There are many
characteristics, techniques, etc. that make for a successful teacher. These may
be
as varied as the teachers themselves. However,
there are certain time-tested attributes,
characteristics, and
practices which contribute immensely to teacher success.
The following list contains items that
students have used to describe their best teachers.
1. Enthusiasm
1. Enthusiasm
§
Students can feel the
excitement
§
Students easily detect
the teacher's love for job and subject
2. Preparation
§
Teacher knows the
subject
§
Teacher plans and
prepares lessons daily
3. Punctuality
§
Always arrives on time
§
Begins and ends class
on time
§
Expects and encourages
students to arrive on time
4. Support and concern
for students
§
Lets students know
that he/she cares about their success
§
Takes time with
students
§
Allows for creativity
§
Is friendly and
courteous
§
Is supportive and
encouraging
§
Is smiling, caring,
and loving
5. Consistency
§
Does not miss class
§
Is consistent in
attitude and dealings with students
§
Is always well
prepared to teach class
6. Politeness
§
Treats students with
respect
§
Does not condescend
§
Avoids embarrassing
students in class
7. Firmness and
control
§
Is firm in a kind
manner
§
Avoids tangents in
teaching
8. Does not play
favorites
9. Provides personal help
9. Provides personal help
§
Takes time to explain
concepts
§
Gives individual
attention
10. Accepts individual
differences
11. Employs an effective delivery
11. Employs an effective delivery
§
Clarifies for
understanding
§
Creates a sense of fun
with the learning task
§
Eliminates bad,
irritating, and/or distracting habits
12. Does not make
students lose face
§
Avoids criticizing
students
13. Has high
expectations of class members
14. Is humble
15. Is fair
16. Uses variety
14. Is humble
15. Is fair
16. Uses variety
§
Uses a variety of
learning activities
§
Experiments
§
Allows for spontaneity
17. Has a sense of
humor; is relaxed
18. Use of engaged time
18. Use of engaged time
§
Sets a good pace and
provides for a change of pace
§
Avoids engaging
students in "busy work"
19. Use of text
§
Is not a slave to the
text
§
Uses text as a road
map
20. Keeps within 1-2
days of the scheduled course outline
21. Field trips and other activities
21. Field trips and other activities
§
Applies student
experiences to class work
22. Does not always
teach from a sitting or leaning position
23. Interpersonal relationships with students
23. Interpersonal relationships with students
§
Does not allow
students to call him/her by first name
§
Does not try to win a
popularity contest
§
Maintains a healthy
teacher-student relationship
§
Respects students
(remember that sometimes what you think is healthy, fun joking with students
may be interpreted by them as disapproval and dislike.)
24. Does not allow one
or two students to monopolize or dominate the class
25. Keeps accurate records of
25. Keeps accurate records of
§
Work completed
§
Attendance
§
Test results
Grades
