Final answer:
The primary role of a teacher is to create a positive learning environment and assess student progress. They are responsible for imparting knowledge, instilling respect for authority, and preparing students for social participation and the workforce. Teachers also help develop problem-solving skills and foster lifelong learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The roles and responsibilities of a teacher extend beyond the simple transmission of information. Although, to some extent, imparting knowledge is a part of a teacher's job, it is far from the full scope of their duties. The principal role of a teacher is C) to create a positive and engaging learning environment, assess student progress, and to promote the growth and development of students as independent thinkers and learners.
Education philosopher Paulo Freire highlighted the importance of teachers in enabling students to realize their potential. Teachers assess student progress using different forms of assessment, from quizzes and tests that check for conceptual understanding to in-depth assignments that foster a deeper exploration of concepts or historical study skills.
In addition to imparting knowledge, teachers are responsible for instilling respect for authority and preparing students for participation in the broader society, where they will interact with various power structures. This aspect of education often termed the 'hidden curriculum,' is essential in teaching students conformity to law and social norms. Outside of helping students succeed in standardized testing environments, a teacher's responsibility also includes fostering problem-solving abilities and learning skills, which are valuable for lifelong learning and adaptability in the workforce.
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