BEST TEACHER DESCRIPTION

BEST TEACHER DESCRIPTION

by Dr. Glen W. Probst

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.

·         Enthusiasm

·         Students can feel the excitement

·         Students easily detect the teacher's love for job and subject

·         Preparation

·         Teacher knows the subject

·         Teacher plans and prepares lessons daily

·         Punctuality

·         Always arrives on time

·         Begins and ends class on time

·         Expects and encourages students to arrive on time

·         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

·         Consistency

·         Does not miss class

·         Is consistent in attitude and dealings with students

·         Is always well prepared to teach class

·         Politeness

·         Treats students with respect

·         Does not condescend

·         Avoids embarrassing students in class

·         Firmness and control

·         Is firm in a kind manner

·         Avoids tangents in teaching

·         Does not play favorites

·         Provides personal help

·         Takes time to explain concepts

·         Gives individual attention

·         Accepts individual differences

·         Employs an effective delivery

·         Clarifies for understanding

·         Creates a sense of fun with the learning task

·         Eliminates bad, irritating, and/or distracting habits

·         Does not make students lose face

·         Avoids criticizing students

·         Has high expectations of class members

·         Is humble

·         Is fair

·         Uses variety

·         Uses a variety of learning activities

·         Experiments

·         Allows for spontaneity

·         Has a sense of humor; is relaxed

·         Use of engaged time

·         Sets a good pace and provides for a change of pace

·         Avoids engaging students in "busy work"

·         Use of text

·         Is not a slave to the text

·         Uses text as a road map

·         Keeps within 1-2 days of the scheduled course outline

·         Field trips and other activities

·         Applies student experiences to classwork

·         Does not always teach from a sitting or leaning position

·         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.)

·         Does not allow one or two students to monopolize or dominate the class

·         Keeps accurate records of

·         Work completed

·         Attendance

·         Test results

·         Grades

Additional Suggestions

·         Provide for activity changes -- perhaps something not on the lesson plan; for example, scrabble, hangman, pictionary.

·         Be somewhat unpredictable -- Students will not know what comes next. Keep students in some suspense.

Variety -- In teaching, variety provides for renewed interest in the subject matter. Use variety in how you have students work together. Do not always pair the same ones together. Provide for a variety of learning activities. Some suggestions are:

·         Assignments

·         Brainstorming

·         General discussion

·         Panel discussion

·         Problem-solving discussion

·         Pair/group discussion

·         Music

·         Instructional games

·         Questioning and quizzes

·         Reports and talks

·         Role playing

·         Worksheets

·         Demonstrations

·         Dramas

·         Storytelling

·         General chalkboard use

·         Chalkboard illustrations

·         Charts and maps

·         Flashcards

·         Videos

·         Opaque projections

·         Overhead transparency projections

·         LCD projections using PowerPoint

·         Internet access

·         Pictures, posters

·         Tape recordings

·         Videotaping class presentations or activities

·         Guest appearances

·         Combined activities with another class

·         Dialog journal.

Instant Involvement -- Create a variety of instant involvement techniques that can be used to capture students attention for what will be presented.

Give eye-to-eye contact.

Change teaching styleto give variety.

Pace -- A change of pace is refreshing and helps students re-enter the learning process.

Change of setting -- At appropriate times it is stimulating and interesting to meet in a different location or setting for a specific learning task.