Differences Between a Scholar and a Teacher in Academic Settings

Academia is a world where roles and responsibilities can sometimes be blurred or misinterpreted. Particularly distinct individuals are scholars and teachers, both vital contributors to knowledge dissemination and academic achievement, but often with different focuses and qualifications. This article sheds light on the distinctions between these roles, providing a comprehensive understanding of their unique contributions and the importance of their roles in education.

Teacher: Confined to Pedagogy and Syllabi

A teacher is primarily concerned with the pedagogy, which refers to the methods and practices employed to educate students. Teachers are bound by the prescribed syllabi, ensuring that the educational goals and learning standards set by educational institutions are met. The teacher's role is to deliver structured, linear content alongside imparting moral values and character development. This ensures that students at the primary and secondary level receive a standardized education tailored to their age groups.

Teachers vs. Professors

Critically, while a teacher may hold a bachelor's degree along with a teaching qualification such as B.Ed, a professor is someone who has specialized knowledge in a particular field. A professor is deeply involved in research, consulting, publishing papers and books, and often acts as an evangelical leader in their field, enriching the repertoire and personality of their articulation. Professors are not confined to teaching only; they actively engage in innovative and explorative research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields.

Professor: Beyond Pedagogy into Andragogy

A professor, also known as a scholar, employs andragogy, an educational theory focused on the adult learner. Unlike pedagogy, which is primarily focused on the child or adolescent learner, andragogy accounts for the different learning needs and capabilities of adult students. Professors often hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.), indicating their expertise and research capabilities. They contribute to the academic landscape by publishing extensively in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and guiding students in advanced research projects.

Roles Within Academic Institutions

In academic institutions, the hierarchy of professors spans from highest to lowest. This includes:

Professor: The highest rank, typically holders of a Ph.D. or equivalent, with significant research contributions, often acting as department chairs. Emeritus Professor: Retired or about to retire, often with extensive experience in teaching and research. Full Professor: Long incumbent instructors or researchers, typically with 12-20 years of teaching experience. Associate Professor: Tenured professors with at least 7 years of teaching experience. Assistant Professor: New to the tenure track, usually with 6 or fewer years of teaching experience.

Teacher vs. Scholar

The primary difference between a teacher and a professor (scholar) lies in their focus and responsibilities. While a teacher is primarily involved in the transmission of knowledge within a curriculum, a scholar not only imparts knowledge but also contributes to its expansion. Teachers often share knowledge with a moral dimension, guiding students towards understanding and values. Scholars, on the other hand, are not only educators but also researchers, publishing their findings and often leading cutting-edge research in their fields.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both teachers and professors (scholars) play crucial roles in education, but they do so in distinct ways. Teachers ensure that students receive structured, age-appropriate education, while professors engage in research, publication, and contribute to the academic community. Understanding the roles of teachers and professors helps appreciate their unique contributions to the educational process and the enrichment of academic knowledge.