Qualities of Great Teachers
Shahadat
Hossain
Teaching is the most sacred and the noblest of all
professions. It is indubitably an act of complex nature. It is demanding, tough
and challenging. As to the importance of teachers, it will be apt to mention
two quotations. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his
influence stops” [Henry Brooks Adams 1838-1918: The Education of Henry Adams
(1907)]. “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working
together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” [Bill Gates
1955- : in Independent on Sunday 12 October 1997]. A Chinese proverb vindicates
the importance of teaching: “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember;
involve me and I’ll understand.” Teachers are greatly treated, loved and
revered in any nations.
Danielson
(1996) estimates that a teacher makes more than 3,000 nontrivial decisions
every day. No list can catch the extraordinary nicety involved in making
instant decisions about which student to call on, how to frame an impromptu
question, or how to respond to an interruption. The late Madeline Hunter
compared teaching to surgery, “where you think fast on your feet and do the
best you can with the information you have. You must be very skilled, very
knowledgeable, and exquisitely well trained, because neither the teacher nor
the surgeon can say, ‘Everybody sit still until I figure out what in the heck
we're gonna do next’” (Goldberg, 1990, p. 43). Nearly 40 years ago, Joseph
Renzulli, a leader in the field of gifted education, stated that the teacher is
the most important element in the success of programs for gifted students
(Renzulli, 1968). Samura Ibn Jundub Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) says, “No contribution is as great and dignified as
dissemination of knowledge. (Tabrani)”
Watching a great teacher at the top of his or her form
is like watching a great surgical or artistic performance. Although infinitely
difficult and painstakingly planned, great teaching appears effortless and
seamless. One can easily believe that it is the simplest thing in the
world—until one tries to do it. Below are some qualities I feel one should
strive to become a great teacher.
v
Great teachers have engaging personalities
and teaching style:
Great teachers
are men of strong personality. They consistently show great poise and
composure. Their enthralling teaching style gives them a firm footing in their
profession. They can’t force students to learn. They implant a strong sense of
patriotism in the students.
v
Great
teachers have good classroom management skills:
Great teachers are competent enough to address every
single affair of their class quite efficiently. They possess an unparalleled
convincing ability. They are task-masters in the moderate sense of the term. By
making their every student involved in the process of learning they get optimum
results from their class.
v
Great teachers set high expectations for all
students:
Great teachers
expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they
don't give up on underachievers. Norman Vincent Peale said "We tend to get
what we expect." Lady Bird Johnson once said, "Children are apt to
live up to what you believe of them." I would add that other people do
too. Great Teachers expect a lot from their students. And because they are
great in so many other ways, they usually get it.
v
Great teachers have clear, written-out
objectives:
Great teachers have lesson plans that give students a
clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the
grading policy is. Assignments have learning goals and give students ample
opportunity to practice new skills. Great teachers are consistent in grading
and return work in a timely manner.
v
Great teachers engage students and get them to
look at issues in a variety of ways:
Great teachers
use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask "why" questions,
look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They
ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to
engage the whole class, and they don't allow a few students to dominate the
class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.
v
Great teachers establish strong relationships
with their students and show that they care about them as people:
Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and
caring. They have a sincere interest in their students and have serious
intent to help students achieve. Teachers with
these qualities are known to stay after school/college and make themselves
available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in
school-wide/college-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a
commitment to the school/college.
They take their
job seriously and know they aren’t just employed to get students to be able to do
higher math/understand the intricacies of science, but do well in
life. They realize that achievement isn’t just a good grade on a test, but a
feeling of accomplishment with mastering a subject; they are willing to work
with a student for that feeling.
v
Great teachers communicate frequently with
parents:
Great teachers reach
parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don't
hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about
a student.
v
Great teachers have positive
mental attitude:
Great
teachers are able to think more on the positive and a little less on the
negative. They keep a smile on their face when things get tough. They see the
bright side of things. They seek to find the positives in every negative
situation. They are philosophical.
v
Great teachers are role
models:
Great
teachers are the window through which many young people will see their future. They
are fine role models.
v
Great teachers
are creative and inspirational:
Great
teachers are able to motivate their students by using creative and
inspirational methods of teaching. They are different in their approach and
that makes them stand out from the crowd. Hence the reason why students enjoy their
classes and seek them out for new ideas.
Great
teachers help the students realize their potential. Furthermore, they help them
to grow, to find their talents, skills and abilities.
v
Great teachers have good presentation
skills:
Great
teachers know that their students are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic
learners. They are adept at creating presentation styles for all three. Their body
language is their main communicator and they keep it positive at all times.
Like a great orator, they are passionate when they speak. But at the same time they
know that discussion and not lecturing stimulates greater feedback.
v
Great teachers show calmness:
Great
teachers know that the aggression, negative attitudes and behaviours that they see
in some of their students have a root cause. They know that the students are
really scared young people who have come through some bad experiences in life.
