IN the contemporary teaching and learning process, teachers are expected to play a multifaceted role that goes beyond the simple transmission of knowledge.

A teacher is often perceived as someone who should excel in many aspects of life so as to positively influence learners to emulate desirable behaviors, attitudes, and values. What teachers say, do, and consistently reinforce has a strong potential to inspire learners and actively engage them in lessons. 

This is particularly important because it is extremely difficult to teach students content in which they have little or no interest. Learners increasingly demand meaningful engagement in lessons so that they can develop relevant skills and knowledge. 

This reality has contributed to the growing preference for participatory teaching methods over traditional approaches, which often place minimal emphasis on learner engagement.

As individuals grow, especially in terms of cognitive development, they naturally seek independence. They begin to make personal choices, justify their actions, and evaluate the decisions of others. During this stage, learners develop interests and hobbies that shape the direction of their efforts in the learning process. 

It is therefore essential for teachers to guide learners by creating awareness about the reasons for learning and by demonstrating how learning can best take place. When students understand why they are learning and how that learning connects to their personal goals, they are more likely to commit themselves fully to the process.

Learners who are able to discern the objectives of particular subjects or courses are often more motivated to invest the appropriate effort required for success. Such understanding enables them to attain the broader goals of the curriculum. Consequently, teachers must be prepared to respond to numerous questions from inquisitive learners who seek justification for studying certain subjects or courses. 

In an era where students are exposed to vast amounts of information from various sources, the teacher’s role in guiding learners on what to embrace and what to discard becomes even more critical. This guidance is essential not only for academic success but also for life beyond school.

When students are able to justify their learning, higher levels of competence and motivation are expected. This reduces the number of individuals who later claim that they studied courses that were not of their choice or, more regrettably, learned without a clear purpose. 

A common anecdote illustrates this challenge: there was laughter in a university classroom when a student explained that they chose to study law simply because they admired the way lawyers dress. 

Such a response raises an important question—should professional training be driven by superficial interests, or by competence and purpose? Clearly, meaningful learning requires a deeper understanding of the value and demands of a chosen field.

Creating awareness about the benefits of learning and its relevance to career development enables students to confidently defend their academic choices. Educational experts emphasize that effective learning occurs when students take ownership of the process. 

They are the ones who will be examined and, ultimately, expected to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. Awareness, when combined with active engagement, leads to the development of competence. 

The common saying “practice makes perfect” underscores this reality. Just as one cannot learn to drive by sleeping on a bed, meaningful learning does not occur without active participation. Linking theory with practice produces skilled and knowledgeable individuals capable of contributing to socio-economic transformation.

For this reason, students must be given opportunities to participate actively in lessons. Teaching exists primarily for the benefit of learners, and modern teaching methodologies rightly emphasize learner-centered approaches. 

Educational experts have also shown interest in classroom size and seating arrangements, recognizing their influence on participatory learning. Such considerations aim to facilitate interaction, collaboration, and hands-on experiences that enhance learner engagement and skill development.

The importance of creating awareness and effectively engaging learners can be highlighted through several key considerations. First, motivation and enthusiasm are significantly enhanced when students understand and justify why they are learning certain subjects or courses. 

This understanding generates a strong internal drive that encourages consistent learning. Academic performance is often influenced by the amount of time and effort devoted to learning activities, and motivation plays a crucial role in deepening understanding and commitment.

Second, learner engagement promotes the development of critical thinking skills. When students actively participate in learning activities, they are encouraged to explore ideas independently and question existing knowledge. This exposure helps learners view learning as a natural and continuous part of daily life. 

As a result, they become capable of generating new ideas by critically examining established ones. In a rapidly changing world characterized by technological advancement and evolving ways of thinking, creativity and innovation are essential. These qualities can only be nurtured through teaching approaches that prioritize active learner engagement.

Third, awareness and engagement foster independence in learning. One of the fundamental aims of education is to prepare learners to function independently, especially in situations where teachers are not present. Learning should continue beyond the classroom, and this is only possible when learners understand their roles and know how to learn effectively. 

Teachers must therefore help students recognize why they attend school and how learning contributes to their future aspirations. When learners can visualize their future and map pathways toward achieving it, they gain confidence and become more willing to invest time and energy in the learning process.

Finally, awareness and engagement simplify evaluation. Effective teaching and learning cannot occur without proper assessment. When students clearly understand their responsibilities and how to perform learning activities, teachers can evaluate their performance more efficiently. Easy and meaningful evaluation saves time and allows both teachers and learners to focus on improving academic outcomes.

In conclusion, results in education are closely tied to performance, which itself depends heavily on motivation and engagement. Learners need to clearly understand their roles in the teaching and learning process to be effective. Given the vast amount of information available today, students naturally seek justification before committing effort to any task. 

The teacher’s role, therefore, is to guide learners in aligning their interests, abilities, and the usefulness of subjects or courses with purposeful learning. Through awareness creation and active engagement, teachers lay a strong foundation for meaningful learning, competence development, and lifelong success.