20 reasons why teachers are better than doctors essay brain

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Teachers are Better than Doctors Debate (Points & Reasons)

Henry Divine Leave a comment

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this article, I intend to discuss a very popular debate topic, “Teachers are Better than Doctors.” Although there are many debate topics out there but this one seems to be one of the favorites for organizers of debating competitions in primary and secondary schools. Sometimes, students debate on variants of the same topic e.g. “Teachers are more important than doctors in the society.”

Beyond debate speeches, students may be required to write argumentative essays on this topic in their English or Literacy examination.

This post is exploring this topic to make resources available for students to reference whenever they need to.

In the next sections, we will learn briefly about the two professions in our discourse i.e. the teacher and the doctor. Thereafter, we will find out why we are making the comparison in the first place.

Read Also: Male Education is Better than Female Education Debate

Who is a Teacher?

A teacher is someone whose job or profession is to teach or instruct other people who are their students, helping them to learn.

The teacher systematically imparts knowledge into their learners, through the use of a school curriculum, textbooks, lesson notes and other teaching aids. They also bring their personal experiences and creative ideas to bare while teaching.

At the end of the day, the goal is to make students aware of the things in their environment, know who they are, how to achieve their goals and so on.

Who is a Doctor?

A doctor is a medical professional who is trained and licensed to provide health care services to patients.

So the doctors treat patients who are suffering from all manner of sicknesses, diseases and injuries. They also offer professional medical advice to patients to help them manage terminal diseases successfully.

Medical doctors and the services they render are very essential in every society.

Read Also: How to Write a Debate to Win Any Competition

Why the Comparison Between Teachers and Doctors?

So far, we have seen that teachers and doctors are very essential professionals in every functional society. You might be wondering, “Why the comparison?”

If you think the comparison is both unfair and needless, you are not wrong. Because both teachers and doctors play vital roles in the society and are essential for the survival of humanity.

However, there are people who believe that no two things are truly equal in all ramifications. In other words, some things are superior or inferior to others, and each contribute or matter unequally in society.

For such folks, we need to compare teachers and doctors to find out who is better or more important than the other in the society. They are the reason behind the debate topic we are exploring today.

Another reason for comparison, especially in a debate, is that it helps to develop the students’ research, critical thinking and communication skills.

Read Also: Private vs Public Schools – Which is better for your child?

Difference Between Teachers and Doctors

Still on the comparison between teachers and doctors, I will be looking at the contrasts in different aspects of the two professions.

Take a look at the table below:

The table above shows us the basic and foundational differences between teachers and doctors. In other words, we see that the two professions are poles apart in every aspect.

Now let’s find out the reasons why some people believe that teachers are better than doctors.

Read Also: Interesting Debate Topics for Schools

Reasons Why Teachers Are Better than Doctors

In so many aspects and for several reasons, teachers are better than doctors. Over time, teachers gain extensive experience with children and can easily understand and interpret their behaviors in ways that doctors may struggle to match.

Doctors heavily rely on tests and scans for diagnosis, but teachers can easily discern issues through simple conversation with their students. Additionally, teachers possess a wealth of knowledge about education which makes it possible for them to facilitate learning in ways beyond the scope of medical professionals.

On a daily basis, teachers meet and interact with students with diverse personalities from different socio-economic backgrounds. This allows them to gain profound insight into the nitty-gritty of human behavior. With this reservoir of knowledge, experience and expertise, they can easily understand and solve the challenges facing their students.

Unlike doctors who you may need to book prior appointment before you can see them, teachers are so readily available and accessible to students. During school hours, students can always meet their teachers to seek counsel, clarification or direction over any issue. That way, they can learn and grow academically.

Finally on this section, teachers are more sacrificial in their service to humanity than doctors. They collect very low monthly compensation, consoled by the promise that their real reward is in heaven. That’s the price they pay to make quality education affordable, ensuring that more individuals can be trained to attain their full potential in any profession they are inclined to. But doctors who were invariably trained by the teachers collect relatively much higher salaries.

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20 More Reasons Why Teachers Are Better than Doctors

We are making progress in this argument. And let me say again that we are not trying to downplay the importance of doctors and the essential healthcare services they render. We are presenting these arguments based on the perceived overall impact of each of the professions on the society at large.

Below is a list of the top 20 reasons why teachers are more important or better than doctors, taking into account the invaluable role they play in nurturing and shaping the future of generations:

1. Education Starts with Teachers

Teachers are the foundation of education. They teach students skills, values, and knowledge from the cradle and set them up for success in the future.

2. Teachers Encourage Learning

Unlike doctors who focus on treating sicknesses, teachers inspire a lifetime love for learning. They encourage curiosity and critical thinking in their students.

3. Teachers Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders

Teachers nurture and shape the minds of young people, helping them become responsible citizens who make a positive impact in the society.

4. Teachers Provide Emotional Support

Teachers create a safe space for students to express themselves. They offer emotional support, which is crucial for children’s well-being.

5. Teachers Build Social Skills

Teachers help students to develop teamwork, empathy, respect, and several other skills that are important for building harmonious relationships in the community.

6. Teachers Promote Creativity

Teachers encourage students to think creatively. When students develop the ability to think outside the box, then they can solve any problem that comes their way and they can adapt to new situations.

7. Teachers Address Different learning Needs

Different students have their unique educational needs and learning styles. Teacher are very skillful at identifying and accommodating these different needs and learning styles. They strive to ensure that every student gets the education they deserve.

8. Teachers Provide Guidance and Mentorship

The role of teachers extends beyond academics. They also serve as mentors, offering guidance and support to students as they go through various life challenges.

More so, teachers can help students to develop desirable characters and values.

9. Teachers Instill Discipline and Responsibility

It is teachers who instill important life values like respect, punctuality, accountability, discipline and responsibility in students. They values are essential for personal and professional success. Doctors who only care about the medical condition of their patients would never bother about instilling these values in them.

10. Teachers Promote Tolerance in Diversity

In societies where there is multiplicity of ethnic groups with diverse cultures, it is the teachers who expose students to different cultures from their young age. They teach that there is something good about every culture, thereby fostering tolerance, understanding, and inclusivity.

11. Teachers Play a Role in Community Development

Teachers are not just nominal parts of the local communities, they actively engage with the communities by organizing events and initiatives that promote social responsibility and community development.

12. Teachers Continuously Update their Knowledge

Teachers are lifelong learners. They continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay abreast of the latest educational trends and best practices. Although this can also be said of many doctors, teachers study and upgrade their knowledge on a more regular basis.

Teachers always need to be up-to-date with the latest educational methods and they are always committed to it. That’s why they can provide the best education possible to our children.

13. Teachers Identify Issues Early

Teachers can observe behavioral and academic patterns that may be covert indicators of underlying issues. They can tell when students are facing difficulties of some sort and intervene quickly. This early identification and intervention by teachers can help to prevent problems from escalating.

14. Teachers Have Lasting Impact on Students

Unlike doctors who may save lives in critical moments and emergencies, teachers impact lives for a lifetime. They give meaning and direction to their students. And long after leaving the classroom, most students still feel the impact of their teachers in their lives.

15. Teachers Inspire Every Other Professional

Teachers are the people that lay the foundation for every other profession. They train and inspire students that pursue careers in various fields including medicine.

So it the teachers that make the doctors and without them, there will be nothing like the medical profession.

16. Teachers Encourage Civic Engagement

Teachers teach students their civic rights and duties. They also encourage them to become active participants in the society.

By getting educated under teachers in school, students learn how to get involved in the society and how to stand for what is right.

17. Teachers Make Students to Appreciate Literature and the Arts

Unlike doctors, teachers foster a love for literature, music, and the arts in their students. This enriches the lives of the students in more ways than one.

18. Teachers Provide Personalized Attention to Students

Unlike doctors who often have very limited time patients, teachers can give individual attention to students. By so doing, they ensure that the unique need of every student is met.

19. Teachers Empower Students to Attain their Potential

Teachers play an important role in empowering students to reach their full potential. They do so through various means like igniting a passion for learning in students and providing knowledge and skills for them.

Teachers also instill valuable life skills and attitudes in their students, empowering them to navigate the ocean of life’s complexities and achieve their full potential.

20. Teachers Make Society Better

Teachers make society better by nurturing and educating the next generation. They instill knowledge, critical thinking skills, and values essential for a better society. Through their service, teachers empower individuals to become informed and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the growth and progress of the society.

Read Also: Male Child is More Important than Female Child Debate

Teachers are Better than Doctors Argumentative Essay Writing

Title: teachers, the unsung heroes of society.

In our world, both teachers and doctors play crucial roles in shaping our lives. However, when considering who has a greater impact on society, it becomes evident that teachers hold a unique and indispensable position. While doctors heal our bodies, teachers nurture our minds, which is equally, if not more, important for the advancement and well-being of society.

Firstly, teachers are the architects of our future. They possess the power to mold young minds, instilling knowledge, values, and critical thinking skills that lay the foundation for a prosperous society. From teaching basic arithmetic to imparting complex scientific theories, teachers equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of the world.

Furthermore, teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, guides, and role models. They provide support, encouragement, and inspiration to students, and help them to discover their passions and realize their full potential. Unlike doctors who treat symptoms, teachers address the root causes of societal issues by fostering a love for learning and empowering individuals to effect positive change.

Moreover, the impact of teachers extends far beyond the classroom. They play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, tolerance, and understanding. Through education, teachers cultivate empathy, respect for diversity, and a sense of civic responsibility, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

In contrast, while doctors undoubtedly save lives and alleviate suffering, their impact is limited to the realm of healthcare. They address immediate medical needs but often lack the capacity to address the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities and inequalities.

In conclusion, while doctors play a vital role in maintaining our physical well-being, it is teachers who hold the key to our collective future. Their tireless dedication, passion, and commitment to education make them the unsung heroes of society. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, scientists, engineers, or leaders. Thus, it is clear that teachers are not just better than doctors; they are indispensable pillars of our society.

Teachers are Better than Doctors Debate Speech

Sample 1: debate speech supporting the motion which states that teachers are better than doctors.

Good day Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, and fellow debaters,

Today, we stand in strong support of the motion that declares teachers are better than doctors. While doctors indeed play a crucial role in our lives, it is undeniable that teachers hold a distinct and unparalleled significance in shaping our society.

Firstly, let’s consider the impact of teachers on our lives. From the moment we step into the classroom, teachers become our mentors, guides, and sometimes even our second parents. They don’t just teach us math or science; they impart wisdom, instill values, and ignite a passion for learning within us. In contrast, while doctors heal our bodies, their influence is often limited to a specific moment in time.

Moreover, the influence of teachers extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. They shape the future of our society by nurturing the minds of our youth. Through their dedication and commitment, they empower individuals to become informed, responsible citizens who contribute positively to our communities. In contrast, doctors primarily focus on treating illnesses, often without addressing the root causes of societal issues.

Furthermore, let’s consider the lasting impact of teachers. The knowledge and skills they impart have a ripple effect that extends far into the future. They inspire future generations, shaping the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. In contrast, while doctors provide immediate relief, their influence is often confined to the duration of treatment.