This keeps them calm and in control of them, of the students and the situation.
They are good at helping their student de-stress.
v
Great teachers are good
evaluators:
Great
teachers are aware of their student’s skill sets and abilities. They are
able to teach without getting to far ahead of their students’ abilities. They
are able to stimulate the student to the next level of progress. They know when
to push their students and when to back off and give them space to contemplate
on their own.
v
Great teachers are
organized:
Time
is precious and many don’t have the luxury to spend large amounts of time
learning something new. Great teachers make sure to think ahead of anything
they might need and be prepared so that they are able to focus on the learning
experience.
v
Great teachers
are flexible:
Many times
things don’t go according to plan, if something is not working, great teachers re-group and try a new approach. One of the tenets of teaching should be that everything
is in a constant state of change. Interruptions and disruptions are the norm
and very few days are 'typical'. Therefore, a flexible attitude is important
not only for their stress level but also for their students who expect them to
be in charge and take control of any situation.
v
Great teachers show
confidence:
Great
teachers can instill confidence in the student. The student will be assured
that what they are learning is valuable and accurate. If a student senses that the
teacher is not confident in himself, he will doubt his abilities to teach.
Great teachers trust their judgment.
v
Great teachers
are well-balanced and keep
their ego in check:
Creating
balance in our lives is critical. Great teachers need to have
a good balance in their mind, body, and spirit. When they neglect a certain
aspect to their being, its effects spill over and sabotage their efforts.
Great
teachers are accountable and admit their mistakes. They are always aware of the
fact that teaching is a very fulfilling and rewarding experience if they don’t
let their ego get involved.
v
Great teachers are humble:
Great teachers speak plainly. They don't need
to impress with their knowledge. They are comfortable with what they know and
eager to learn what they do not. They do not show off/puff. As the tongue
twisting adage goes, "He who knows not and knows he knows not is a wise
man. He who knows not and knows not he knows not is a fool." Great
teachers are modest about their knowledge.
If a great teacher is asked a question to which he
does not know the answer, he promises to find out, and then does. He knows he
is not the only one able to facilitate learning. He is grateful for the
opportunity to help just one person gain knowledge. Great teachers want their students to learn
even to surpass them in knowledge. They are never arrogant.
v
Great teachers are patient:
Great teachers are patient with their students, no
matter how many mistakes the student makes or how many times the teacher needs
to explain. The wonderful thing about practicing patience is that it benefits the
one practicing it as much or more as the one it is practiced upon. Being
patient is indicative of self restraint and discipline and demonstrates a
quality in a teacher that will likely be emulated in by the student.
But patience greatly benefits the student too. When I
think of tremendous patience I think of the Great Teacher Anne Sullivan
teaching Helen Keller. Helen was unruly, disobedient and much closed to
learning when Anne was hired to teach her. Through gentleness, perseverance –
indeed patience – Anne provided
an environment that coaxed Helen to reach her potential. Helen not only learned
but exceeded all expectations.
Consider Helen Keller's words, "The most important day I remember in all my life is the one
on which my teacher, Anne
Mansfield Sullivan, came to me." What gratitude in a special student
patience has wrought, and what learning! It is unlikely that most people will
often encounter students as difficult as Helen Keller. But all will do well to
remember the trait which brought about such great learning and accomplishment
in Anne Sullivan's young student – the quality of patience!
v
Great teachers are kind, forgiving and
respectful:
Great teachers know the value and worth of each
person. They try to understand the student and his perspective. They have
empathy. They try to 'get into' the other fellow's shoes and 'walk a few
miles'. They respect their peers and their students. Great Teachers esteem their students as valuable, even
if they are much different than themselves, less educated or in a lower
position. They recognize that they too were once in the place of apprentice.
Bad teachers demand respect. Great teachers treat their students with
respect and thus earn the respect of them as well.
Great
teachers must be able to get past hurtful actions or accusations quickly. They
must not hold it against any student or let it impact how they teach in the
classroom. Teachers do not make enough money, but great teachers are willing to
donate time and/or money to help out in areas where a need is recognized.
v
Great teachers show not tell:
Great teachers may explain a concept but they
demonstrate it too. They look for ways to bring examples in the classroom,
board room, and studio or basketball court. When they are not able to
bring in examples they draw pictures or diagrams. They think of other creative
ways to express knowledge and assist in their students' understanding. They
take time to explore new tools.
v
Great teachers learn from their students:
Great Teachers know they do not know everything. Part
of what makes them great teachers is that they too are willing to learn. They
are not threatened by a student's thoughtful question or outstanding aptitude.
