83 J I M D C   2 0 1 8  83 

Address of Correspondence:  
Rehmah Sarfraz 

Email: rehmah.sarfraz@imdcollege.com 

 
 

 The Changing Role of a Teacher: A Paradigm Shift 
Rehmah Sarfraz 

Head, Department of Medical Education, Professor of Anatomy, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad 

Recent advances and refinements are continuously 

changing the face of medical education with the paradigm 

shift in the role of teacher. The use of information 

technology and research has opened a big window 

through which the teaching and learning can be modified. 

The shifting of onus of learning from teachers to students 

and replacement of compartmentalized and discipline-

based curriculum by integrated one require change in 

curriculum content, design and delivery. As Albert 

Einstein once said “the measure of intelligence is the 

ability to change”; the changes in the field of medical 

education can be implemented in true spirit only if the 

teachers adapt to change. 

The fact cannot be denied that the successful 

implementation of curriculum depends upon the quality of 

teaching. Nowadays teacher centered learning is being 

replaced by student centered approach with focus on 

student collaboration and team work instead of creating 

competitive environment for individual student. Small 

group discussions, simulation and e-learning along with 

community-based learning has been added to lectures 

and bed-side teaching. Early exposure to clinical sciences 

has provided relevance to the basic sciences curriculum. 

The skills and attitudes have gained importance in 

assessment with more focus on evidence-based practice. 

These global changes in the world of medical education 

led to the changing role of a teacher. Ronald Harden, a 

renowned Medical Educationist summarized the qualities 

of a good teacher in following formula encompassing the 

three main areas:  

Good teacher = Teaching competencies x Approach to 

learning x Personal development 

 

 

The teaching competencies include the responsibility of 

teacher as curriculum planner, information provider, 

learning resource developer and a role model for the 

students. Facilitation of students and assessment of 

teaching and learning activities are part of this domain; 

quality is the key feature of all roles and responsibilities. 

However, teaching competencies alone are not enough 

unless the flavor of approach to learning is added to it. 

The delivery of content on the basis of understanding of 

scientific principles, taking informed decision and working 

as a team member along with demonstration of 

appropriate ethics and attitudes are the main features of 

teacher’s approach to learning. In the last part of the 

formula, emphasis is on the continuing personal and 

professional development of medical teachers with the 

aim to improve knowledge, skills and attitudes with the 

help of which they can reflect upon their own 

competencies. The two underlying motivational facts of 

personal development are the life-long learning and 

improvement in the professional quality. 

The teacher acts as a pivot around which all the teaching 

and learning activities rotate. Following the principles of 

andragogy and with passion of teaching and commitment, 

the teacher becomes the source of motivation and 

inspiration for the students and plays a major role in the 

life of a doctor 

         B i b l i o g r a p h y  

1. Harden RM, Laidlaw JM. The changing role of the teacher. 

In: EDITORS. Essential skills for a medical teacher: The 

changing role of the teacher. United Kingdom: Elsevier 

Churchill Livingstone; 2012. p. 223-225. 

2. Harden RM, Crosby J. A good teacher is more than a 
lecturer-the twelve roles of the teacher. AMEE Guide No. 

20.2003:334-347 

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