In conclusion, while doctors undoubtedly play a vital role in maintaining our physical well-being, it is teachers who hold the key to our collective future. Their tireless dedication, passion, and commitment to education make them the unsung heroes of our society. Therefore, we urge you to support the motion that declares teachers are indeed better than doctors.

Sample 2: Debate Speech Opposing the Motion which States that Teachers are Better than Doctors

Today, we are here to oppose the motion that claims teachers are better than doctors. While teachers undeniably play a crucial role in shaping our minds and futures, it is important to recognize the invaluable contribution that doctors make to society.

Firstly, let’s consider the critical role that doctors play in preserving human life. Doctors are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and diseases. They work tirelessly to heal the sick, alleviate pain, and prolong life. Without doctors, many lives would be lost, and countless individuals would suffer needlessly.

Moreover, doctors undergo years of rigorous education and training to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to practice medicine effectively. Their expertise and dedication enable them to make life-saving decisions in high-pressure situations, often at the risk of their own well-being. In contrast, while teachers impart knowledge and inspire learning, their impact is primarily intellectual rather than life-saving.

Furthermore, let’s consider the profound impact that doctors have on individuals and communities. Beyond treating illnesses, doctors promote preventative care, educate patients about healthy lifestyles, and address the underlying social determinants of health. Through their work, they contribute to the overall well-being and longevity of society.

In conclusion, while teachers undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping our minds and futures, it is important to recognize the indispensable contribution of doctors to society. Doctors save lives, alleviate suffering, and promote health and wellness in ways that are essential to the functioning of our communities. Therefore, we urge you to oppose the motion that claims teachers are better than doctors.

Other Strong Points to Argue that Teachers are More Important than Doctors

Here are other strong points you can use to support the argument that teachers are better than doctors in the society:

1. Teachers help kids learn by sharing knowledge and keeping them curious.

2. They teach kids to think carefully, ask questions, and understand the world around them.

3. Teachers make classrooms where all kids feel safe to speak their minds.

4. They change how they teach to help different kids learn in different ways.

5. Teachers work really hard to plan lessons that fit each kid’s needs.

6. They don’t just teach school stuff, they also help kids with life stuff.

7. Teachers make learning exciting so kids want to learn more.

8. They help kids find what they’re good at and what they like to do.

9. Teachers show kids how to care about others and be kind.

10. They speak up for kids to make sure they’re treated fairly.

11. Teachers explain hard things in a way that’s easy to understand.

12. They make classrooms feel like a big family where everyone belongs.

13. Teachers make kids believe in themselves and try their best.

14. They teach kids not to give up when things are tough.

15. Teachers do lots of things at once and keep everything organized.

16. They always want to learn more and get better at what they do.

17. Teachers give advice that helps kids get better at school and life.

18. They find what kids are good at and help them get even better.

19. Teachers help kids know right from wrong and how to be responsible.

20. They notice when a kid needs extra help and make sure they get it.

21. Teachers encourage kids to use their imagination and think of new ideas.

Final Thoughts

We do not doubt the fact that doctors play a vital role in maintaining our physical well-being, but it is the teachers that hold the key to our collective future. They work tirelessly, with unwavering dedication and passion to educate the next generation of professionals in every other career. So those supporting the motion that teachers are better or more important than doctors should feel free to do so. It’s their choice.

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Teachers Are Better Than Doctors (Essay Sample)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Which is more useful to society, a teacher or a doctor?

The teacher vs. doctor debate is an interesting topic to write about as we are talking about two different but important roles. In the essay below, we outlined the key characteristics of each role, their contributions to the world, and their impact on people. We concluded that the teacher has greater reach.

Read on to get a strong idea of what debate points to use when assigned to this topic. Don’t hesitate to reach us for help in writing your own essay on why a teacher is better than a doctor.

Essay on Teachers Are More Important Than Doctors

Teachers have the power within them to influence minds, young and old alike. With this amazing potential, they indirectly have the ability to change the course of history. By molding minds, their impact on society could be good or bad.

That being said, it is important to understand that it is through our fine educators that our doctors are able to excel in their fields of expertise today.

On one hand, teaching is considered a prime approach to transmitting knowledge to different generations. The world, therefore, relies on them in ensuring that the training and molding of the next generation of leaders are enhanced, maintained, and grown.

When we think of the fact that doctors save people, we tend to see their role as something that is nobler. We see them as front-liners who lay down their lives for others. But it must be argued that while educating may not necessarily be a life-or-death situation, the fact that teachers form young minds and train them to make wise decisions in life is really the nobler task.

While teachers earn a lot less than doctors, the kind of input that they have in the journeys of students is invaluable. Very few people remember great doctors, but several communities remember the greatest teachers in history, such as Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, we must also consider that character formation and academic knowledge are things that we look at as evidence of growth in someone’s life. In this regard, teachers have much larger participation. Their job is not just to impart technical knowledge, but to prepare students for success in real life.

Doctors are a result of many educators investing in the lives of students who want to pursue medicine. Their output is rooted in the input of those who trained and coached them in medical school. As doctors make wise medical decisions, they actually reflect the good training that they received while in school. In this way, teachers have an edge over doctors.

As technology and medical science evolve in the course of a doctor’s career, they need to upskill their knowledge every now and then. Again, they go back to the expertise of their teachers, who ensure that the information they act on in their day-to-day lives is relevant and up-to-date.

Their Impact on Human Lives

While both roles are certainly important in society and cannot easily be discarded, it is quite clear that we cannot underestimate the impact of educators on the lives of those they teach and influence. Saving lives does not only necessarily happen on the operating table. Saving people also means educators pouring themselves into troubled young souls and encouraging them to push to be better people.

Both doctors and teachers can be miracle workers, but teachers have the special role of starting their work when students are still very young. They help them set off in the direction that they desire, while doctors treat what is already visible and diagnosable.

Unlike doctors who depend on knowledge acquired from their trainers, teachers impart knowledge from the heart and ensure that a well-rounded education is given to set kids up for success. This, therefore, affirms the fact that teachers are better than doctors.

This doesn’t mean to say that young people should be discouraged from pursuing a career in medicine. While teachers have a deeper impact on our journeys, we still need doctors. They are an essential part of society. We don’t want to devalue their contributions as they are the front-liners who toil for the health of mankind. They are also positive role models for the youth.

Perhaps what we can do is to encourage our children to learn as much as they can from their teachers as they study to become a doctor. Because we know that their teachers have the capacity to influence them to be the best that they can be, we can push them towards having good relationships with their educators. As they benefit from their mentorship and coaching, society can benefit from their future success in the field of medicine. Thanks to teachers, our kids can become the best doctors they can be.

Debate On Teachers Are Better Than Doctors (Short Essay Sample)

Two professions that receive much praise no matter what age we live in are teachers and doctors. It is difficult to quickly point out which role has a more significant impact on society, but I daresay that teacher has a more far-reaching contribution.

While the doctor has obvious contributions to healthcare and human well-being, a teacher’s participation is subtler and under-praised. We usually just think of the educator as the person conducting the classes of our children, but they really do more than that. Our community owes its thanks to them because of how they’ve shaped the minds of our kids – from nursery school pupils and secondary school students to university undergraduates and even postgraduate students.

Most teachers cultivate not just an academic concern for the learners in their class; they also deeply care for them personally. Their efforts to support parents by helping hone both the skills and character of their children are commendable.

With this, I strongly lean towards the side of the educator. Both doctors and teachers are vital members of the community. But there are plenty of things that a teacher does that go unnoticed.

How to write an argumentative essay on the topic “Teachers are more important than doctors”

To form an excellent argumentative piece, make time first to outline the pros and cons of each role. Evaluate them under the same criteria so that you approach your writing from a place of fairness and objectivity. Match them against each other and come up with a persuasive conclusion, upholding the side you favor.

Ten reasons why teachers are better than a doctor

• They start their work when someone is young. The window of opportunity for character formation is much longer.
• They can apply all sorts of creative methods and approaches to bring a student closer to success.
• They are concerned for more than your grades and accomplishments (although these are important). They are primarily concerned for your welfare and future success in life.
• You can form healthy friendships and relationships with them throughout your studies and even after graduating.
• They are relevant in every season of your life: as a student, a continuing learner, an employee, even a leader. Everyone could always use some mentoring and coaching.
• They seek to make the know-how they impart relevant to your day-to-day life.
• They teach you how to maintain great relationships with your peers.
• They walk with you even when you are being disciplined for your actions.
• They even support your family life at home.
• They find more ways for you to learn even outside the classroom.

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10 Reasons Doctors Are Better Than Teachers - Argumentative Essay

Introduction

In every society, teachers and doctors play important roles in shaping and improving our lives. While both professions are undeniably important, this essay aims to present a compelling argument for why doctors are better than teachers in terms of their contributions to society and help us understand the more beneficial impact doctors have on individual well-being and society at large.

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1. Life-saving knowledge and abilities

One thing that stands out about doctors is their exceptional knowledge which they apply to save lives, making their profession unrivalled in terms of impact because without life, what are we? Through their extensive medical knowledge and expertise, doctors diagnose and treat various illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies. They perform intricate surgeries, administer life-saving medications, and develop innovative treatments, directly influencing the quality of human life.

2. Deeper knowledge (expertise)

Doctors undergo rigorous education and training to acquire specialized knowledge in their respective fields. Their deep understanding of the human body, various diseases, and medical procedures allows them to provide accurate diagnoses, design effective treatment plans, and ensure optimal patient care. This specialized expertise distinguishes doctors from teachers, whose knowledge is often focused on academic subjects rather than the intricacies of advanced science, such as in the medical field.

3. Immediate Impact on Individuals

Doctors have a direct and immediate impact on the lives of individuals seeking healthcare. They are the first point of contact for patients, providing critical medical attention, diagnosis, and treatment. Their ability to alleviate physical pain, offer comfort, and restore health is unique to the medical profession, surpassing the impact teachers have on students' lives, which is primarily intellectual and academic in nature.

4. Holistic Approach to Well-being

Doctors take a holistic approach to patient care, considering physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They address not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying causes and potential psychosocial factors affecting a person's health. Doctors are trained to evaluate various aspects of an individual's life, including lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and family history, resulting in comprehensive and personalized healthcare.

5. High-level Responsibility

The level of responsibility carried by doctors is unparalleled. They make critical, often life-or-death, decisions on a regular basis. Doctors must manage complex cases, balance multiple factors, and navigate through challenging ethical dilemmas. Teachers, while responsible for educating and shaping minds, do not face the same level of high-stakes decision-making as doctors.

6. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

The medical field is characterized by continuous advancements and breakthroughs. Doctors must stay updated with the latest research, treatment protocols, and technological innovations to deliver the best possible care. They are constantly learning, attending conferences, participating in training programs, and adapting their practices accordingly. This commitment to ongoing education and adaptability distinguishes doctors as lifelong learners in their field.

7. Contribution to Public Health

Doctors play a pivotal role in promoting public health initiatives and disease prevention. They educate communities about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention strategies, and vaccination campaigns. Doctors actively engage in public health research, collaborate with health organizations, and advocate for policies that improve population health outcomes. Their efforts extend beyond the individual patient, positively impacting entire communities and society at large.