They do not take it personally when a student asks 'why', wants more
information or challenges a fact. They know that real learning occurs when
people question, think and make a subject their own. They know they are
encouraging learning for a lifetime, not just for a semester grade, one
athletic event or one company presentation. Great Teachers are life-long
learners themselves. They gain knowledge and wisdom from those they teach.
v
Great teachers are positive, humorous:
Great Teachers believe in themselves. They believe in
others. They look for the best in both and their attitude reflects it. They are
positive, not negative. They know that a great sense of humour reduces barriers
and lightens the atmosphere especially during heavy periods. Great teachers smile and make students smile.
Smiling offers many benefits. It makes one look more
attractive. It can alter one's mood. Scientists speculate it can relieve stress
and possibly boost the immune system. But one really good reason for a teacher
to smile is that it is contagious and conveys a message of personal bonding and
encouragement. This facilitates just the right learning environment for most
people. This is why great teachers smile.
v
Great teachers provide a warm environment and
allow their students to make mistakes:
Great Teachers realize that mistakes often precede
great learning. Thomas Edison once said of his many failed attempts to prove
something, "I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is
another step forward." Great teachers understand this too.
Against the backdrop of a supportive environment,
great teachers encourage risk taking and accept errors. The Great Teacher Coach
encourages the young athlete to take the shot. Who knows if he might make it?
The Great Music Teacher lets the young pianist try a harder piece that he
aspires to learn. Perhaps the teacher's initial assessments are wrong and he is
capable. The Great Parent Teacher is probably the most important teacher
of all. He allows his children to make choices and live with the consequences.
He knows that experience often provides more memorable lessons than lectures
ever could.
Great teachers do not say things like, "You're
not really cut out for this." "This is not your thing." They
realize that students soon learn their own limitations and do not put false
ceilings up for them. In this regard teaching of Jesus (PBUH), the Great Teacher
elicits an important fact that all should remember: “Knowledge is nothing
without its companion, wisdom, and wisdom comes from God.”
v
Great teachers maintain professionalism in all
areas:
Great teachers uphold professionalism from personal
appearance to organizational skills and preparedness for each day. Their
communication skills are exemplary, whether they are speaking with an
administrator, one of their students or a colleague. The respect that great
teachers receive because of their professional manner is obvious to those
around them.
v
Great teachers have grit and
they are fearless:
Great
teachers must possess the grit necessary to make the personal sacrifices
necessary to ensure that every goal is reached every year. They must be willing
to try anything within the parameters of school/college
policy to reach their students. They must also be ready to defend their
approach to criticism.
v
Great teachers grow consistently:
Like any other profession, teaching undergoes constant
change. The past 30 years have seen a marked rise in education research and the
emergence of solid information about teaching and learning. Great teachers
remain intellectually alive and open to responsible change grounded in theory,
research, and practice. Dozens of specific and well-researched techniques are
available today to help all learners—particularly reluctant learners and those
with disabilities. Since the late 1970s, all of the following areas of
education knowledge have developed and become worth exploring: technology;
character education; rubrics; closing the achievement gap; standards;
cooperative learning; diversity; assessment and evaluation; multiple
intelligences; reading instruction; curriculum reform; and bilingual
education/structured English immersion.
The much-used phrase “lifelong learner” really does
apply. Although any great teacher must wisely decide what is worth pursuing and
how to maintain high standards, only a Luddite would ignore the potential of
new methods for using technology, research on the most effective strategies for
reading instruction, or current cooperative learning approaches.
Of course, content knowledge is an important area of
growth. Outstanding teachers continually grow by taking college and in service
courses, reading professional literature, and engaging others in serious
conversation about school/college issues. Often, the finest teachers serve on
education committees.
v
Great teachers use instructional methods efficiently:
Great teachers use a variety of instructional methods
that they feel comfortable with. Within the same school or college, you'll find
different teachers getting brilliant results using such methods as
mini-lectures and interactive lectures, problem-based learning, cooperative
groups, and multiple intelligences approaches. No single teaching method or
approach works best for every teacher with every student.
We know, however, that research and experience
strongly support some instructional approaches over others. The best teachers
select from the methods that are well researched and widely practiced at their
grade level or within their subject area, and become expert in several that fit
their style and the needs of their students at that time.
v
Great teachers keep positive relationships with other adults:
Too often, we undervalue the amount of time that
teachers spend with other adults in a school—other teachers, administrators,
and parents. Great teachers work well with each of these groups. Besides, they
seek out mentors of their own to enhance their knowledge and skills.
They depend on other teachers as a constant source of
information, enrichment, and sometimes solace. From study circles to faculty meetings
to such rare moments as receiving an award or attending the funeral of a
student, teachers need to stand by one another. Outstanding teachers quickly
become recognized as school leaders, whom other teachers admire and turn to for
advice or collegial sharing.
