Should a teacher be considered as authority figure within the classroom, who cannot be challenged?

Should a teacher be considered as authority figure within the classroom, who cannot be challenged? Correct Answer <span style="">No, Students are afraid to ask questions from such teachers which results in lack of conceptual </span><span style="">clarity</span>

An authority figure is a person or an institution that holds the decision-making power or the power of execution of the orders. Authorities decide the rules and regulations which are to be followed by the general members of the institution.

Key Points

• If a teacher is considered an authority figure, it will create a sense of fear in the minds of the learners. The learners need to have freedom of thought to help them understand the concepts.
• Teachers acting as authority figures will create a barrier between the teacher-student communication and will hamper the learning process.
• Teachers should have a friendly attitude towards students as students usually admire a teacher who is friendly with them because students connect to the teachers in a better way when they:
  • behave affectionately and cordially with them.
  • listen to their problems and show care for them.
  • show interest in answering every type of question.
  • remain calm enough to make them understand their mistakes.

Thus, it is concluded that a teacher should not be considered as an authority figure within the classroom as students are afraid to ask questions from such teachers which results in lack of conceptual clarity.