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ESL forum > Message board > What makes a Good Teacher?    

What makes a Good Teacher?



orchiddl
Vietnam

What makes a Good Teacher?
 
UNESCO published a book entitled What makes a Good Teacher? (1996). Over 500 children from some 50 countries aged 8-12 contributed their opinions. What follows are some of their responses.
...
You can see at:

http://www.unicef.org/teachers/teacher/teacher.htm

According to you, What makes a Good Teacher?

21 Dec 2008      





manonski (f)
Canada

Every September, the teachers in my school start the year with "What is a good teacher" and "What is a good student".  Then, the posters are put on the walls for the whole schoolyear. What is written on those posters is the basis of the class rules.

I know this activity is done at other schools.

21 Dec 2008     



mena22
Portugal

Thank you so much Orchidd! A very interesting book to read during the holidays!
 
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2U all!
 
mena
 
 

21 Dec 2008     



aftab57
United Kingdom

A good teacher is:
 

An Effective Teacher �����

�        is enthusiastic in discussing course material

�        writes legibly on the blackboard, students� papers, etc.

�        has a voice that is clear and understandable

�        encourages questions

�        listens to students

�        manages student participation equitably

�        encourages active student participation

�        raises challenging questions for discussion

�        tries to learn students� names

�        never intimidates or embarrasses students

�        helps students learn from one another

�        uses student questions as a source of discovering points of confusion

�        is readily available for consultation with students

�        treats all students with respect

�        returns assignments in a reasonable time

�        has a realistic definition of good performance

�        offers specific suggestions for improving students� work

�        gives constructive feedback

�        grades assignments fairly and consistently

�        manages class time effectively

�        stresses important points in class

�        slows down when discussing complex and difficult topics

�        is consistently well-prepared and organized for class

�        is aware of what material has been covered in previous classes

�        is well prepared to answer questions

�        is able to give alternative explanations when needed

�        uses clear and concise examples and illustrations

�        is able to clarify difficult topics

�        relates theories and concepts to practical issues

�        gives clear and specific directions for assignments

�        is thoroughly familiar with the experiments / exercises

�        is thoroughly familiar with the equipment / tools used

�        takes appropriate safety precautions

�        tries to provide adequate individual attention during lab / studio

�        carefully explains each step of new processes and techniques

�        explains the underlying rationale for techniques

�        is readily available for consultation during studio / lab

�        is patient with students

�        encourages students to seek their own solutions to artistic questions or problems.

21 Dec 2008     



alex1968
Greece

You have made a long and daunting list Aftab57!

Hope you don�t mind if I make a few comments..
.

�       
tries to learn students� names   (This I really make an effort to do...although surnames can take years to learn!!!LOL)
�       
never intimidates or embarrasses students  (This is hard to resist...when you have really mean Ss who consistently disrupt your class & that you want to take down a peg or two!!! LOL)
�        returns assignments in a reasonable time (This really needs to be defined!!!Big smile)
�        manages class time effectively  (Mmm...how often do carefully planned & timed lessons go out the window?)
�        is consistently well-prepared and organized for class  (mmm...have I mentioned that most of us are overworked and underpaid???)
�        tries to provide adequate individual attention during lab / studio  (and that classes are VERY BIG!!!  Some teachers have more than 30 pupils in a class!  And how many schools have lab/studios?)

And so the list continues...although I do have to agree with everything you mentioned...
But since we are not perfect teachers in a perfect world...
I think we�re doing pretty well!

21 Dec 2008     



orchiddl
Vietnam

Oh, logical ideas.
However they are not easy and perhaps we have to struggle all our life to follow.

21 Dec 2008     



faccom
France

AFTAB57, you are 100% right. So is Alex1968.

However, I�m keeping a copy of your list. I will probably need it from time to time for it is not always easy to be that good.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

21 Dec 2008     



orchiddl
Vietnam

I hear that students in Europe and America consider teachers as their friends. They don�t respect them, such as making their bow, greeting in a respectful manners like Asian ones. Is it right? 

21 Dec 2008     



sedefg�l
Turkey

When I was reading aftab57�s message, I got really anxious. It is not easy to have these gualities. I am being a teacher just for 3 months, It is more difficult to me to have them in a short time. even if I am trying to do my best, I want to improve myself a lot.

I want to ask you what are the clues that make easy your job better? what are the clues that meake your job easy? how do you organise your work in a day so that you are more confident in doing your job? Are there practical ways(any way that is technical, educational,enviromental etc.) that you apply in your classroom so that you have more effective time?

21 Dec 2008     



Vickiii
New Zealand

What wonderful lists you have all made.  I can see I am in trouble though - my handwriting is terrible! nearly stopped me from being a teacher - I put it off for 10 years because of this!  Thank goodness for computers and data projectors. 

My list is a lot shorter but I think still meaningful:

- Shows respect for students, teachers, themselves, ideas, and everything really.
- Teaches with intent - knows what they are teaching and why they are teaching this.
- Reflects on teaching
- Is a life long learner.

Cheers people.
Happy holidays to all.

21 Dec 2008     



aftab57
United Kingdom

I agree with most of the comments and the list should be seen as ideal to work towards over the years as you become immersed in your teaching. A great part of teaching is really about learning as a teacher and this is a lifelong journey.

22 Dec 2008     

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