The best teachers also find ways to work harmoniously
with administrators and to show administrators how they can support teachers.
For example, the teacher may point out areas of the curriculum that need
attention and coordinate or offer to serve on a committee to explore solutions
to a problem.
Great teachers also emphasize on keeping parents
informed about their children's progress, and they sensitively help parents
understand their children's problems. These teachers understand that the lack of
a strong partnership between teachers and families may undo many of their best
efforts.
v
Great teachers show consistent excellence in their
performance:
Greatness in teaching requires constancy of excellent
performance and emotional maturity year after year. That does not mean that the
teacher never has a bad day, or even a bad week. In fact, most great teachers
have had critical periods in their life and career. The best teachers get
divorced, become ill, have problems with their own children, need to attend to
aging parents, and have other personal affairs to the same extent as other
professionals. They also have both mild and serious professional disagreements
about new curriculums, teaching methods, assessment techniques, and materials.
But great teachers have the good judgment required to balance these problems in
a way that reduces fluctuations in classroom performance.
Some teachers are able to classify personal and other
issues; others require a short period of break to handle nagging problems. The
best teachers consistently find ways to integrate new methods in an
ever-changing profession into their successful practices.
v
Great teachers
are understanding:
Great teachers
have a true understanding about how to teach. They don’t have a rigid technique
that they insist on using even if it doesn’t help the students learn. They are
flexible in their teaching style, adapting daily if need be. They understand
the little things that affect our ability to learn; the weather, the
temperature in the classroom, the time of day. They have an understanding of
human nature and the maturity (or lack thereof) of teenagers. Great teachers know
that the students hate to be called “young” and therefore pre-judged. They
treat them as real people, not just “students.”
v
Great teachers
have dedication to greatness:
Great teachers
want the best from their students and themselves. They don’t settle for poor
grades, knowing it reflects upon their ability to teach just as much upon a
student’s ability to excel. The best teachers encourage the sharing of ideas
and offer incentives (like not having to do homework for a day) to get students
to think outside the box. They don’t tolerate students’ badmouthing other
teachers, doing their best to point out that other teachers are human too. They
encourage students to be good people, not just good memorizers of text. They
want students to learn and be able to apply what they learned, not just be able
to pass tests.
v
Great teachers
extend untiring support:
The best
teachers know that everyone is able to do well if they have the right teacher. They
don’t accept that a student is a gone cause. They encourage the student if he
is frustrated and provide true belief that he can get the material. They stand
up for individuals against other students, not allowing for in class taunting.
Sometimes, they even extend this outside the classroom, although taunts in the
hallways are very hard for teachers to combat. The best teachers are there if
you need extra help and even encourage it.
v
Great teachers feel
proud of their student’s accomplishments:
The best
teachers let the student know they are glad he got a good grade or improved the
image of the society. They smile and tell him that he did a good job. They tell
other teachers about how he did so nicely. Outside he may feel embarrassed, but
inside he is glowing. The best teachers don’t single out the best students
either. They celebrate the accomplishments of everyone, knowing that everyone
is capable to doing well. They are upbeat and positive, focusing on how a
student did well, not how well they taught. They may know that it was the
strength of their teaching that helped a student to achieve, but they act as if
the student is completely responsible.
v
Great teachers
have passion for life:
The best teachers
aren’t just interested in their subject, they are passionate about it. They are
also passionate about many other things. They praise good weather and smile
when they take a few minutes to discuss the victory of national cricket team or
last night’s episode of a popular TV show. They have an energy that almost
makes them glow and that you want to emulate as much as possible. They approach
tasks with a sense of challenge rather than routine. They take the universe’s
curve balls and turn them into fun if possible. They are human, certainly, but
they make you feel that there is always a reason to carry on. Things will get
better no matter how much they appear to suck at that moment.
In addition to
the foregoing, great teachers are into true to the ethics of teaching. Besides,
they are not intimidated by parent-advocacy and are comfortable with the
unknown. They always adopt holistic approach with a view to producing future
leaders and champions of many noble causes.
[Shahadat
Hossain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Govt. Haraganga College]
Suggested
Readings:
i) Oxford Dictionary of Quotations and
Proverbs
ii) Teaching of English edited by Kadambari Sharma and
Tripat Tuteja, published by Commonwealth Publishers, 1994
iii) Teaching of
English by Mohammad Aslam, published by Foundation Books, 2003
iv) Available
Internet Resources
References:
i) Charlotte
Danielson-An Education Consultant of United States of America
ii) Medeline C.
Hunter (1916-1994)- An Educator of United States of America
iii) Joseph
Renzulli (July 7, 1936- )- An Educational Psychologist of United States of
America
iv) Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007)- Former First
Lady of United States of
America
v) Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)- An author
and a progenitor of “Positive Thinking” of United States of America.
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