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The word 'Teaching' is used in three different contexts. First, it is used to refer to that which is taught as a doctrine or a body of knowledge. In the expression, "the teachings of Guru Nanak" or "the teachings of Tagore", reference is made to a body of knowledge or a system of beliefs. Secondly, teaching is used to refer to an occupation or a profession. Thirdly, teaching is used to refer to methodology of making something known to others. Teaching in this third sense has been discussed here.

Teaching is a social process. The meaning of teaching is 'to teach'. Teaching is a three-dimensional process in which the teacher and the student realize their nature through the curriculum. That is, by making a subject matter a medium, we call teaching only the exchange of ideas or mutual interaction between the teacher and the learner.

1. Narrower Meaning of Teaching

The narrow meaning of teaching is related to school education. In which changes are made by the teacher to a child at a certain place in a specific environment by certain teachers in his behavior according to the curriculum. In this, some knowledge or advice is given by the teacher to the student in the class.

In ancient times, education was teacher-centred, that is, the teacher used to teach the children according to his own accord, in this the interests and aptitudes of the child were not taken into account. But in the present time education has become child-centred. That is, at present, education is given according to the interests and aptitudes of the child.

2. Wider meaning of Teaching

All that is included in the broader sense of teaching. A person who learns throughout his life. That is, the broad meaning of teaching is that in which a person learns through formal, informal and non-formal means. In this, the learner keeps on developing all his powers progressively from birth to death.

Definitions of Teaching

Some of such definitions are defined below:

1. According to Clarke, "Teaching refers to activities that are designed and performed to produce a change in pupil behaviour."

2. According to Thomas F. Green, "Teaching is the task of the teacher which is performed for the development of a child."

3. According to Morrison, "Teaching is an intimate contact between a more mature personality and a less mature one which is designed to further the education of the latter."

4. According to B. O. Smith, "Teaching is a system of actions to induce learning."

5. According to Adams, "Teaching is a bipolar process, it's one pole is the teacher and another is the pupil."

Nature of Teaching

The nature of teaching can be explained in the form of the following statements:

(1). Teaching is an inter-process:- It is conducted between the teacher and the students for a specific purpose. In this, that process of teaching goes on in the classroom in which both the teacher and the learner are involved. The interaction will not be possible if the teacher continues to give empty lectures and the learners remain passive listeners.

(2). Teaching is both an art and a science:- The nature of teaching is both artistic and scientific. Teaching planning and evaluation activities are more scientific in nature whereas the process aspect of teaching is artistic in which the teacher uses his skills. The presentational aspect of teaching is the art in which appropriate teaching skills are used by the teacher in such a way that the learners get a good understanding of the subject matter and other teaching objectives are achieved. In order that the teaching does not become monotonous, a source of entertainment is also given.

(3). Teaching is a developmental process:- Through teaching, children are developed and the desired changes in behaviour are brought from them. Cognitive, emotional and functional aspects are developed.

(4). Teaching is a continuous process:- Teaching is a continuous process which continues till the achievement of teaching-learning objectives. It has three aspects – action, learning and evaluation.

(5) Teaching is a process of guidance:– In teaching, efforts are made to develop the students according to their abilities. Thus the goal is direction.

(6). Teaching is a three-way process:- Most educationists have called teaching as a tripartite process. According to Bloom, there are three aspects of teaching– (i) learning objectives, (ii) learning experiences and (iii) behaviour change.

(7). Teaching is a purposeful process:- The activities of teaching are done to achieve some specific objectives. For them, similarly adopts the nature of the planned process.

(8). Teaching is a social and professional process:– The process of teaching is carried out in a group of teachers and students. It is absolutely necessary to have at least one teacher and one student. Teaching is a professional activity in which individuals make their means of earning their livelihood, who are called teachers.

(9). Teaching is measured:- Teaching is measured in the form of the teacher's behaviour. Measurement of teacher behaviour and analysis of behaviour pattern are also done by observation methods.

(10). Teaching is a science:- The skill side of the presentation of teaching is an art, but their actions can also be logically monitored and evaluated. This gives it a scientific basis.

(11). Teaching is a formal and informal process:- The education process is carried out in the school according to the fixed program and is also conducted outside the school.

Functions of Teaching

The following are the functions of teaching-

1. To organize and organize the class.

2. To create learning conditions.

3. Analyzing the subject matter and task.

4. Motivating students to learn

5. To provide information about the individual differences of the students.

6. To develop children from ordinary to creative beings.

7. To solve the learning problems of the students.

8. Understanding the early behaviour of the students.

9. Enhancement, Concept of Confidence and Clarification of Problems.

10. To conduct assessments to check the final behaviour of the students.

11. Preparation of course material.

12. Evaluate.

Characteristics of Teaching

1. A desire to share your love of the subject with students.

2. An ability to make the material being taught stimulating and interesting.

3. A facility for engaging with students at their level of understanding.

4. A capacity to explain the material plainly.

5. A commitment to making it absolutely clear what has to be understood at what level and why.

6. Showing concern and respect for students.

7. A commitment to encouraging independence.

8. An ability to improvise and adapt to new demands.

9. Using valid assessment methods.

10. A focus on key concepts, and students misunderstanding of them rather than covering the ground.

11. Giving the highest quality feedback on student work.

Need and Importance of Teaching

1. Teaching is a skilful process. Teaching means imparting knowledge.

2. Changes are brought about by teaching in the behaviour and attitudes of the students.

3. Education is an important tool for the success of present and future life.

4. Teaching provides the scientific basis for the preparation of instructional designs.

5. Teaching is essential for imparting knowledge to the students.

6. Teaching provides information to the students.

7. Teaching is necessary to develop various abilities and abilities in the students.

8. Teaching exposes students to life experiences.