Christy Melton
AGSC 325
September 30, 2006
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Characteristics of an Effective Teacher
Teachers have a very important role to play. They are constantly watched, critiqued, spoken about, either loved or hated, and the one with complete control. Fortunately growing up, I learned at an early age that it takes much dedication and commitment to become an effective teacher. An effective teacher reaches out to their students and gets involved. They are caring and always concerned about the benefit of the student. With an effective teacher, their actions definitely speak louder than their words. They prove to their students that they want to be a part of their education. They want to be remembered and somehow without doubt, they are. They impact their students’ life and cause a change in behavior that in turn, causes learning.
There are five very important characteristics that create and determine an effective teacher. The first is Clarity. Clarity is crucial in the success of learning because the teacher’s ability to communicate to their students much be clear and precise. Children do not learn things they cannot understand. The teacher must speak on the students’ ability level whether it be in a kindergarten classroom or a graduate course at Texas A&M. Clarity is the number one factor in improving learning. If the topic and assignment is not clear the task at hand will not be accomplished.
The second characteristic is Variability, and this technique makes learning real. It makes things happen and makes it fun! Variability could be taking students on a field trip, using skits in class, playing learning games, incorporating group work into a subject, or even hands-on experience. On the other side of variability, some teachers prefer to only lecture and never have any fun outside class. Two examples of teachers that use different varieties of teaching are Dr. Chester Darcy versus Dr. Joe Townsend. They each have their own way of teaching and they are comfortable with that style.
The third characteristic is Enthusiasm. For me, this is a big one! I always have a better time learning from a teacher that is excited and happy to be teaching versus a boring, drab teacher. Enthusiastic teachers are passionate, caring, exciting, fun, unpredictable, and concerned about learning in the classroom. Teacher enthusiasm motivates students to become involved and participate in the activity-taking place. I feel that enthusiasm is critical for the students and the teacher because it gives each of them something to look forward to.
The fourth characteristic is Task Oriented and Business-like Behaviors. This is important for the students because if the teacher is not on task and organized. There will be no organization and learning occurring. This is where planning and guiding helps in lesson planning. Business-like behaviors are very important also. The students must obtain much respect for the teacher and know the difference between the two. This is most important in young fresh teachers. Sometimes students do not respect the younger teachers as much as say the teachers that have been around for 20+ years. This characteristic is mostly crucial for the teachers’ career.
The final characteristic that I believe is important is the Opportunity for the Student to Learn. The ability to focus and concentrate on the various types of learning styles. An example of this would be for the student to have time to think and re-evaluate the material just learned. It gives the student the chance to actually understand what exactly is going on. It is a good idea to allow the students a few minutes at the end of class to reflect on what they have learned.
Teachers can teach a variety of ways, but it is important they understand why the following characteristics make a classroom “tick.” I know that it takes these characteristics to be a successful teacher and I can only hope that one day I will impact students with these characteristics in order to be successful.