Teachers as Knowledge Workers

 

The term 'knowledge worker' is something unheard in the academia. The normal classification of teachers begins with an assistant professor, followed by an associate professor and then a professor. These labels are based on teaching and research experience and also on the numbers of papers published in national and international journals. The nomenclature  of 'knowledge worker' is something akin to that of construction workers, health workers etc. In fact,  knowledge workers will also include these professional domains also. 

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a knowledge worker as ‘a person whose job involves handling or using information.’ A teacher’s main capital is knowledge. The qualities of a knowledge worker as listed in an online journal are: continuous learning, autonomy, innovation, productivity and prioritising quality over quantity. Another article discussed how treating teachers as knowledge workers improves the esteem  of the teaching profession. 

 

Managing knowledge is one of the greatest challenges of a knowledge worker. This is based on the evolving methods of knowledge transfer. This is opposite to the rigid and stagnant approach of the traditional knowledge system. COVID-19 and the usefulness of online classes has led to a rethinking about the ways knowledge can be transferred. Technology and new techniques of student engagement plays a big role in the life of a teacher who is a knowledge worker.