The 'Turned On' Teacher and Beyond: Education as a Socio-Technical System.

As used in education, the term "turned on" teacher means a teacher who is "with it" in being emotionally, intellectually and existentially involved with: (1) the subject matter being taught; (2) the contemporary scene; and (3) what is relevant for students. Samples of administrators and teachers interviewed stressed personal characteristics and interpersonal abilities as being of primary importance for the "turned on teacher." Of striking note was the emphasis on the underlying concept of empathy as a crucial characteristic. As described by the sample, the excitement which is within and which is generated by a "turned on" teacher is not to be confused with the excitement which might be fabricated by new instructional technology. A theoretical framework for conceptualizing and interrelating "turned on" teaching and technological advances in education may be available in what is called socio-technical systems analysis. (DM)