what makes a good teacher

Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector DTLLS
Initial assessment –‘What makes a good teacher?’
This essay will discuss ‘what makes a good teacher’ and give a brief summary of key qualities needed to fulfil this job role.
I feel good teachers are considerate towards their learners. They begin each day with enthusiasm and optimism, putting aside past disappointments. They may not always do exactly what the students want them to do, but they consider the students ' point of view at every turn and act fairly and accordingly to different situations.
Good teachers are also knowledgeable and passionate about their subject area. Their Attitudes are contagious, which is an important element of any classroom where they can identify academic strengths and weaknesses. Platten, C. www.ldonline.org (accessed on 9/9/12) states ‘A good teacher helps the child realize there strengths and encourages the student to learn through those strengths.
To be a good teacher you also have to show students that you are able to be a good learner too. It is important that teachers have the integrity to show that learning is a lifelong process for everyone. I remember being really impressed with my sports teacher who always had a go at the creative tasks within anatomy and physiology lessons and I have now incorporated this into my own teaching. Having a passion for your subject is also important because enthusiasm is infectious to make a difference on student’s future aspirations. They also need to demonstrate respect and trust for students building up a good rapport for best results and work ethic in the classroom. To reinforce this previous point teaching.org (accessed on 9/9/12) suggests ‘a great teacher develops a strong rapport with students and establishes trusting relationships’. This can be achieved by having a good sense of humour that can give you imagination to differentiate with ease to capture learning.
Finally, good teachers are innovators. They are not afraid to try new methods and are not afraid to fail. When they do, they shrug it off, and try something else to keep students interested. Overall Wilson (2009) states ‘that good teachers act as good role models and develop interesting ways of delivering learning’. On concluding this discussion good role model teachers can be firm but at the same time approachable impacting the students learning. All of the above points can be the basis to get the best from your learners at the same time as giving teachers a constant developmental platform for continuous success.

References

Wilson, L. (2009) Practical teaching: a guide to PTLLS and DTLLS pp.4-6, 413-432 646-648,

Platten,C. (2003). What makes a good teacher. http://www.ldonline.org/article/5696 (accessed on 9/9/12)
Teaching.org. (2012).Top 10 qualities of a great teacher. http://teaching.org/resources/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-teacher (accessed on 9/9/12)

References: Wilson, L. (2009) Practical teaching: a guide to PTLLS and DTLLS pp.4-6, 413-432 646-648, Platten,C. (2003). What makes a good teacher. http://www.ldonline.org/article/5696 (accessed on 9/9/12) Teaching.org. (2012).Top 10 qualities of a great teacher. http://teaching.org/resources/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-teacher (accessed on 9/9/12)