8. Research and Innovation

Doctors are at the forefront of medical research, contributing to scientific discoveries and innovative treatments. Through clinical trials, they advance medical knowledge, develop new therapies, and enhance existing medical practices. Their contributions to research and innovation significantly shape the future of healthcare, leading to improved treatment options and better patient outcomes.

9. Crisis Response and Emergency Care

During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics, doctors play an indispensable role in emergency response efforts. They work tirelessly on the front lines, providing critical care, triaging patients, and coordinating healthcare resources. Their expertise and ability to remain calm under pressure are vital in managing and mitigating the impact of emergencies on society.

10. Global Impact and Humanitarian Work

Doctors have the opportunity to make a global impact through humanitarian work. Many doctors volunteer their time and skills in underserved regions, providing medical care to communities in need. Their dedication to improving global health inequalities showcases their commitment to the betterment of humanity.

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While teachers undoubtedly hold a significant role in educating and shaping young minds, the 10 reasons presented in this essay establish the superiority of doctors in society. From their life-saving abilities and specialized expertise to their immediate impact on individuals and contributions to research and innovation, doctors play an unparalleled role in promoting individual well-being, public health, and societal progress.

As we recognize the immense importance of healthcare and the profound influence doctors have on people's lives, their dominance becomes evident.

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Teachers and Doctors, Who is More Important? (Debate)

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: February 21, 2022
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

Teachers and Doctors, Who is More Important?: This is an issue that may be debated indefinitely, with both sides presenting valid and compelling arguments. There is no legitimate answer although one side of the argument might be used to criticize the other. Doctors, perhaps more than teachers, are the professionals we turn to in times of utmost need and/or anxiety, including when individuals or their families are sick or injured. It is normal for us to believe that our own and our loved one’s health is the most important component of our lives. In the end, the ability to save a person’s life is the most important skill a person may possess, yet information transmission is also an important aspect of existence.

A competent teacher has the power to transform the lives of people he or she tutors. They could not only teach them about their specialty subject or field, and so they can equally establish a general style of reasoning in them. This could then be carried over into the child’s regular life, regardless of the work at hand. It might also be claimed that as teachers educate us throughout our lives, we grow more conscious and knowledgeable, allowing us to naturally examine our actions more thoroughly, allowing us to make safer judgments to protect our health.

Generally, I think it would be impossible to tell which job is more important because they are both essential to humanity in different ways. We would be in danger if neither of these professions existed.

Recommended: Doctor vs Lawyer, Who is More Important in the society? Debate.

Table of Contents

Who Is a Doctor?

A doctor is a medical professional who treats illnesses and injuries in terms of improving a patient’s health. A necessary medical degree authorizes a physician to treat patients and recommend appropriate care, including pharmaceuticals, in most nations.

One of the most significant occupations is that of a doctor. And besides, these experts do have knowledge and abilities to detect, treat, and prevent infections from spreading. Doctors are the ones who save our lives. Specialties include:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Paediatrics
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery
• Dermatology
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Radiation Oncology

Recommended: Advantages and Disadvantages of being a doctor

Who Is a Teacher?

A teacher is a person who assists students in gaining information, skills, or virtues. Anyone can take on the job of teacher unofficially. Teaching children of school age may take place in an informal context, such as inside the family, instead of in a formal environment, such as a school or university, in some nations.

Other jobs may require a substantial quantity of teaching. In most nations, paid teachers are in charge of the formal education of students. This study focused on persons whose primary job function, is to teach those in a structured educational setting, such as a classroom or even another place of first formal training or education.

Also see: Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Teacher

Difference Between a Doctor And a Teacher

1. A teacher, first and foremost, educates everybody in society, from kindergarten to high school. Children in infancy and elementary school, secondary school students, university undergraduate, and perhaps even postgraduate students are all educated by teachers.

Teachers have an important role in the education of all intelligent individuals, adults, and kids. Doctors are not excluded either. They were also instructed by educators! In reality, any society without instructors is doomed to fail.

Teachers are a dominant method of passing on knowledge to young people. They are entrusted with preserving and expanding our society’s knowledge and understanding. Teachers who can motivate young children to choose passions and interests that will benefit the world are crucial.

2. The COVID-19 pandemic had also served as a stark reminder of the critical role doctors play in alleviating pain and saving lives. The epidemic has also revealed the lengths to which doctors are ready to go to ensure a functional health system and society.

Doctors also play important roles in saving lives regularly, such as performing an emergency operation or a planned treatment for a time-sensitive or critical illness. An unintentional injury and difficult labor are also to blame.

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3. Teachers serve as role models for their pupils. Students try to look up to their teachers in a variety of different ways. And also learn a lot from them, so they spend longer time with them than their guardians. In most cases, teachers and pupils form a strong bond. Doctors normally only see their patients for just a few moments or minutes at least, and only when they are seriously unwell.

There is no such link between the children and the doctors. In actuality, most children are afraid of doctors because they believe they will be given needles or forced to take unpleasant medications. Teachers can help students grow into good citizens and potential leaders by engaging with them daily.

4. Not all diseases endanger the patient’s life. However, enduring the pain and discomfort for the rest of one’s life is not an option. Doctors’ efforts enable them to alleviate these pain and discomfort and live their life to their fullest.

Nevertheless, with the help of doctors, medicines, and therapies, a patient’s lifespan or the start of the worst effects of sickness can be substantially extended. Though the length of time varies widely from situation to situation and patient to patient, the dedication to the cause is admirable.

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5 . Everyone understands how important physicians are in our society since they treat the ill. Doctors, on the other hand, would not have been able to practice medicine without the help of teachers. Doctors were educated in medical colleges and trained by – name who? – teachers!

To put it another way? If professors do not teach, there’ll be no physicians. Think about it. Where do doctors go to train to become the doctors they are today? I’m sure your guess is as good as mine. School. What doctor nowadays does not have a doctoral university degree or another institute of higher learning? There isn’t a single genuine one.

6 . Nobody wants to fall ill, become crippled, or become powerless. Preventing illness or injury is the superior option: it is less costly, preferable for our health, and we lose less money if we don’t get sick as frequently. Preventive care is also beneficial to society itself.

Drugs, doctor visits, and surgery are out of reach for many individuals around the world. Doctors bridge the healthcare gap between rich and poor individuals by advocating preventative treatment and trying to keep people healthier.

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Which Is Better Between Doctor And a Teacher?

The value of a teacher cannot be overstated. Many people, however, believe that the doctor’s vocation is more vital. Doctors are superior to teachers for a variety of reasons. When such a topic arises, the responses differ, as doctors are well-known in the community. A doctor’s profession is among the most well-known across the planet. They can work and earn a comfortable life in any country on this planet. Doctors are more essential than teachers for the reasons listed below.

1. People believe in doctors: This is one of the many benefits of working as a doctor. There in eyes of the general public, we are in a special role as a profession. Patients put their lives, their well-being, and their secrets in doctors’ hands. Doctors get to see many people on a given day, and they tell us truths they wouldn’t tell anybody else.

After that, doctors are free to attempt to assist these people. It’s humbling to learn how much more the public trusts a doctor’s ability and honesty, and that confidence is a significant part of the rewards.

2. Doctors helps people: Being a doctor entails assisting people, relieving pain, and making them feel better. They are the folks who look after humanity and keep it running smoothly. Patients come to them, they treat them, and then they send them on their way to live the best and fullest lives possible.

What’s even better? They’ll forget the names of the doctors. Every one of them. Because it is about us as a people, as a collective species, not about us as doctors. Doctors do what they are doing because it must be done, and it must be done by someone. Doctors are remarkably good or selfless — they’re simply a bunch of jerks who volunteered!

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3. Doctors have many career paths: With many specializations in medicine, you’d be forgiven for thinking a degree can only get you so far. A doctor can work in a multitude of fields, including practitioners and even heart surgeons.

Perhaps you aspire to be a Senior Medical Officer that manages governments or determines the severity of injuries suffered by Professional Soccer players. Perhaps you want to design a smart software or device to leverage science and innovation to enhance healthcare. Being a doctor can take you pretty much everywhere as long as patients are wandering around, all squishy and fragile.

4. Working in a multidisciplinary team: You won’t be encircled by being bored as doctors all day because you’ll be working with specialists from a variety of fields. To mention a few, we collaborate with nurses, nutritionists, therapists, and pharmacists.

Diverse points of view can be invigorating, and because every industry draws people with relatively distinct personalities, your work-life won’t become a series of contacts with eerily identical people. When I found out about it, it was a huge relief!

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5. It guarantees a secured financial future:  The average annual compensation for doctors in the United States is $208,000. This is a $23,000 increase over the average CEO salary and a $150,000 increase over the national average compensation. Other nations, on the other hand, pay GPs and specialists comparable or better incomes.

There are really few other occupations that can promise financial security if that is your goal in life. Similarly, a fast-aging and expanding global population means that the value for doctors will continue to rise, resulting in even more career options in the years ahead.

6. It grants a high social standing : It’s practically a given that every parent wishes for their child to become a doctor, but there’s a reason for that. In addition to high compensation, becoming a doctor carries a certain level of respect and renown. Doctors are recognized and appreciated not only for what they do but also for the effort, it takes to become one.

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Also, who’s to say you won’t consider being the next Basketball superstar’s physician? Or that you won’t get a chance to treat members of the ruling and business elite? Working with a varied set of people and supporting them with one of life’s most significant parts – their health – could lead to opportunities you weren’t aware of.

7. You can live anywhere in the world : Becoming a doctor can fit your active lifestyle maybe you’re one of those persons who like getting out and about. Although the standards and laws for practicing medicine vary by country, doctors are often in high demand in practically every corner of the globe.

If you wish to move to a certain country, you may need additional certification or knowledge, but you’ll still be guaranteed one of the highest-paying jobs in the world.

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All of this is not meant to minimize the value of doctors or teachers. Doctors are necessary, but I feel their major concentration is on research to improve our health. Throughout their professions, either a teacher or a doctor benefits us.

As a result, comparing them and declaring one to be greater isn’t fair. But, once again, this is just my view. Teachers are needed to train future doctors. Doctors are required to assist teachers in their recovery.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

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10 Reasons Teachers Are Better Than Doctors

Choosing the best profession in the world often comes at times with comparing two or more selected professions. Various academic scholars have tried to analyze and explain why teachers are better than doctors whereas, in the real sense, both professions are significant in their field.

This publication aims to clarify the level of significance of both teachers and doctors in the real world and give reasons why teachers are better than doctors.

Who Are Teachers Vs Doctors?

Teachers are mostly considered educationists since their primary duties revolve around educating people to acquire knowledge. A teacher passes down knowledge through various forms of communication and this knowledge helps shape an individual to become a better version of themselves. Teachers understand the importance of education, and how it helps shape lives.

Doctors on the other hand are viewed in high esteem because as one of the best professions in the world, they are responsible for saving lives, diagnosing and prescribing treatments for medical conditions, and they offer medical advice that allows people to manage their health.

There have been several debates on why doctors are better than teachers since they majorly save lives and help manage people’s health. Meanwhile, some renowned philosophers have argued that doctors would not exist without the presence of a teacher to impact people with relevant knowledge in the field.

