Every profession has various qualities that its practitioners must possess to show that they are indeed carrying out the tenets effectively. To achieve the best results, we must always look for the most effective way to carry out any endeavour. The teaching profession is no exception to this rule.
Having an effective teacher makes the teaching and learning process more productive and beneficial to the learners. Being an effective teacher shows that deliberate efforts are put into ensuring that the cycle of teaching and learning is completed which leads to the students being able to transfer classroom knowledge into real-life situations.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 12 effective qualities expected of a teacher.
1. Strong Communication skill
One of the most important qualities that an effective teacher must possess is strong communication skills. Communication is how teachers transmit the knowledge of a subject matter to their students. This skill does not only involve speaking. It also involves the ability to encourage a response from the recipient of the information. Students must be able to understand what is being taught by the teacher and in return give feedback.
2. Intentional listening
Another great quality that a teacher must possess to be effective is intentional listening. This is important because students especially children communicate in various ways and the teacher must decipher the information being passed across, and properly examine and address the issues that are matters of concern to the students. Learners must be able to trust that they can talk to their teachers and be attended to.
3. Learner centered teaching
Education has evolved from being teacher-centred or content-based to being learner-centred because it has been discovered that the best way to rate the success of a teaching-learning process is if the learner can apply what had been taught in real-life situations. To teach effective, one must at all points put the learners into consideration so that learning indeed takes place.
4. Collaboration
It is very essential for teachers who want to be effective to be open to collaboration. No man is an island of knowledge, hence, the necessity for working together. The teacher must be open to working with other experts that will contribute to the most effective ways of teaching a new topic or addressing an issue that pertains to the students. Teachers are not just expected to pass on information but they are also expected to monitor their student’s well-being to ensure that they are at their best at all times which is why it is important for teachers to partner with parents and experts.
Teachers must also encourage collaboration amongst the students. This would foster team spirit and an understanding of good relationships
5. Patience
Teaching requires an inexhaustible amount of patience and calmness. Because of the uniqueness and diversity of learners, teachers must make sure that learners at every level are indeed learning. Teachers also need to be patient with parents so that they can properly communicate with them on matters about their ward.
6. Relationship with students
To teach effectively, a teacher must be able to connect with the students in a way that will allow for openness. Learners must be able to rely on a good and cordial relationship with their teachers. This relationship will help put the learner at ease which will in turn make it more enjoyable for the learners to learn. When a student who has a difficulty in a particular topic has a good relationship with their teacher, it is very easy for the student to open up about it and get help. A good relationship will also give room for the teacher to receive honest feedback from their students.
7. Lifelong learning
Learning is a continuous process. To stop learning is to start dying. Every human being must continue to learn, unlearn and relearn to remain relevant in present-day society. This applies to teachers as well. There is also a better way to teach a subject or handle an issue. New research is carried out every day and it would only be wise for a teacher to always keep themselves updated with the more improved ways of teaching. Curriculum and objectives must always be improved so that the learners are getting the best out of the teaching and learning process.
8. Firm classroom management
An effective teacher manages the classroom properly. Students must recognize the authority figure in the classroom and must be able to respect it without fear. The reward and punishment system must also be clear so that students are aware of what is expected of them, what they stand to gain from exhibiting good conduct and the consequences of bad behaviour.
9. Time management
A teacher must be a good manager of time. To ensure that students are getting the most out of the teaching and learning experience, the teacher must understand the role of timing and scheduling. Each lesson must have a specified timeframe which must be strictly adhered to. Recess time must also be made available and not tampered with so that students have time to recharge and be refreshed.
10. Subject matter expertise
To teach at all, one must have a level of understanding of the subject matter. To teach effectively, a teacher must have a sound, relevant, and updated knowledge of what is to be taught. James Stronge, in his book, Qualities of Effective Teachers, stated that “organizing time and preparing materials in advance of instruction have been noted as [among] the most important aspects of effective teaching. A teacher must prepare properly before teaching a lesson so that the students have correct and sufficient information on the subject. A teacher must not only read but must be able to break down the knowledge into practical steps so that the students can transfer the knowledge to solve real-life problems.
11. Exposure to ICT
The world has evolved into a digital dispensation. For anyone to be relevant in this time, they must be familiar with information and communication technology and must be able to utilize it in day-to-day activities. ICT has infiltrated every sector and has devised various alternative means for problem-solving. Education has also benefited from these improvements. Instructional materials, assessment, the record-keeping amongst other things have been digitalized. An effective teacher would find opportunities to update themselves and learn how to properly use what technology has provided.
12. Creativity
Variety is the spice of life. Principles don’t change but methods vary from time to time. Teachers need to incorporate more creative ways of teaching so that students have fresh experiences. From flexible sitting arrangements to creating something tangible to illustrate in a lesson, teachers should employ creativity, especially when dealing with younger learners. Creativity should not only come from the teacher but must b open to the students as well. Allowing them to use their imagination helps the lesson become more real to them. Creativity makes learning fun and engaging for learners.
Conclusion
Effective teaching is achievable. It brings about the best result which is why every teacher must ensure that they are giving their best to achieve it. The qualities explained above are salient and a great starting point for effective teaching.
Some other qualities include:
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Modelling good conduct
- Setting clear and achievable goals
- Passion
Be an intentional teacher and inculcate these qualities as you train future leaders.
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