What Good Teachers Are Made Of?

"If a teacher REALLY did become a good teacher, she will be remembered by his students..."

This evening I was browsing on some old files in my data drive, when I spotted an old research paper which I passed to a professor in my university (I graduated from AMAU). I remembered back when I was still in college, he was a very good professor in an education subject in my university. He is a man that is quiet in his late 40's, with chinky eyes and glasses. He was very nice and approachable, but even so, he taught his subject clearly. Same thing as my other education teacher, an old woman, who had a motherly heart; very kind, understanding and gentle in her students. Well, back to that old research paper, it was about an article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, dating September 29, 2002. I would like to share everyone about this find of mine, hoping this would help other people, especially students who plan to pursue the field of education and my contemporaries from different parts of the world, to understand and think about the things that makes a good teacher...like me (well, sort of ^_^). One thing is for sure: if you've been a good teacher, you'll surely be remembered by your students. 



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“What Good Teachers Are Made Of?”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, issue of September 29, 2002:

     All of us had confronted so many teachers during our childhood. We had seen their different mood and styles of teaching. Some are industrious while others are slackers. Some are friendly and kind, while some are terrifying and unapproachable and others don’t care. Some are creative in style of teaching, while others are traditional and old-fashioned. Some are young, while some are old. Some are beautiful yet some are not that good-looking. They all have one obligation in this profession, to teach and convince us of things that we have to learn. And yes, we all rate our teachers according to our own criteria of judging; we judge and evaluate them as the best, the fair or the worst. But what really makes a good teacher?

     First is course competence. According to the article, a good teacher must first have mastered the subject or course he is teaching. For example, an English teacher should have the expertise on the English language, and that includes correct pronunciation, grammatical-correctness, choice of words and spelling. A Math teacher should have knowledge of mathematical formulas and answers mathematical equations correctly. This is the true substance of a teacher, looks and charm can never cover up inadequacy and incompetence. A teacher should know what he teaches, because everything that he teaches to the student, the student puts to mind. So if the teacher taught a student something which was erroneously explained, the latter will put to mind that what was told to him by his teacher is right, thus, leading to trash knowledge. A blind person can never be able to guide another blind person, because if he does so, they will both fall to a deep pit. Another requirement is a teacher should be able to answer the questions that her students ask. That’s why a teacher should be resourceful and updated to do some research every now and then. Also, he should be able to translate and expound complex explanations to a short, brief explanation to his students, in a manner that they would understand.

     Second is having pedagogical skills. It means that a teacher should be able to communicate with others in a clear manner. He makes his subject interesting; he utilizes different approaches which appeal to his students. He presents a good lecture, opening questions to mentally stimulate students. He provides a good interaction and relation with his students. Also he should be flexible, open-minded, original, bold, creative and has a good sense of humor. This entrances the teacher’s charm, making him more convincing and a good reputation among his students and colleagues. A teacher also learns from his students.

     Third requirement is understanding student development. It is a teacher’s responsibility to not only stimulate learning in their students, but also being responsible and hard work. He should be able to motivate his students to develop good study habits and to deepen their capacity of thinking, having more confidence, more patience and more self-esteem.

     Lastly, a teacher should have professional conduct. He should act professionally, serve as a good role model and have a good and clean reputation. He should be able to know his limits, understanding ethical distance between him and his students. He should act as a good leader, making the class work as a team. Also he shows sincerity and respect not only to his students, but to his colleagues as well. He should have dignity and integrity, being honored to be a teacher. It all goes under one word: commitment.

     I liked this article so much, for it was really inspiring and very educational. I am surprised when I found out that the writer given recognition for his excellence on her profession as a teacher. I learned so many things in this article; it is one of the best articles I have ever read.

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