organism is changed into a social being, by learning the role it has to play in society as an adult. It is a continuous process in the life of an individual and it continues from generation to generation. Socialisation therefore stands for the development of the human brain, body, attitude and behaviour. The term socialisation refers to the process of interaction through which the growing individual learns the habits, attitudes, values and beliefs of the social group into which he has been born.

According to Horton and Hunt,

"Socialisation is the process whereby one internalises the norms of his groups, so that a distinct 'self' emerges, unique to this individual."

Socialisation inculcates basic discipline, helps to control behaviour, can occur formally or informally, and it tends to be more effective if all the agents of socialisation are in harmony with each other. 

Socialisation as a student

Socialisation has also played a role in the decision to take up teaching as a profession. The first socialising agent in a person’s life is the family. As a child, I was given the full freedom to choose what I wanted to be when I grew up, and my parents supported the decisions I made. My aunts who were also teachers, influenced me as they told me that I have qualities to be a good teacher. 

The society in which I grew up had the utmost respect for teachers. Long after they finished school, adults fondly remembered their teachers as important parts of their lives. This gave a great sense of importance to this line of work.

The teachers who themselves taught me, made me inclined towards the teaching vocation. Their vast knowledge on so many subjects, their moral values and their dedication left and everlasting impression. After juggling through many options, I finally decided to become a teacher during my time in higher secondary school. 

Socialisation as a student teacher

When I decided to pursue my Bachelors' in Education, my family was very happy with my decision. My parents support me in any way they can, be it encouragement, to helping to prepare instructional materials. 

People in the society also support further education and constantly wish me well to excel in the course. My peers in college help me become a better teacher by helping me improve my weaknesses, discussing how to teach content and encouraging me to do better each day. I also learnt skills and techniques from them to improve myself further.

The teachers in college are very supportive and help me to constantly improve. With the skills they teach us, we learn that teaching is not as simple as it first seemed. The teachers also inspire me to continue to do my best and become the best teacher I can be.

Negative impact

Although most of the people around me support the decision of the teaching profession, there was a negative attitude to being a teacher during my school days. My peers did not fancy the idea of taking up the teaching profession, but instead focused more on pursuing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering. Their view of this profession had me conflicted for a while until I made my decision later on.  

Conclusion

Many of the decisions we take depend on the surrounding people and attitude. Ultimately my socialisation process led me to the teaching profession, even though there was some negativity towards it.