Abhinav Kumar

here 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 teacherâ??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 concept
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 â??busy workâ??
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