Similarities Between Teachers And Doctors

• Doctors and teachers often receive licenses to practice their profession.
• Teachers and doctors conduct researches that help improve people’s health.
• Teachers and doctors are one of the most populated professions in the world.
• They are both viewed with high prestige in the society.

Teachers Vs Doctors; Which Is Better?

The argument for the best profession in the world is often centered on determining what profession is better between teachers and doctors. There is without a doubt that both professions are important in every societal setting however, teachers are better than doctors because they are more reliable and go a long way in influencing people’s lives.

The next section will explain in detail why teachers are better than doctors.

Top Reasons Why Teachers Are Better Than Doctors

1. teachers impact all professions.

Trends have shown that both doctors and teachers impact people’s lives positively. Various scholars have argued this point since doctors treat all professions. For example, whenever a teacher is sick, a doctor diagnose and prescribe medications for the teacher. Meanwhile, it is believed that doctors will cease to exist if there are no teachers to educate them in college and medical schools.

2. Responsibility

In terms of responsibility, teachers are better than doctors. Although doctors are more respected for saving lives, and given the complexity of their work, they usually fail to assume responsibility for their failures even when things go wrong. For example, a doctor can perform a surgical operation on a patient and end up doing more damage to the human body, and they rarely assume responsibility for their actions instead they ensure the patient or his guarantor pays up their fees.

Meanwhile, teachers often assume responsibility for all of their students and do their best to carry every student along. For instance, In a situation where students under a teacher’s supervision record a high failure rate, the teacher can be queried or fired.

3. Less Risk

The risks involved with being a doctor are higher than that of a teacher. Any little mistake can result in the loss of a person’s life or cause havoc that could take a huge amount of money or years of treatment to treat.

Teachers on the other hand handle minimal risks as compared with a doctor. This puts teachers at a higher advantage since every error that occurs during teaching can easily be rectified.

4. Activities

If you are someone who despises the sight of blood then you are going to find a teacher job more interesting. A doctor cannot simply avoid interacting with human blood, but a teacher’s job revolves around the classroom where he has a low chance of interacting with blood.

5. Influence

The primary function of teachers is to impart knowledge to students. Their experience with people shapes people’s lives for a long time. On the other hand, the effect a doctor has on people is only temporary.

For example, a teacher has a way of influencing life choices people make for the long term. These choices include choice of partner, and occupation, amongst others. A doctor can only Influence decisions related to a person’s health temporarily.

6. Reliability

In terms of reliability, a teacher is considered more reliable than a doctor. Over the years, trends have shown that doctors often do not record high success rates when they administer treatment or surgical operations on a person. Meanwhile, teachers are more reliable in executing their duties and often have minimal fail rates as compared with doctors.

7. Societal Values

Both doctors and teachers are important to every society. A teacher however offers more value to society as compared with a doctor. The diverse teaching styles adopted by teachers offer more value than any other medical health benefits.

8. Less Formality

The relationship between a doctor and a patient is strictly formal and any form of interaction outside of the medical field is prohibited. This means the interaction between a doctor and a patient ends after the completion of his treatment or diagnosis. However, a teacher can communicate with their students and parents outside of the academic walls giving them room to further mentor and teach a child. This gives teachers more influence than doctors in the real world.

9. Importance

Doctors are only considered important when a person’s health is deficient. People mostly visit the doctor’s office whenever they feel unwell but teachers play a pivotal role in mentoring a student from the cradle stage up until old age.

10. Learning

As humans, we must keep learning every day because the world is vast and the knowledge a teacher possesses is unquantifiable as compared with a doctor.

If you have a passion for acquiring, then you will find a teacher occupation better than that of a doctor because teachers study from various fields and are knowledgeable in virtually every sector, unlike doctors who only focus their learning in their field.

In summary, although there have been countless arguments on which profession is better between teachers and doctors, both professions are essential. A doctor helps manage people’s health, but teachers are often responsible for equipping medical doctors with the requisite knowledge.

In terms of revenue generation, the fact however remains that teachers are underpaid compared to doctors, but the value of their services is priceless.

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DEBATE TOPIC: Teachers are better than Doctors ( Support and oppose the motion)

Explore the ongoing debate on whether teachers are better than doctors . Gain insights into the roles, impact, and significance of both professions in shaping lives. Discover the unique contributions of teachers and doctors in this thought-provoking article.

In the eternal discourse of who holds more influence over individuals’ lives, the comparison between teachers and doctors often takes center stage. While doctors are revered for their medical expertise, teachers hold the torch of knowledge and guidance. Both professions contribute significantly to society, but can we conclusively say that one is better than the other? This article delves deep into the roles of teachers and doctors, highlighting their respective strengths, impacts, and unique contributions.

DEBATE TOPIC: Teachers are Better than Doctors

The crux of this debate lies in the fact that teachers are the foundational pillars of education, whereas doctors specialize in healing the body. This comparison is not about diminishing the value of doctors but rather highlighting the profound impact teachers have on molding individuals from a young age.

The Role of Teachers: Nurturing Minds and Hearts

Free download now.

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping young minds. They ignite curiosity, impart knowledge, and foster critical thinking. LSI Keywords: Education, Guidance, Mentorship.

Teachers create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and learn valuable life skills beyond textbooks. They inspire creativity, teamwork, and resilience, fostering holistic development. LSI Keywords: Creativity, Life Skills, Holistic Development.

The Impact of Teachers: Lifelong Influence

The influence of teachers extends far beyond the classroom. They instill values, ethical principles, and a thirst for lifelong learning in their students. LSI Keywords: Values, Ethics, Lifelong Learning.

Teachers often become mentors and role models, helping students navigate challenges and make informed decisions. The lessons they impart stay with students for a lifetime, shaping their character and choices. LSI Keywords: Mentoring, Role Models, Character Development.

The Significance of Doctors: Healing and Saving Lives

Doctors are at the forefront of medical care, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and performing life-saving surgeries. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining public health. LSI Keywords: Medical Care, Diagnoses, Life-saving.

Doctors possess extensive medical knowledge acquired through years of education and experience. They have the power to alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and extend lifespans. LSI Keywords: Medical Knowledge, Alleviate Suffering, Quality of Life.

The Impact of Doctors: Medical Marvels

Doctors are responsible for medical breakthroughs that revolutionize healthcare. Their research and innovations have led to the discovery of life-changing treatments, vaccines, and therapies. LSI Keywords: Medical Breakthroughs, Research, Innovations.

Through their compassionate care and medical expertise, doctors bring hope to patients and their families during times of illness and uncertainty. Their dedication to preserving life is commendable. LSI Keywords: Compassionate Care, Dedication, Preserving Life.

Teachers vs. Doctors: Which Holds More Influence?

Comparing teachers and doctors is akin to comparing apples and oranges – both are invaluable in their own domains. Teachers lay the foundation for personal growth, while doctors contribute to physical well-being. The debate itself highlights the interconnectedness of education and healthcare.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Teachers are better than Doctors

Are teachers equally important as doctors.

Absolutely. While doctors focus on physical health, teachers nurture intellectual, emotional, and social growth. Both professions contribute uniquely to the betterment of society.

Can Teachers Make a Lasting Impact?

Undoubtedly. Teachers’ influence extends beyond academics, shaping individuals’ values, aspirations, and life trajectories.

Do Doctors Only Deal with Medical Issues?

No, doctors also educate patients about preventive measures, empowering them to take charge of their health and lead healthier lives.

Can Teachers’ Guidance Replace Medical Treatment?

No, both professions are distinct and irreplaceable. Teachers provide knowledge and support, while doctors offer medical expertise.

Do Doctors Need Teaching Skills?

Yes, effective communication is essential for doctors to educate patients about their health conditions and treatment options.

Can Education Improve Public Health ?

Absolutely. Education plays a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and healthcare awareness.

Conclusion:

The debate on whether teachers are better than doctors is an intricate and subjective discussion. Teachers and doctors are both invaluable pillars of society, contributing uniquely to the growth, well-being, and progress of individuals and communities. Instead of pitting them against each other, let’s appreciate their distinct contributions and recognize the power they hold in transforming lives.

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Why teachers have a tougher job than doctors

by Libby Nelson

It’s no secret that Japanese kids perform much better on international math tests than Americans do. Japan is ranked second in the world, while the US is far below average.

But there’s a surprising twist. Japanese teachers’ methods for teaching math were developed in the United States, yet never caught on here. Why not? Perhaps because many Americans assume good teachers are born, not trained; that teaching well requires innate talent, or recruiting the best and brightest to begin with.

Elizabeth Green, who founded the education news site Chalkbeat.org and serves as its editor and CEO, spent five years researching those assumptions. She visited the classrooms of talented teachers and charter schools renowned for high test scores, and traveled to Japan to watch math teaching methods in action. Her book, Building a Better Teacher , argues that teaching is perhaps the most complex profession there is, but that training, not talent, can create exceptional educators. What follows is a transcript of our conversation, lightly edited for clarity and length.

Libby Nelson: What's the most important thing about teaching you learned while writing this book?

Elizabeth Green: Teaching is not something that even the most brilliant and gifted among us is born knowing how to do. I think I would have said of course, it’s hard work, it’s important, it’s a skill. Even early elementary school teachers are doing so much more than sitting on carpets and wiping noses. They are really thinking about ideas — numbers theory and algebra in math, and teaching a child to read is an incredibly detailed enterprise.

I didn’t really know that, really. And I think most of us don’t really get that, and I think that leads to policies that are misguided. I came away feeling like, I get it. I get why teachers feel under assault. They are really misunderstood.

LN: How would you describe the thought process of a really good teacher at work?

the only comparison that really could apply is an emergency room doctor in a natural disaster

EG: One of the characters in my book compares the work of teaching to the practice of medicine. He at first was really interested in studying the mind and how people think, so he assumed that the most ideal subjects for that research would be doctors, because they must think the most on the job. Only later did he end up studying teachers.

If you’re comparing teachers with doctors, the only comparison that really could apply is an emergency room doctor in a natural disaster. With doctors, you just have one person that you’re working with, and they want to be there. With teachers, they have as many as 30 or more people they’re working with at one time, and some of them do not choose to be there.

Teachers have to be mind readers at the same time as they have to be incredibly interpersonally sophisticated. They have to be masters of emotional intelligence. And at the same they’re supposed to be teaching academic content. Even the most sophisticated practitioners that we can imagine — it’s still more complicated to be a teacher, I ended up thinking.

LN: Why is there so little attention paid to the practice of classroom teaching?

EG: The fathers of educational psychology, the first education school professors, were bored by classroom practice. Edward Thorndike, who set the tone for all future education researchers, said when somebody asked him what he would do in a particular real-life situation at a school, “Do? I’d resign!” I think that’s typical of a university system that focuses on disciplinary research — it’s the history of education, the psychology of education. It’s not education itself as a thing to study. That has meant that we train future teachers in everything but how to teach, pretty much.

LN: What about after teachers are already in the classroom?

EG: We don’t give teachers the space to do anything but work, work, work. They have no space to learn. Whereas in Japan or Finland there are 600 hours per year of time spent teaching, in the US, it’s 1,000 hours or more. So teachers have no time to think, no time to learn, no time to study the kids, no time to study the curriculum. They have no way of seeing anything that’s happening outside their own classroom.

