The educational world of today’s society demands accountability from its teachers, because, teachers have possibly the greatest opportunity to shape a students life, not just in terms of knowledge but how they view themselves and interact with the society around them. The increased accountability has lead to the necessity for being able to identify and quantitatively assess the characteristics of a quality teacher. In its most basic form a teacher's primary purpose is to provide direction, motivation and knowledge to students ( , ), however the effectiveness of a teacher should not be determined by their ability to impart knowledge alone, the scope in which they achieve this is also of immense importance ( , ). While the effect a teacher can have on a student is undeniable, the dynamics of how a teacher produces an effective result, however, has been of vast debate (Jacobsen, Eggen & Kauchak, 2002; McBer, 2000; Killen, 1998). There has been an inability amongst academics (Campbell, Kyriakids, and Robinson, 2003; Muijs, 2006) to agree on a set or method for quantifying the characteristics of what makes a teacher effective. This stems from societies progression over time, as the needs of communities have shifted so to has what it deems necessary, and in turn what it requires from its students and teachers. Many theorists () have presented varying, yet interrelated, characteristics of what, at the time, was considered “effective practice” ( , , p. ), however, it would not be feasible to discuss all of these in the scope of this paper. The following aims to address the most frequently mentioned characteristics of an effective teacher including; being professional and proactive, Teachers that have a tertiary issued degree and belong... ... middle of paper ... ... J. (1998), The benefits of information technology, Syracuse, New York: Educational Resources Information Center of Information Technology. Remsden, P. (1992), Learning to Teach in Higher Education, New York, Routledge. Sullivan, C. (2001), Rewarding excellence: Teacher evaluation and compensation. Alexandria, VA: National School Boards Association. Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) (2009, July 7). The Most Effective Teachers Are In A Class Of Their Own. Retrieved October 23, 2011, from www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/07/090707210802.htm Shelly, G. Gunter, G. Gunter, E. (2010), Teachers Discovering Computers; Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, 6th Edition, Massachusetts, New York, Cenage. Carnegie, D. (n.d.), BrainyQuote.com, Retrieved October 21, 2011, from www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/dalecarneg156633.html
In 2010, Charlotte Danielson wrote an article, “Evaluations That Help Teachers”, for the magazine The Effective Educator. The purpose of this article was to explain how a teacher evaluation system, such as her own Framework for Teaching, should and can actually foster teacher learning rather than just measure teacher competence, which is what most other teacher evaluation systems do. This topic is especially critical to decision-making school leaders. Many of the popular teacher evaluation systems fail to help schools link teacher performance with meaningful opportunities for the teachers to reflect on and learn from in order to grow professionally. With the increased attention on the need for more rigorous student standards, this then is an enormous opportunity missed. Students can only achieve such rigorous expectations if their teachers can effectively teach them, and research has shown that teachers who are evaluated by systems that hold them to accountability and provide them for continuous support and growth will actually teach more effectively.
As I read these articles, I agreed with almost everything that was said. The Great Teacher Question: Beyond Competencies, by Edward R. Ducharme begins with a sentence that basically sums up my reason for teaching, “I begin this essay by defining a great teacher as one who influences others in positive ways so that their lives are forever altered” (Ducharme, 1991 p. 2). Over the course of a student’s education they will have many teachers, but there are maybe only one or two who are THE teacher. The teacher who impacts this child’s life in a positive way forever. The rest of the articles follow this same theme, suggesting ways that teachers can become THE teacher. One of the most important qualities I found in these articles (and one I
Kyriacou, C. (2001) Effective Teaching in Schools: Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. Nelson Thornes Ltd.
Both teachers and administration need to be held accountable for their actions and professional judgement (Erb, 2006). The success and change in students, is influenced by the changes and actions of the educators working directly with the students (Erb, 2006). Schmitt, focuses on professional development and student success. She expresses that to achieve high levels of student achievement, teachers need to first be skillful and knowledgeable in their methods. This also applies to schools making the commitment to continuously support teachers' ongoing learning (Schmitt, 2004).
