Every teacher wants to be a good teacher, but what is this myth about being a ‘good teacher? Who is it? What are the characteristics of a good teacher? And how can you become a good teacher?
Teaching jobs are often worthwhile and satisfying for people who love to teach. I am a teacher (tutor) too, though I do not think myself as a very good teacher, but I know one thing that majority of my students (tutees) do love me, and I guess this is the point where good things start to happen.
I was thinking about what are the characteristics of a good teacher and how can I become a good teacher or which characteristics and qualities should a good teacher possess?
I know that all teachers want their students to like them, but being liked isn’t the be-all and end-all really, is it? I mean teachers have to make some unpopular decisions sometimes.
Teachers can be popular just because they are friendly and helpful, but to be truly professional and effective they need other qualities. Students may not be able to put their finger on just why one teacher is more effective than another but we need to be able to identify the skills and behavior we require in a true professional.
I believe if a teacher possesses the following characteristics and qualities, he/she can become a professional teacher with a lot of fan base too.
1. Personality, Values and Attitude
A good teacher has a very good personality; there is no second thought about it. Students always get attracted to teachers with good personality and characteristics which leads to better communication, understanding and ultimately good results. Everyone can have a good, decent, likable and presentable personality. Just dress sensibly good, smell good, and be a little gentle and kind. That’s all. Teachers are models of values. Whether conscious of them or not, values are exhibited implicitly and explicitly. Values connote standards, code of ethics and strong belief.
The Review on The Effects of Teacher Certification on Minority Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Mathematics
Will there be a difference in student achievement when taught by uncertified teachers compared with certified teachers? Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the academic achievements of students on the mathematic state standardize test at the high school level among minority students when taught by certified teachers compared with uncertified teachers. Description of the Community ...
Open-mindedness is basic in promoting respect and trust between teachers and students. Students are encouraged to consider one another’s findings and explanations. Free exchanges of suggestions develop a respectful attitude among them.
Fairness and impartiality in treating students eliminate discrimination. Teachers must be unbiased and objective in judging their work and performance. Fairness inculcates self-confidence and trust among students.
Sincerity and honesty are values exhibited in words and actions. Teachers interact with students every minute. Their mannerisms, habits and speech are watched and at times imitated. Teachers must show their real self. Sincerity dictates that they stick to the truth, to the extent of accepting what they do not know about the lesson.
Professionalism is highly treasured in the teaching profession. Teachers are adjudged professional if they are knowledgeable, skilled and value-laden. They catch students’ attention and keep them focused on the topic, to soothe their feelings away from tension and to develop a sense of humor among themselves.
2. Confidence
A professional teacher needs to be confident without being arrogant. Nobody can expect to have all the answers, so if a student asks a real stinker, the professional teacher should be able to admit defeat but offer to find out more for the student. And they must carry that promise out.
3. Passion
Being passionate about his/her subject and work makes an ordinary teacher a professional teacher. Passion often makes the difference between teaching and equipping people for life. The love for the subject and for her work is infectious, filling the students with similar passion and enthusiasm. Passion for teaching is a compelling force that emerges from teachers’ love for children. Passionate teachers exude spontaneity in ministering to the needs of the students especially those experiencing learning difficulties. It is a passion for teaching that drives them to care for their students corrected with appropriate reformative action.
The Essay on Theories of Learning & Teacher Student Realtionship in the Classroom or Clinical Setting
Learning theorists: Koffka, Kohler, Lewin, Piaget, Ausubel,Bruner, Gagne View of the learning process: Internal mental process (including insight, information processing, memory, perception Locus of learning: Internal cognitive structuring Purpose in education: Develop capacity and skills to learn better Educator’s role: Structures content of learning activity Manifestations in adult learning: ...
4. A Good Communicator
One of the very important characteristics of a professional teacher is his communication skills. He should be a very good speaker. This characteristic will benefit a teacher in several ways. For example: i) If his communication skills are good, he can convey his lectures with better skill and results. ii) If a teacher is a good speaker, his class strength increases automatically. People love to hear a person who he can speak well enough. There is always a shortage of good speakers in the world