They have no time to see each other teach. Other countries show that time is some of the most valuable time. When you get to have a common classroom experience to look at, then you get things like figuring out that “13 minus 9” is the very best problem to teach subtraction with borrowing. That kind of learning doesn’t happen in the US.

LN: One fascinating thing you found is that reforms in math teaching that were proposed in the US but never really caught on have transformed teaching in Japan.

EG: The Japanese were doing all these things differently in terms of teaching. I didn’t know how Japanese teachers got to that point, so I went to Japan myself and I asked them. It was this really strange experience where they would all say, “We learned from you. We learned from the US.” I was like, “From who, what?” and they would name these seminal figures throughout US history who had influenced the Japanese system.

We take good ideas and we mandate them

The difference is they take good ideas and they know how to put them into practice. We take good ideas and we mandate them, and we pay no attention to how to put them into practice. The policies we come up with to try to put them into practice are the opposite of what actually makes sense.

LN: How do the Japanese do this differently?

EG: The Japanese are lucky in that they start from the place of believing that teaching is a craft. They already had a way for teachers to have time to learn, and they have the space to learn from each other. In their lesson study system, they not only do demonstration lessons of best practices, but they pose questions: Is 13 minus 9 really the best problem to teach subtraction with borrowing? Let’s try another problem.

They have the teaching equivalent of Iron Chef. One teacher will teach the same concept one way, and another teacher will teach it a different way. And they’ll have a discussion of what was good and what was bad, and you can see in these discussions why that system is so important. Teachers are learning about all the different things they need to know, all at once in this one experience in this really condensed way.

They’re learning about how children make sense of the problems they’re given, what children are likely to misunderstand. They also learn what techniques are useful to let children track the flow of ideas. They have an entire art of how to write on the blackboard that’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.

LN: The one place you found a similar system in the US was at charter schools.

You can't incentivize your way or fire your way to better schools

EG: They have a system of watching each other teach, sharing ideas about what they’ve seen. They have time dedicated just for learning about teaching. It’s really simple, basic things, but they make a huge difference, and they don’t exist inside the traditional US school system.

I think we take the wrong lessons from charter schools. I think a lot of policymakers have looked at the successful charter schools, and they’ve said the lesson here is they operate in a free-market system where they can fire and hire whomever they please. And students choose to go there.

When I asked the charter school leaders, they don’t credit their success with market models. In fact they talk about the limits of those models. Instead, they credit their success to the “build it, don’t buy it” approach. You can’t buy talent; you have to build it. You can’t incentivize your way or fire your way to better schools. You have to give teachers opportunities to learn.

LN: When we talk about improving teacher education, one idea that tends to come up most is that education schools need to be much more selective — that teaching needs to be like law or medicine.

We can't simply expect to get the best and brightest

EG: One place we have to start is with the reality of the scale of the teaching profession. There are 3.8 million teachers in this country, and that number actually understates the challenge because of teacher turnover. In the next several years we’re going to have to have a million new teachers.

That is unlike any other profession. It just totally pales in comparison. We can’t simply expect to get the best and brightest — it’s not a feasible idea at all. If recruiting talented, smart, more academically successful college graduates were enough, then Teach for America would not think it needs to invest so much in training . They obviously invest more in recruiting the best and brightest and even do a better job of it than some investment banks.

There is nothing wrong with elevating the status of the teaching profession. I think that’s a great idea. It’s just obviously not enough.

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Debate: Teachers are More Important Than Doctors - Examples For & Against

Example 1: Argument For supporting the motion (Teachers are more important)

Example 2: opposing the motion (doctors are more important than teachers), example 3: supporting the motion (teachers are more important in the society).

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Teachers are More Important than Doctors

Or any other profession, for that matter.

Luke Rowley

Now, I might be a little biased, being the son of an elementary school teacher.

Okay, maybe a lot biased.

And if you are a doctor, are married to a doctor, are really happy with your doctor, or disagree with me, I’m willing to listen to you in the comments below.

You are more important than my opinions , and I’d be interested to hear another side of the story here. Just please don’t bring your pitchforks.

Why do I feel like I already have to apologize for this?!

The Simple Truth of It

Teachers affect their students minds and lives forever. Doctors just prolong the inevitable.

Now, this doesn’t apply in a lot of cases , and I get that. For people with cancer, babies and children, and many others for whom life is cut far too short, doctors are very important.

But for me, if I absolutely had to choose between having lifelong access to doctors and lifelong access to teachers, I’d choose teachers.

Not the kind that just stands and lectures, no. I’m talking about teachers in all their…

Written by Luke Rowley

Goal Engineer. Get my free 5-day email course to learn my 4–4–4 goal-setting system so you can stick to your goals all year long: https://bit.ly/3f8bhyR

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Brain drain from developing countries: how can brain drain be converted into wisdom gain?

Brain drain is defined as the migration of health personnel in search of the better standard of living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide. This migration of health professionals for better opportunities, both within countries and across international borders, is of growing concern worldwide because of its impact on health systems in developing countries. Why do talented people leave their countries and go abroad? What are the consequences of such migrations especially on the educational sector? What policies can be adopted to stem such movements from developing countries to developed countries?

This article seeks to raise questions, identify key issues and provide solutions which would enable immigrant health professionals to share their knowledge, skills and innovative capacities and thereby enhancing the economic development of their countries.

INTRODUCTION

Brain drain is the migration of skilled human resources for trade, education, etc. 1 Trained health professionals are needed in every part of the world. However, better standards of living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in the developed countries attract talent from less developed areas. The majority of migration is from developing to developed countries. This is of growing concern worldwide because of its impact on the health systems in developing countries. These countries have invested in the education and training of young health professionals. This translates into a loss of considerable resources when these people migrate, with the direct benefit accruing to the recipient states who have not forked out the cost of educating them. The intellectuals of any country are some of the most expensive resources because of their training in terms of material cost and time, and most importantly, because of lost opportunity.

In 2000 almost 175 million people, or 2.9% of the world’s population, were living outside their country of birth for more than a year. Of these, about 65 million were economically active. 2 This form of migration has in the past involved many health professionals 3 : nurses and physicians have sought employment abroad for many reasons including high unemployment in their home country.

International migration first emerged as a major public health concern in the 1940s when many European professionals emigrated to the UK and USA. 4 In the 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a detailed 40-country study on the magnitude and flow of the health professionals. 5 According to this report, close to 90% of all migrating physicians, were moving to just five countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, UK and USA. 5

In 1972, about 6% of the world’s physicians (140 000) were located outside their countries of origin. Over three-quarters were found in only three countries: in order of magnitude, the USA, UK and Canada. 6 The main donor countries reflected colonial and linguistic ties, with a dominance of Asian countries: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. By linking the number of physicians per 10 000 population to gross domestic product (GDP) per capita , the countries that produced more physicians than they had the capacity to absorb were identified 7 as Egypt, India, Pakistan, Philippines and South Korea. However, the lack of reliable data and the difficulties of defining whether a migrant is ‘permanent’ or ‘temporary’ still exist.

One may claim that this migration from developing countries is both useful and unavoidable. There are definite advantages—enabling the migrant to spend time in other countries—but at the same time, the very low emigration rate of professionals from USA or UK may be as disturbing a sign as the high rates of immigration to these countries.

Young, well-educated, healthy individuals are most likely to migrate, especially in pursuit of higher education and economic improvement. 8 , 9 The distinction between ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors has been recognized. 10 Continuing disparities in working conditions between richer and poorer countries offer a greater ‘pull’ towards the more developed countries. The role of governments and recruitment agencies in systematically encouraging the migration of health professionals increases the pull. 10 Migrant health professionals are faced with a combination of economic, social and psychological factors, and family choices 11 , and reflect the ‘push–pull’ nature of the choices underpinning these ‘journeys of hope’. De-motivating working conditions, coupled with low salaries, are set against the likelihood of prosperity for themselves and their families, work in well-equipped hospitals, and the opportunity for professional development. 12

In many cases, the country is not only losing its investment in the education of health professionals, but also the contribution of these workers to health care. For example, healthcare expenditure in India is 3% of GDP compared to 13% of GDP in the USA and the ratio of doctor to patients in India is 1:2083 compared to the USA where the ratio is 1:500. 13 Moreover, in many developing countries healthcare systems are suffering from years of underinvestment, which, for health professionals, has resulted in low wages, poor working conditions, a lack of leadership and very few incentives. 14

Employers in receiving countries take a different position; they have their own shortages of skilled people in specific fields and can drain a developing country of expertise by providing job opportunities. 15 Kupfer et al. provided the strategies to discourage migration to the USA, a major recipient country. 16 However, keeping the social, political and economic conditions in the developing countries in mind, can we stop the brain drain? Probably not!

Higher education is one of the principal conduits of permanent emigration. 17 The majority of doctors acquire specialized and postgraduate professional qualifications in the host country. Half of the foreign-born graduate students in France, UK and USA remain there after completing their studies. 18 Among the doctoral graduates in science and engineering in the USA in 1995, 79% of those from India and 88% from China remained in the USA. 19 The recent study on brain drain from 24 major countries published by the World Bank 20 also presented data on South Asian immigration to the USA ( Table 1 ). Migration to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries is also shown in Table 2 . Yet more data showing the momentum and demand for skilled people by high tech and research and development (R&D) industries illustrating accelerated flows of highly skilled workers to OECD countries are shown in Figure 1 .

Employment of scientists and engineers with doctoral degrees in academia in the USA, 1973–1999. (Adopted from National Science Board. Science and engineering indicators, 2002 [ www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind02/start.htm ])

Number of South Asian immigrants (age 25 and older) to the USA by level of educational attainment, 2000

Immigrants defined as foreign born population in the USA age 25 years or over. Primary education or less corresponds to 0-8 years of schooling; secondary to 9-12 years of schooling, and tertiary to more than 12 years of schooling [Source: A Study of 24 Labor-Exporting Countries . World Bank report, June 2003]

Stock of foreign students in OECD countries, 1998 (obtained from OECD 2002 [ http://www.oecd.org/home/ ]

OECD, Organization for Economic Corporation and Development

These statistics suggest that if developing countries provided world-class education and training opportunities, as well as opportunities for career advancement and employment, the migratory flow could be reduced. 21 However, in reality, this may not make much difference. On the plus side, foreign-born graduates acquire expensive skills which are not available within their countries. On the negative side, these skills and knowledge never migrate back to their own countries.

Besides the pull–push factors described earlier, some researchers from developing countries cite other reasons for not returning after training which include: lack of research funding; poor facilities; limited career structures; poor intellectual stimulation; threats of violence; and lack of good education for children in their home country. 20 Incentives for migrants to return to developing countries have been insufficient to override the limitations at home—both real and perceived—and the attraction of opportunities found abroad. Many of these countries have made significant investments in infrastructure and education but have not achieved the scientific development, technological and innovative capability either to retain or to recover the human capital that they have generated. Is there a solution to this problem? This raises the question of whether one can justify losing human capital or whether one should make the additional investment in science and technology and bring about the innovations that will stop the loss and convert it into wealth generation.

