by Catherine Morris

Created on: February 04, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2011

As a teacher I continually consider whether I embody the characteristics of a good teacher. Reflecting on practice, evaluating events and circumstances, is surely necessary for success in all professions but perhaps more so in teaching, where the future prospects of young people may be improved or impaired according to the skills of their teacher.

Most people have an expert opinion on education as they have been to school and speak from personal experience. Some critics say there is a lack of discipline in today's classroom and that the teachers need to be more authoritarian figures. However, teachers who demonstrate such control in their classrooms may be intransigent megalomaniacs who are not prepared to alter in their stance, even in the most extreme of circumstances. In such classrooms pupils do not behave because they choose to but because are bullied into it. Rather, a truly effective teacher understands that positive teacher pupil relationships prevail and behavioural problems are less likely to exist in a classroom where learning opportunities are appropriately planned and resourced.

It is widely believed that the characteristics of a good teacher are varied. On the whole, teaching standards fall into three main areas; subject knowledge, ability to relate to young people and effective use of methodologies. An effective teacher should demonstrate ability in each of these categories. Subject knowledge is important as without it teachers cannot hope to deliver the requirements of the curriculum effectively. Demanding challenges in the classroom can do without the inadequacies of poor knowledge and understanding on the part of the teacher.

Teachers must be able to meet the needs of all pupils, from gifted and talented pupils who need activities which reach beyond average expectations to those with additional educational needs as well as those who do not belong in either of these categories. Positive pupil relationships form an important part of effective teaching. Building positive relationships brings out the best in pupil performance. If a pupil has trust in their teacher's judgment and demeanor they are more likely to have the confidence to ask more questions and have the willingness to improve their own work. Also, showing a genuine interest will encourage pupils to improve their levels of attainment and, ultimately, raise standards.

Effective teachers use a variety of methodologies

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