Blog: The Changing Role of Social Responsibility

 

The emphasis of teaching social responsibility within the classroom is based around educators preparing students to be contributors to the society in which one day they will be responsible for shaping. As a result, it is crucial that educators continue to be committed to fulfilling their social responsibility now more than ever. In fact, Gangone (2021) highlights some of the various hurdles that teachers face today such as socio-economic challenges to differences in cultural and linguistic backgrounds all while maintaining the ability to successfully teach and reach all students in both academics and social-emotional learning (SEL). One of the most important responsibilities that teachers have on daily basis is taking into account the various needs of their students in which many require unique approaches to teaching and learning through differentiated instructional practices. On the other hand, teachers have another large responsibility in which they have the power to shape young minds in the way they respond to one another and collaborate. According to Gangone (2021) the teaching and practice of social responsibility begins in the classroom in which she states, "How they care for one another in the classroom can dictate how they function in and care for their respective communities." Therefore, this statement proves that teachers today must create a classroom environment where the character traits of respect, honesty, and responsibility are both valued and expected at all times in order to reach success. The research clearly indicates that the teaching of life skills and responsibility is just as important as the teaching of academics within the classroom. 

In my opinion, the role of social responsibility has become increasingly important to teach as many students have access to digital platforms outside of school. As our students navigate through life in a digital society where there are many opportunities for representing themselves through social media, it has become essential that students learn how ensure they are being responsible digital media users. Students use digital platforms to communicate, learn, and express themselves therefore it is important that they are aware of the proper way to respect others feelings and rights. In fact, Melendez et. al., (2021) describes the social responsibility model by stating, "The model perceives responsibility as a load or a moral obligation concerning oneself and others; therefore, the values related to personal responsibility and efforts, and the values related to social responsibility are respects for others' feelings and rights, and social empathy and sensibility." If teachers set high expectations for respect, honesty, and responsibility beginning in elementary school and it is maintained throughout their K-12 career it is the hope that these students will take these same expectations into their personal life and future careers. 

References

Gangone Lynn M. (2021) Educators and Social Responsibility: What This Means to Informed Citizenry. 

Retrieved from  https://aacte.org/2019/08/educators-and-social-responsibility-what-this-means-to-

informed-citizenry/


Melendez Nieves, A., Estrada Oliver, L., & Vargas, A. (2021). Preservice Physical Education Teachers' 

Experiences Implementing the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model. Physical Educator, 78 

(2), 183-204. 





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