Globalization: Challenges to Teacher Professionalism and the Changing Role of Pakistani Teachers

Teacher Professionalism and the Changing Role of Pakistani Teachers

Abstract

Globalization has influenced teaching
profession significantly, converting today‘s
teacher as the part of a very vast global
teaching community. The purpose of this study
was to review the related literature on teacher
professionalism in both international context
and local cultural perspective of Pakistan. This
paper critically examines the criteria on which
the teacher professionalism can be evaluated:
subject knowledge, social function and ethical
role, work autonomy, professional
development, and the use of latest technology.
Here, the paper finds that the idea of teacher
professionalism has not yet reached any
consensus and many diversified interpretations
can be traced throughout the related literature
ranging from the recognition of teachers as
semi-professionals to full-professionals. The
paper also indicates the professional diversity
among Pakistani teaching community who do
not find a favourable professional environment,
by and large. Nonetheless, much is needed to
enhance their professionalism; they need
continuous professional development,