CONVERTING BRAIN DRAIN INTO WISDOM GAIN

Developing countries, especially South Asia, are now the main source of healthcare migration to developed countries. This trend has led to concerns that the outflow of healthcare professionals is adversely affecting the healthcare system in developing countries and, hence, the health of the population. As a result, decision-makers in source countries are searching for policy options to slow down and even reverse the outflow of healthcare professionals. Is it possible to do so? Maybe not, bearing in mind the current political and economic situations of the source countries and globalization. The increasing demand for health care in the higher income countries is fuelled to a large extent by demographic trends, e.g. the ageing of the baby-boom generation. 22

The opening up of international borders for goods and labour, a key strategy in the current liberal global economy, is accompanied by a linguistic shift from ‘human capital flight’ and ‘brain drain’ to ‘professional mobility’ or ‘brain circulation’. 22 Solutions should therefore be based on this wider perspective, interrelating health workforce imbalances between, but also within developing and developed countries.

At current levels, wage differentials between source and destination country are so large that small increases in healthcare wages in source countries are unlikely to affect significantly the supply of healthcare migrants. According to the results of a study in Pakistan, a small proportion of people funded for a doctorate face on return major nonfinancial disincentives for good performance. 23 Thus the financial component of such flows is only part of the picture and in some cases not the major push or pull factor. Moreover, there is a need to review the social, political, and economic reasons behind the exodus, and to provide security and opportunities for further development locally. Lowering of standards should not be accepted; instead local conditions should be reviewed and rectified.

CONTRIBUTIONS BY SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

It is time to understand and accept that health professionals’ mobility is part of life in the 21st century. Countries need to recognize that they compete with the best institutions in the world for quality manpower. It is time to bury the archaic concept of brain drain and turn to assessing the performance of health professionals and systems, wherever they are in the world. The turn of the 21st century has not only brought technology, but also modes by which scientists around the world can be connected in no time. In this globalized world the physical location of a person may or may not have any relation to the ability to make an impact on human health. Health professionals in the developed world may have most of their work portfolios in the developing world. Easy communication, quick travel, and greater collaborations between developed and developing countries are increasingly more common and we need to develop ways in which foreign professionals can contribute to their countries of origin.

Remittances from expatriates living abroad constitute a significant proportion of foreign revenue for many developing countries. 24 In Bangladesh for example US$ 2 billion is received from citizens who have emigrated overseas, and these remittances are the second largest source of foreign revenue. 25 The transfer and management of remittance revenues are potentially exploitable factors in plumbing the brain drain. Formalizing the transfer of remittances might permit the generation of revenues that could be invested nationally in the social and economic development of the developing home country. However, the magnitude and economic importance of remittances, economic development and growth, and ultimately social equity, depend on the endogenous capacity of each nation’s human resources. If only a small percentage of the multimillion dollar sums sent home by emigrants could be invested in research and development, might not opportunities for highly skilled and educated nationals improve at home? And would this not in turn spur economic development? Maybe to some extent—but without resources and skills, this may not have a huge impact on health and disease prevention.

It has been estimated that foreign scientists from developing countries who are involved in research and development produce 4.5 more publications and 10 times more patents than their counterparts at home. 26 Why is there such a vast difference in productive capacity? The context and conditions in which science and technology are able to prosper require political decisions, funding, infrastructure, technical support, and a scientific community; these are generally unavailable in developing countries. The value and effectiveness of individuals depends on their connection to the people, institutions and organizations that enable knowledge creation, and together constitute a propitious environment. These expatriate scientists and healthcare professionals can contribute their knowledge, clinical and research skills to their native countries by developing collaborative training programmes, research projects and teaching their own countrymen. This requires the commitment of foreign scientists and receptiveness at the other end. Scientists, political leaders and decision-makers in developing and developed countries, and international development agencies, need to appreciate the social and synergistic nature of knowledge sharing so that policies and education systems are designed to promote and enable research and development.

Healthcare services are a rapidly growing sector of the world economy and trade in health services has created diverse means of accessing these services across borders. For example, information technology can provide telemedicine services and telepreventive services. These information technologies can be used as a mode of sharing knowledge and research skills in a cost-effective manner.

One such large network is already in place called supercourse [ www.pitt.edu/∼super1 ] 27 which has connected more than 20 000 scientists, healthcare professionals and researchers together through IT connectivity, and they share their knowledge in the form of teaching lectures (currently there are more than 2000 lectures) for free to a global audience. A similar kind of connectivity needs to be developed by expatriate citizens who can contribute their knowledge and skills to their countries of origin without any major costs. Policies are needed to ensure that these favourable outcomes are realized as an equitable access to the benefits of the international trade in health services.

The availability of both high-quality education and opportunities in research are the keys to retaining and attracting regional talent. The steps taken by China towards becoming a leader in biological research and biotechnology illustrate the empowerment. The scientific leadership positioned China to become the only developing country participating in the Human Genome Project. 28 Experience gained through the participation of its institutions in the Human Genome Project (including large-scale sequencing, the use of bioinformatics and the coordination of multi-centre research protocols) provided the platform for developing biotechnology that can be applied to human diseases and agriculture. The opportunities generated by the Chinese in biotechnology attract both international collaboration in joint ventures and gifted scientists from China and abroad.

A similar example can be replicated in other developing countries with the help of their foreign expatriate citizens who have developed skills in research that are needed in their native countries. This approach to creating targeted educational opportunity together with political decision and investment in science and technology infrastructure provides a good example of a resourceful way of redirecting the brain drain. It is tempting to think that such on-site programmes involving national talent at home and abroad coupled with creative distance learning strategies could create networks of expatriates thus enabling their countries of origin to gain access to a world-class education in specific disciplines in the developing world.

Scientists who have emigrated for several reasons are recoverable assets who can play a part in developing opportunities at home. However, recovery requires the opening of diverse and creative conduits. The health services in the developing world must be supported to maintain their skilled personnel. Only when health staff, whatever their cadre, have the tools they require to do their job, training opportunities, a network of supportive colleagues, and recognition for the difficult job they do, are they likely to feel motivated to stay put when opportunity beckons from elsewhere. Foreign professionals could be used to develop innovative graduate education opportunities at home and technology to be transfered to areas of national priorities for research and development. Ultimately, involving individuals who are living abroad in creating opportunities at home favours both the retention and repatriation of national talent. Building an enlightened leadership and an enabling national scientific community, with the help of expatriate citizens, for the coherent development of scientific and technological capacity in developing countries will be mutually beneficial.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all Aga Khan University alumni at AKU Karachi, Pakistan and AKU USA for their valuable help.

What Does the Research Say About Testing?

There’s too much testing in schools, most teachers agree, but well-designed classroom tests and quizzes can improve student recall and retention.

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For many teachers, the image of students sitting in silence filling out bubbles, computing mathematical equations, or writing timed essays causes an intensely negative reaction.

Since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2002 and its 2015 update, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), every third through eighth grader in U.S. public schools now takes tests calibrated to state standards, with the aggregate results made public. In a study of the nation’s largest urban school districts , students took an average of 112 standardized tests between pre-K and grade 12.

This annual testing ritual can take time from genuine learning, say many educators , and puts pressure on the least advantaged districts to focus on test prep—not to mention adding airless, stultifying hours of proctoring to teachers’ lives. “Tests don’t explicitly teach anything. Teachers do,” writes Jose Vilson , a middle school math teacher in New York City. Instead of standardized tests, students “should have tests created by teachers with the goal of learning more about the students’ abilities and interests,” echoes Meena Negandhi, math coordinator at the French American Academy in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The pushback on high-stakes testing has also accelerated a national conversation about how students truly learn and retain information. Over the past decade and a half, educators have been moving away from traditional testing —particularly multiple choice tests—and turning to hands-on projects and competency-based assessments that focus on goals such as critical thinking and mastery rather than rote memorization.

But educators shouldn’t give up on traditional classroom tests so quickly. Research has found that tests can be valuable tools to help students learn , if designed and administered with format, timing, and content in mind—and a clear purpose to improve student learning.

Not All Tests Are Bad

One of the most useful kinds of tests are the least time-consuming: quick, easy practice quizzes on recently taught content. Tests can be especially beneficial if they are given frequently and provide near-immediate feedback to help students improve. This retrieval practice can be as simple as asking students to write down two to four facts from the prior day or giving them a brief quiz on a previous class lesson.

Retrieval practice works because it helps students retain information in a better way than simply studying material, according to research . While reviewing concepts can help students become more familiar with a topic, information is quickly forgotten without more active learning strategies like frequent practice quizzes.

But to reduce anxiety and stereotype threat—the fear of conforming to a negative stereotype about a group that one belongs to—retrieval-type practice tests also need to be low-stakes (with minor to no grades) and administered up to three times before a final summative effort to be most effective.

Timing also matters. Students are able to do fine on high-stakes assessment tests if they take them shortly after they study. But a week or more after studying, students retain much less information and will do much worse on major assessments—especially if they’ve had no practice tests in between.

A 2006 study found that students who had brief retrieval tests before a high-stakes test remembered 60 percent of material, while those who only studied remembered 40 percent. Additionally, in a 2009 study , eighth graders who took a practice test halfway through the year remembered 10 percent more facts on a U.S. history final at the end of the year than peers who studied but took no practice test.

Short, low-stakes tests also help teachers gauge how well students understand the material and what they need to reteach. This is effective when tests are formative —that is, designed for immediate feedback so that students and teachers can see students’ areas of strength and weakness and address areas for growth. Summative tests, such as a final exam that measures how much was learned but offers no opportunities for a student to improve, have been found to be less effective.

Testing Format Matters

Teachers should tread carefully with test design, however, as not all tests help students retain information. Though multiple choice tests are relatively easy to create, they can contain misleading answer choices—that are either ambiguous or vague—or offer the infamous all-, some-, or none-of-the-above choices, which tend to encourage guessing.

While educators often rely on open-ended questions, such short-answer questions, because they seem to offer a genuine window into student thinking, research shows that there is no difference between multiple choice and constructed response questions in terms of demonstrating what students have learned.

In the end, well-constructed multiple choice tests , with clear questions and plausible answers (and no all- or none-of-the-above choices), can be a useful way to assess students’ understanding of material, particularly if the answers are quickly reviewed by the teacher.

All students do not do equally well on multiple choice tests, however. Girls tend to do less well than boys and perform better on questions with open-ended answers , according to a 2018 study by Stanford University’s Sean Reardon, which found that test format alone accounts for 25 percent of the gender difference in performance in both reading and math. Researchers hypothesize that one explanation for the gender difference on high-stakes tests is risk aversion, meaning girls tend to guess less .

Giving more time for fewer, more complex or richer testing questions can also increase performance, in part because it reduces anxiety. Research shows that simply introducing a time limit on a test can cause students to experience stress, so instead of emphasizing speed, teachers should encourage students to think deeply about the problems they’re solving.

Setting the Right Testing Conditions

Test achievement often reflects outside conditions, and how students do on tests can be shifted substantially by comments they hear and what they receive as feedback from teachers.

When teachers tell disadvantaged high school students that an upcoming assessment may be a challenge and that challenge helps the brain grow, students persist more, leading to higher grades, according to 2015 research from Stanford professor David Paunesku. Conversely, simply saying that some students are good at a task without including a growth-mindset message or the explanation that it’s because they are smart harms children’s performance —even when the task is as simple as drawing shapes.

