Characteristics of Effective Teachers

I will discuss the five characteristics of effective teachers.  They are clarity, enthusiasm, variability, task-oriented and giving students the opportunity to learn material.

Clarity greatly impacts the effectiveness of the teacher.  The teacher must speak clearly using language, examples, and illustrations appropriate for the student’s knowledge level.  I recall my first experience with a professor who had a foreign accent.  Despite difficulties understanding her speech, I was able to learn because the computer class was hands-on.  The class watched her demonstrate the steps on the overhead screen then replicated the steps ourselves.  In addition to using good illustrations and examples in class this professor presented the information in an organized, step by step, manner. This enabled the more knowledgeable students to work quickly through the assignments while those with questions could receive one-on-one with the instructor or even other students.

Right behind clarity I believe enthusiasm is a very important characteristic for an effective teacher to possess.  It would seem obvious that a teacher would be enthusiastic about the course he or she teaches but more so to be enthusiastic about teaching.  As the saying goes enthusiasm is contagious.  A teacher who approaches his or her class with enthusiasm will create a positive learning environment in which even those least interested will be glad they are in the class.  Each day then provides an opportunity for the student interest level to be increased and learning to occur.  For me, my most recent experience of an enthusiastic teacher was Dr. Reed.  His funny words and facial expressions along with crude drawings made the difficult topics easier to understand and learn.  His enthusiasm for teaching and the subject matter created in me the desire to never miss class.  Can one be too enthusiastic?   

An effective teacher presents lessons in a variety of ways.  I, myself, am a diverse learner. I learn best by hearing the teacher explain the material while I follow along on an outline, jotting notes.  Discussing the information with others, or better yet, role-playing greatly increased my ability to retain the information.  I participated in a youth ministry training program and experienced these methods first hand.  One drawback to this is creating two much stimulus and/or overwhelming the student with information/activities.  Too much activity can create problems not only for the student but also for the teacher. 

Another characteristic of an effective teacher is giving a student opportunity to learn the material.  As a young student a homework assignment with a passing grade was evidence that I had learned the material presented in class.  As an adult this brings to mind my experience as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.  I taught skin care classes.  In my training I learned the participant would only “hear” 30% of what I said.  During the presentation the participant would give themselves a facial while I spoke stopping about every three sentences to ask a question.  The questions prompted the participant to think about the activity and the information received.  One of the most important parts for me was closing the sale.  I had to ask for the sale and then remain quiet waiting for the participants to reply or ask a question.  In this example my “students” had the opportunity to learn by doing, by listening, by reflecting, and by asking questions.  If I had been successful at “teaching” they would see the value in the product I was selling and would make a purchase.  By using various methods of learning and specific criteria to evaluate the students progress teachers give their students opportunities to learn the material.

            The teacher who is task orientated will be focused on student learning by providing well planned lessons, using appropriate teaching methods, and guided teaching-learning activities.  Being focused and behaving in a business-like manner creates a professional appearance for the teacher, but overdoing it can have a negative effect.  Teachers need to be flexible and approachable.  In my experience as a youth minister and volunteer religious education teacher even the best laid plans can go hay wire and students need to know you care.