The Teacher
What makes a good teacher? If you are like many people, then you likely have a list of attributes or qualifications on what makes above average teachers. Good teachers not only have to motivate children to learn but they also have to show them the best ways to learn. Teachers with good communication skills are able to teach in ways that are relevant, meaningful and memorable. It is being passionate about their work and being able to pass that passion and drive on to their students; this is what separates mediocre teachers from stellar teachers.
Some instructors realize that you need to treat the students as “consumers of knowledge,” always being at the top of your game by using resources both inside and outside your particular area of education. But, it is not just about reading journals or manuals; it is more about leaving your comfort zone and immersing yourself in the entire community.
Questioning, being responsive, listening and remembering that each class and student is different are all skills needed to a good teacher. Eliciting responses and helping to develop the quieter students’ skills are equally important. You must be able to push the students to excel while still being human, remaining professional and always respecting each student’s individuality.
Keep in mind that good teaching is not necessarily about having a set agenda or being too rigid. Instead, teachers should remain flexible, not be afraid to experiment and be able to adjust to whatever the circumstances may be; remembering that while grades are important, many learning opportunities and experiences are not graded. You should be able to deviate from your scheduled lecture or other plans easily if there is a better way for students to learn.
Effective teachers realize that you do not have to lecture at the front of the class all day, or drone on and on while the students get bleary eyed from watching slide shows. A good teacher knows that the most effective ways of engaging students, either with problem solving, computer literacy or mathematics, can come from a little imagination. Imagine the class as an orchestra where each student plays a different instrument at different levels of proficiency and you are the conductor. Most choose this career, not for the money or because they have to, but because they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
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