Also harmful to student motivation are data walls displaying student scores or assessments. While data walls might be useful for educators, a 2014 study found that displaying them in classrooms led students to compare status rather than improve work.

The most positive impact on testing comes from peer or instructor comments that give the student the ability to revise or correct. For example, questions like , “Can you tell me more about what you mean?” or “Can you find evidence for that?” can encourage students to improve  engagement with their work. Perhaps not surprisingly, students do well when given multiple chances to learn and improve—and when they’re encouraged to believe that they can.

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10 reasons why doctors are more important than teachers

Are doctors more important than teachers? Both doctors and teachers are crucial professions. Keep on reading to know why doctors are better than teachers.

Who is a doctor? A doctor is a person who uses medicine to treat illness and injuries to improve a patient’s health. In most countries, basic medical degree qualifies a person to treat patients and prescribe appropriate treatment, including drugs.

A doctor is one of the most important professions. After all, these specialists have the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat, and control the spread of various diseases. Doctors save our lives.

The importance of a teacher is also indisputable. However, many may argue that the doctor profession is more important.

Reasons why doctors are better than teachers

When such a question comes up, the answers vary, as doctors are known to be very important in the community. One of the most prominent and well-known occupations on the globe is that of a doctor. They can work in any country in the world and earn a good living. Below are reasons why doctors are more important than teachers.

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Doctors risk their lives to save patients.

2. Coping with stress

Doctors undergo so much stress everyday. Surgeons, obstetricians, traumatologists and psychiatrists are always connected with human pain, both physical and mental. The ability to find a way out in the most challenging situations, eliminate the essence of the problem without delay, and find the right words of consolation is an integral part of medical practice that only a few people can cope with.

3. A sense of importance in society

Doctors are people whom you trust in the most difficult moments of your life. These specialists save people and give hope to their relatives.

4. Demand for services

Doctors are always in demand .

5. Leadership

Doctors are good leaders by virtue of their rigorous, detailed and lengthy training, and this has been shown in the way they have drawn up policies/roadmaps in navigating through the most challenging health issues the world has faced.

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6. Career growth

Presently, doctors have plenty of top career opportunities in Nigeria. Therefore, high wages are the perfect incentive to choose a doctor profession.

7. Reliability

They are very reliable, very private and confidential with their patients. The doctor-patient relationship is a secret, almost sacred bond. This doesn’t exist in education .

8. Importance to an ageing population

In an ageing population, the demand for medical care is unlimited.

9. Listening skills

Doctors are good listeners, painstakingly listening to clients and sick patients who are too weak to speak fluently and coherently.

10. Philanthropy

Doctors are philanthropists who sometimes cater to the needs of patients without the means to procure drugs and pay for hospital bills.

Why teachers are better than doctors

Like doctors, teachers are some of the most dedicated, highly educated and proficient people in the community. They are sometimes referred to as "second parents" and "miracle workers" since they have the ability to improve the lives of a variety of people in the community.

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For you to have a career in life, you will have to pass through the hands of a teacher. They are very important in our lives as they take us from one step to another in our career journey. So, why are they so important?

• They teach everyone in the society from nursery school pupils, secondary school students, university undergraduates, and even postgraduate students are taught by teachers.
• Teachers are positive role models for the pupils they teach. Their pupils look up to them in many ways, and they learn a lot from them since they spend more time with them than with their parents. There is usually a strong bond between the pupils and their teachers.
• The world relies largely on teachers to ensure that society's knowledge base is enhanced, maintained, and grown.

As a result of the above reasons, teachers are just as important as doctors. Despite the fact that most teachers earn less than doctors, it is vital to assess that the knowledge they offer is used to make a greater difference in the lives of many people.

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Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions.

Is being a doctor a good career?

Yes, it is one of the most rewarding occupations one can pursue. It is the world's most prestigious career. Medical professionals get to see humanity at its best and worst.

Is it hard to be a doctor?

Being a doctor requires years of hard work and dedication. If you are committed and interested in the profession, it is definitely worth the effort.

What is the easiest doctor to become?

Less competitive and easiest specialities include:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Paediatrics
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

What is the most difficult doctor to become?

Some of the most competitive and difficult specialities in the medical field are:

• Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery
• Dermatology
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Radiation Oncology

Why are doctors paid more than teachers?

This is because, in their efforts to save human lives, most doctors are exposed to more severe infections.

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Now you know why doctors are better than teachers. However, without teachers, doctors would not have acquired the knowledge that made them doctors in the first place.

READ ALSO: Best courses to study in the world

Legit.ng recently looked at the most marketable courses one can study today. A person’s course choice at university plays a big role in their career prospects. While one might opt to follow their passion and disregard the marketability of a given course, the chances of succeeding with a course having low demand are quite slim.

Courses related to information technology, medical sciences, biological sciences, entrepreneurship, and mathematics are among the most marketable ones in the modern day.

Source: Legit.ng

Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: [email protected]

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: [email protected]

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11 Reasons Doctors Are Better Than Teachers

While teachers play an important role in shaping young minds, let’s face it, doctors are far superior. Doctors literally hold our lives in their hands each and every day. Their years of intensive study and training are vastly more rigorous than what any teacher endures. And their paychecks certainly reflect that!

When was the last time your history teacher had to make a split-second decision that determined whether you’d live or die? Doctors are constantly faced with life-and-death situations where there is no margin for error. So, while we appreciate teachers and the work they do, there’s really no comparison. Doctors rule, and here are 11 reasons why doctors are better than teachers.

Doctor Job Description

A doctor treats patients and helps keep them healthy. Doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries, administer tests to determine the cause, and prescribe medicine or therapy. Some even perform surgeries . To become a doctor, you need many years of intensive education and training.

When it comes to the number of specialities, doctors have several.

Here are 16 recognized specialities in medicine:

• Anesthesiology – Administration of anaesthesia during surgery or procedures
• Cardiology – Heart and blood vessel disorders
• Dermatology – Skin conditions and diseases
• Emergency Medicine – Immediate diagnosis and treatment of injuries or illnesses
• Endocrinology – Hormonal and metabolic disorders
• Gastroenterology – Digestive system disorders
• Hematology – Blood disorders
• Infectious Disease – Infections and infectious processes
• Nephrology – Kidney diseases
• Neurology – Nervous system disorders
• Obstetrics and Gynecology – Pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health
• Oncology – Cancer and tumors
• Ophthalmology – Eye disorders and diseases
• Orthopedics – Musculoskeletal system disorders
• Paediatrics – Healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents
• Pulmonology – Lung and respiratory disorders

Doctors have specialized knowledge in all areas of medicine to properly diagnose and treat health conditions. Teachers may know their subject well, but a doctor’s expertise can truly change lives.

Teacher Job Description

A teacher is someone who helps students acquire knowledge, competence or virtue. Teachers educate and instruct students, usually in a school or university setting. Their role is to help students gain knowledge and skills that will be useful for their personal and career development. Teachers design lesson plans and assignments, grade students’ work and provide guidance and support. They are responsible for creating a positive learning environment where students can thrive.

In short, teachers play an instrumental role in shaping the lives of students and society. They impart knowledge and skills that allow students to reach their full potential.

Similarities Between Doctors And Teachers

Both doctors and teachers play an important role in society. Here are 7 main similarities between them:

Responsibilities

Doctors and teachers are responsible for people’s well-being and development. Doctors ensure patients’ health while teachers nurture students’ growth.

Doctors and teachers are required to have expert knowledge in their fields to properly educate and treat people. They continually expand their knowledge through research and practice.

Problem-Solving Skills

Doctors and teachers need strong problem-solving skills to determine the best diagnosis and solutions for their patients and students. They have to analyze issues carefully and think on their feet.

Communication Skills

Doctors and teachers must have excellent communication skills to connect with and explain things to people from all walks of life. They have to convey complex ideas in a clear, compassionate way.

Lifelong Learners

Doctors and teachers are lifelong learners, keeping their skills and knowledge up-to-date through constant reading, conferences, and peer collaboration. They have to stay on the cutting edge of progress.

Doctors and teachers need patience to deal with difficult patients, students and situations. They have to remain calm and composed to provide the best care and guidance.

Making a Difference

Doctors and teachers have the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. They can have a profound impact on health, growth, and development.

Difference Between a Doctor And a Teacher

As a doctor, you get to save lives and directly impact patients’ health and well-being. Teachers shape minds and inspire students, but doctors have a much more immediate effect. Doctors go through intensive training and education to gain the knowledge and skills to properly diagnose and treat health conditions. Teachers require training and degrees as well, but not nearly as extensive as what doctors must complete.

Doctors have a more direct impact on our lives than teachers. They diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications to improve our health and well-being. While teachers educate and inspire young minds, doctors save lives in a very real sense.

Higher Salaries for Doctors Compared to Teachers

Doctors typically earn significantly higher salaries than teachers. According to the Salary Explorer, the median salary for doctors in Nigeria is 292,000 NGN. In contrast, the median salary for teachers in Nigeria is ₦70,000. The higher pay for doctors reflects the many years of intensive education and training required to become a physician. The higher salaries and compensation for doctors reflect the high level of responsibility in diagnosing and treating patients.

More Prestige and Respect for Doctors

Doctors earn far more prestige and respect in society compared to teachers. Their expertise and skills are highly valued, as they have the ability to save lives by diagnosing and treating illnesses. Teachers, while crucial to nurturing young minds, do not receive nearly as much admiration or compensation.

The medical profession is one of the most prestigious and well-paid careers . Doctors spend many years in intensive training and education to become licensed physicians.

In emergencies, doctors are looked to as heroes who can provide life-saving treatment. Their role is viewed as far more vital and urgent than that of an educator. While teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations, it does not command the same level of prestige as the medical field.

Doctors Have More Authority and Influence

Doctors inherently have more authority and influence than teachers. As highly trained medical professionals, doctors are seen as experts in their field. Their recommendations carry a lot of weight and are typically followed without question.

When a doctor tells a patient they need surgery or a particular treatment, the patient usually agrees. Doctors’ advice is rarely second-guessed or disputed. Teachers, on the other hand, often have to persuade students and parents to follow their guidance. Their expertise and authority are not as easily accepted.

Doctors also have the power to directly impact people’s lives in a way that teachers do not. The decisions doctors make can have life-or-death consequences, so their authority is understandably substantial. Although teachers shape minds, doctors heal bodies. There is no comparison between the two when it comes to influence and authority.

Stricter Educational Requirements for Doctors vs Teachers

Doctors go through many more years of intensive education and training than teachers.

Doctors typically have 6 to 7 years of higher education and on-the-job training. Teachers, on the other hand, usually only need a 4-year bachelor’s degree or 2-3 years of NCE.

The educational bar is set much higher for doctors. They have to study complex topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and medical procedures. Doctors’ specialized knowledge and skills, which take so many years to develop, are better suited to treat health issues. Teachers focus on a specific subject area or grade level, imparting knowledge and skills that typically take less time to acquire.