What is good teaching? What makes a teacher effective? These are questions that are important for us to address in the education profession. They are necessary for the creation of teacher preparation programs and professional development opportunities. Often times when people attempt to answer these questions, they discuss student achievement on standardized tests.
Educators are put under microscopic analysis on their failures and success. Teacher’s only worries should be inspiring the next generation to have personal success in their education, which never truly
In today’s classroom, the teacher is no longer viewed as the sole custodian of knowledge. The role of a teacher has evolved into being amongst one of the sources of information allowing students to become active learners, whilst developing and widening their skills. Needless to say, learning has no borders – even for the teacher. One of the strongest beliefs which I cling to with regards to teaching is that, teaching never stops and a teacher must always possess the same eagerness as a student. Through several interactions with other teachers, I always strive for new ideas, techniques, teaching styles and strategies that I might add to my pedagogical knowledge. Furthermore, through personal reflection, feedback and evaluation...
Accountability for classroom teachers has made student achievement a very important topic in education today. Preparing students for the next stages of life, which is adulthood, is the ultimate goal for educators. The academic content that students learn
This paper will identify different definitions of an effective teacher, along with how to assess teachers for being effective. Teacher Effectiveness: Characteristics and Skills of an Effective Teacher. Teacher effectiveness has generated different definitions depending on how it is viewed. Jupp and Education (2009) define effectiveness as “the practical outputs of teachers”. These outputs take place in two different forms, quantitative and qualitative.
It is expected that the profession of teaching embraces many qualities of any other professional practice. Teachers must possess a combination of many qualities beginning with a strong academic background and wide-ranging knowledge. The National Framework for Professional Standards for Teaching (2003) it is the knowledge of students, curriculum, subject matter, pedagogy, education – related legislation and the specifically teaching context that is the foundation on effective teaching, and a firm foundation on which to construct well educated judgments.
Being a teacher is not an easy task as many people could think. To be a teacher does not only imply to know the subject to be taught, it also includes being willing to constantly improve oneself integrally, as much as updating the resources and materials one uses in teaching. Reflecting and analyzing over and over again the best way to teach to learn and how to make students to extend what has been learned. The many hours spend in the classroom will never be enough to plan lessons, prepare materials, review pupils tasks and exams, as well, all the administrative requirements one has to cover for whatever institution we work. Besides all this a good teacher, a professional one, will have to find the time to keep preparing to improve oneself.
Classroom management is a key element to establish a successful learning environment in any classroom. An effective classroom management plan creates a positive learning environment. Classroom management is affected by the characteristics of the students and their behavior. Students’ behavior is influenced by their age, academic abilities, goals, interests, and home backgrounds (Evertson, Emmer, and Worsham, 2006). Teachers need a diverse array of classroom management skills to facilitate learning. A classroom with a proper management plan will spend less time in disciplining and more time in learning. Students in effectively managed classrooms know and follow clearly defined rules and routines. A classroom management plan should provide for several important factors that influence proper discipline in the classroom (Edwards, 2004).
Clearly, we can pin-point a top-down approach that the government has integrated in the different levels over the years to shape our education system. With such teacher-centric developments flowing in, we can see that the emphasis is now on the stake-holders of the system – the teachers. From my perspective as a trainee teacher, the vision is achievable, however in some instances; I foresee an addition to the countless dilemmas that I would face as a beginning teacher due to the contradicting objectives of the different management levels. It is too simple to pass one-size-fits-all policies and assume it may be carried out in the same way in different schools due to the dynamic nature of schools and students. This essay will be a reflection of determining my role as a teacher and also to look at...
Teachers’ responsibilities are not limited to the instruction of the student; educators are also responsible for their wellbeing for a goo...
In order for learning to take place in the classroom the teacher has to put in place an effective teaching and learning strategy. Being an effective teacher is not something that can be achieved instantaneously but rather something that has to be continuously developed and improved upon over time. Petty mentions how good teachers are not born but rather make themselves and that effective teaching comes from learning from your mistakes and successes. Petty, p. 516, 2009. This process involves teacher reflection and assessment of the effectiveness of different teaching strategies used in the classroom. It is only then that teachers can learn and advance themselves.