Qualities of a good teacher ”Survey Study”.x

Appreciating teachers

When asked what qualities describe a good teacher, students had plenty to say. From experience and good teaching skills to a sense of compassion and understanding, most students agreed that a good teacher or professor must retain a balance between being an authoritative figure and a friend

Soroush Rabe’ei, a student said that beyond having the knowledge needed in the field he or she is teaching, a teacher must have a tolerable personality

"They must be kind to students and allow room for flexibility," he said. "They must be patient and willing to answer students’ questions without getting irritated

Rabe’ei added that it’s important that an academic instructor acts not only as a channel of information, but also as a moral guide and friend. Bassam Akl, a mechanical engineering student, seconded the opinion

He said his favourite teacher, a maths instructor in grade 10, demonstrated both qualities
"A good teacher must be strict and lay down the rules when needed; but on the other hand he must also be friendly with his students and treat them with respect," he said. "In that respect I always looked to my teacher as my big brother

Teaching is a skill

The number one quality students said a teacher must have is the ability to teach. And that’s often easier said than done
"Many teachers have knowledge about what they’re teaching, but can’t impart the information to students," said Sara Al Madad, . "They mistakenly assume that because they know the information, the students know it or will easily understand it too

Tarek Abu Gali, another student, shared Al Madad’s opinion. Highlighting a trend where some teachers give low grades as they believe it reflects on their class as challenging, Abu Gali said a good teacher or professor must "give good marks where they are deserved

"An exceptional teacher must guide his or her students on the path to success," he said. "For example, he should give students notes and teach from those notes, rather than just give students the topic and let them go wander for information. Also, it’s good for a teacher to give students assignments and quizzes to help them prepare for the midterms and final exams. This way, a student can get used to a teacher’s testing style and know what kind of information to focus on

"An other student says a good teacher must be understanding and strict. They must be kind but still take on a leading role," she said. "They must understand all the difficulties students go through these days, both in academics and in their personal lives, and be able to associate with them on their level."