In summary, doctors undergo far more intensive training and have greater expertise, which enables them to perform life-saving medical procedures and treatments. That level of knowledge and skill outweighs what most teachers need to be effective in their jobs.

Doctors Have More Flexible Schedules

As a doctor, you have much more control over your schedule compared to a teacher. Doctors can often set their own hours and workdays, allowing for better work-life balance. They have the flexibility to take time off when needed for vacations, personal days or emergencies. Teachers, on the other hand, typically have less flexibility and control over their schedules. They have to work around strict school schedules, calendars and timetables. Holiday breaks are the only long periods of time off, and personal days usually have to be requested in advance. Overall, doctors usually have significantly more flexibility and autonomy in their schedules than teachers.

Doctors Get Better Benefits and Perks

As a doctor, you get access to top-notch health insurance and retirement benefits. Doctors typically receive health insurance that covers them and their families, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance. They also have excellent retirement plans like pensions that provide income after retirement. Some doctors work for large hospitals or health organizations that offer additional perks like on-site gyms, daycare, and meal options. Compared to most teachers, doctors generally get far better benefits and compensation. Their specialized knowledge and skills are highly valued.

Doctors Have More Career Advancement Opportunities

Doctors typically have many more opportunities for career growth and advancement compared to most teachers.

Doctors can specialize in certain medical fields, open their own private practice, take on leadership roles at hospitals, teach at medical schools, conduct innovative research, and pursue many other career paths. The options for career progression as a doctor are vast. Teachers, on the other hand, usually advance by changing schools, taking on more administrative work in addition to teaching, or leaving the classroom altogether for other roles in education. The career ladder for teachers tends to be more limited.

Doctors Have High-level Responsibilities

Doctors have a much higher level of responsibility and accountability in their profession.

Doctors frequently have to make quick judgments that can determine whether a patient lives or dies. The enormity of such responsibility and the consequences of their decisions are unmatched in most professions. Teachers, on the other hand, do not typically deal with life-or-death situations on a regular basis.

Doctors are Global Service Providers

Doctors are global service providers in the sense that their services can be availed anywhere across the world.

No matter which part of the world you are in, doctors are present to help during medical emergencies and health issues. They have a moral responsibility to provide healthcare to people regardless of their nationality, religion or financial status. Their services know no boundaries. Whether there is an outbreak of a disease or a natural calamity in any part of the world, doctors travel across borders to provide relief and humanitarian aid. They are the unsung heroes who often put their own lives at risk to save others and make the world a healthier place.

Doctors Save Lives

Doctors save lives literally. Physicians are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in a way that helps their patients recover and survive. Teachers, while admirable in educating and shaping young minds, do not have the same life-saving skills and responsibilities that doctors do.

When a patient comes into the emergency room with a heart attack, a teacher would not be able to provide the urgent medical care needed to stabilize them. Doctors have spent years studying human anatomy, diseases, and treatments that allow them to make quick, informed decisions in life-threatening situations. Their extensive medical knowledge and experience are invaluable in an emergency. While education is essential, health and safety must come first. For that reason, doctors deserve special recognition for the critical role they play in saving and improving people’s lives.

Doctors are Constantly Carrying Out Research on How to Improve People’s Health

Doctors are constantly researching new treatments, medicines, and technologies to improve health and save lives. They read medical journals, attend conferences, and work with pharmaceutical companies to stay on the cutting edge of lifesaving discoveries. While teachers impart knowledge already known, doctors push the boundaries of human understanding to develop new remedies and find cures for diseases that plague humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some lingering questions about doctors vs teachers? Here are some common FAQs:

Do doctors make more money than teachers?

Generally, yes. On average, doctors earn significantly higher salaries than teachers.

Do teachers work fewer hours than doctors?

Not necessarily. While teachers typically work during school hours, many spend additional time grading assignments, preparing lessons, and coordinating extracurriculars. Doctors often work long, irregular hours in hospitals or private practices.

Is becoming a doctor more difficult than becoming a teacher?

Completing the necessary education and training to become a doctor is typically more intensive, time-consuming, and competitive than becoming a teacher. However, both careers require specific degrees, certifications, and a genuine desire to help others.

Are teachers happier than doctors?

There is no definitive answer. Job satisfaction depends on the individual and work environment. Both doctors and teachers report high levels of personal fulfilment in helping people despite demanding jobs.

Should I become a doctor or a teacher?

The career path you choose depends on your interests, skills, work-life balance needs, and financial goals. Do some self-reflection to determine which profession aligns best with your priorities.

So there you have it, 11 solid reasons why doctors are better than teachers. At the end of the day, while teachers nurture our minds, doctors save our lives. They dedicate years of intensive study and training to gain the knowledge and skills required to heal our bodies and cure our illnesses. Teachers may shape our future, but doctors ensure we have a future. Of course, both professions are noble and essential, but if it came down to choosing just one, you’d pick the doctor over the teacher every time. Your health is your wealth, as they say, so make sure to show your doctor some love the next time you see them. They deserve it.

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Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning

Jonathan Lambert

If you're like many digitally savvy Americans, it has likely been a while since you've spent much time writing by hand.

The laborious process of tracing out our thoughts, letter by letter, on the page is becoming a relic of the past in our screen-dominated world, where text messages and thumb-typed grocery lists have replaced handwritten letters and sticky notes. Electronic keyboards offer obvious efficiency benefits that have undoubtedly boosted our productivity — imagine having to write all your emails longhand.

To keep up, many schools are introducing computers as early as preschool, meaning some kids may learn the basics of typing before writing by hand.

But giving up this slower, more tactile way of expressing ourselves may come at a significant cost, according to a growing body of research that's uncovering the surprising cognitive benefits of taking pen to paper, or even stylus to iPad — for both children and adults.

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In kids, studies show that tracing out ABCs, as opposed to typing them, leads to better and longer-lasting recognition and understanding of letters. Writing by hand also improves memory and recall of words, laying down the foundations of literacy and learning. In adults, taking notes by hand during a lecture, instead of typing, can lead to better conceptual understanding of material.

"There's actually some very important things going on during the embodied experience of writing by hand," says Ramesh Balasubramaniam , a neuroscientist at the University of California, Merced. "It has important cognitive benefits."

While those benefits have long been recognized by some (for instance, many authors, including Jennifer Egan and Neil Gaiman , draft their stories by hand to stoke creativity), scientists have only recently started investigating why writing by hand has these effects.

A slew of recent brain imaging research suggests handwriting's power stems from the relative complexity of the process and how it forces different brain systems to work together to reproduce the shapes of letters in our heads onto the page.

Your brain on handwriting

Both handwriting and typing involve moving our hands and fingers to create words on a page. But handwriting, it turns out, requires a lot more fine-tuned coordination between the motor and visual systems. This seems to more deeply engage the brain in ways that support learning.

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"Handwriting is probably among the most complex motor skills that the brain is capable of," says Marieke Longcamp , a cognitive neuroscientist at Aix-Marseille Université.

Gripping a pen nimbly enough to write is a complicated task, as it requires your brain to continuously monitor the pressure that each finger exerts on the pen. Then, your motor system has to delicately modify that pressure to re-create each letter of the words in your head on the page.

"Your fingers have to each do something different to produce a recognizable letter," says Sophia Vinci-Booher , an educational neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University. Adding to the complexity, your visual system must continuously process that letter as it's formed. With each stroke, your brain compares the unfolding script with mental models of the letters and words, making adjustments to fingers in real time to create the letters' shapes, says Vinci-Booher.

That's not true for typing.

To type "tap" your fingers don't have to trace out the form of the letters — they just make three relatively simple and uniform movements. In comparison, it takes a lot more brainpower, as well as cross-talk between brain areas, to write than type.

Recent brain imaging studies bolster this idea. A study published in January found that when students write by hand, brain areas involved in motor and visual information processing " sync up " with areas crucial to memory formation, firing at frequencies associated with learning.

"We don't see that [synchronized activity] in typewriting at all," says Audrey van der Meer , a psychologist and study co-author at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She suggests that writing by hand is a neurobiologically richer process and that this richness may confer some cognitive benefits.

Other experts agree. "There seems to be something fundamental about engaging your body to produce these shapes," says Robert Wiley , a cognitive psychologist at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. "It lets you make associations between your body and what you're seeing and hearing," he says, which might give the mind more footholds for accessing a given concept or idea.

Those extra footholds are especially important for learning in kids, but they may give adults a leg up too. Wiley and others worry that ditching handwriting for typing could have serious consequences for how we all learn and think.

What might be lost as handwriting wanes

The clearest consequence of screens and keyboards replacing pen and paper might be on kids' ability to learn the building blocks of literacy — letters.

"Letter recognition in early childhood is actually one of the best predictors of later reading and math attainment," says Vinci-Booher. Her work suggests the process of learning to write letters by hand is crucial for learning to read them.

"When kids write letters, they're just messy," she says. As kids practice writing "A," each iteration is different, and that variability helps solidify their conceptual understanding of the letter.

Research suggests kids learn to recognize letters better when seeing variable handwritten examples, compared with uniform typed examples.

This helps develop areas of the brain used during reading in older children and adults, Vinci-Booher found.

"This could be one of the ways that early experiences actually translate to long-term life outcomes," she says. "These visually demanding, fine motor actions bake in neural communication patterns that are really important for learning later on."

Ditching handwriting instruction could mean that those skills don't get developed as well, which could impair kids' ability to learn down the road.

"If young children are not receiving any handwriting training, which is very good brain stimulation, then their brains simply won't reach their full potential," says van der Meer. "It's scary to think of the potential consequences."

Many states are trying to avoid these risks by mandating cursive instruction. This year, California started requiring elementary school students to learn cursive , and similar bills are moving through state legislatures in several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Wisconsin. (So far, evidence suggests that it's the writing by hand that matters, not whether it's print or cursive.)

Slowing down and processing information

For adults, one of the main benefits of writing by hand is that it simply forces us to slow down.

During a meeting or lecture, it's possible to type what you're hearing verbatim. But often, "you're not actually processing that information — you're just typing in the blind," says van der Meer. "If you take notes by hand, you can't write everything down," she says.

The relative slowness of the medium forces you to process the information, writing key words or phrases and using drawing or arrows to work through ideas, she says. "You make the information your own," she says, which helps it stick in the brain.

Such connections and integration are still possible when typing, but they need to be made more intentionally. And sometimes, efficiency wins out. "When you're writing a long essay, it's obviously much more practical to use a keyboard," says van der Meer.

Still, given our long history of using our hands to mark meaning in the world, some scientists worry about the more diffuse consequences of offloading our thinking to computers.

"We're foisting a lot of our knowledge, extending our cognition, to other devices, so it's only natural that we've started using these other agents to do our writing for us," says Balasubramaniam.

It's possible that this might free up our minds to do other kinds of hard thinking, he says. Or we might be sacrificing a fundamental process that's crucial for the kinds of immersive cognitive experiences that enable us to learn and think at our full potential.

Balasubramaniam stresses, however, that we don't have to ditch digital tools to harness the power of handwriting. So far, research suggests that scribbling with a stylus on a screen activates the same brain pathways as etching ink on paper. It's the movement that counts, he says, not its final form.

Jonathan Lambert is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance journalist who covers science, health and policy.

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