Task 1 – List 5 qualities that a ‘good’ teacher should have and give reasons for your choices. Which of these qualities do you consider to be more important, and why?
1. Kind & Patient. A kind and patient teacher helps to maintain and develop both motivation and the student – teacher relationship. A teacher that has the patience to help with what some others may call a simple question earns respect and builds their reputation, which in turn helps to maintain motivation to classes and makes others students know that asking what they may think is a stupid question, will be treated with kindness and respect. A kind and patient teacher will acknowledge student weaknesses and take the time to assist them where necessary.
2. Good knowledge of the subject. A teacher with a good knowledge of the subject matter can teach better as they are the specialist in the classroom. Questions can be answered immediately and without reference to a textbook, and this gives the students more confidence in the teacher and this helps to maintain motivation and a confidence in what is being taught.
3. Lively and entertaining. A lively and entertaining teacher grabs and maintains the attention of the class, and makes learning a fun experience whilst maintaining or improving motivation. If the teacher is dull and boring the class will not pay attention to what is being taught and this will also reduce motivation. A lively and entertaining lesson engages and involves students, and makes it easier for them to become participants in the lesson rather than a spectator.
4. Passionate about teaching. A teacher that is passionate about teaching and enjoys the subject they are teaching makes for a better teacher as enthusiasm and emotion are contagious and will spread through the class.
5. Motivates learners. A good teacher that has all the above characteristics would be a good motivational teacher as they would be able to maintain and develop the motivation of