WHAT MAKES A FAVOURITE TEACHER

How can we influence our students?

Certainly, any student has a favourite teacher because of the belief that his or her teacher has a pleasing character. There are many subject teachers teaching in elementary, secondary and college levels and all of them have their own ways of teaching their lessons. However, one is simply amazing and ideal before the eyes of a student. Oftentimes, a favourite teacher is not only according to one or two students’ preference, but also the whole class's. In connection to this, there are reasons why a teacher is admired by his or her students and why he or she becomes a popular educator and a role model.

When I was still teaching in my hometown university, I received tokens from my students during teacher’s day. It was a one-day celebration for all teachers. Normally the students were the ones who organized this activity. Teachers were called on stage and students gave cards, flowers and gifts to them. Let me say that those teachers who were popular received more tokens than those who were unpopular. Well, the high school students are basically looking up to someone who can influence them to learn in the classroom and to achieve good academic performance. They listen attentively to their teacher, behave in the class, participate in classroom activities and do their homework well. The motivation to perform better is greatly attributed to having a favourite teacher. Mostly, a favourite teacher is remembered by the students for the rest of their lives as they also keep in mind less those teachers who have not touched their lives. Therefore, at schools, even if there are many educators whom the students meet, there is but a particular teacher who gains the fondness of his or her students.

Based on my observation, a teacher to be well-liked by the students does not need to be good looking or beautiful physically. Some learners consider the physical factors of their teachers; however, this is just very superficial. Any teachers do come to school in a well-dressed and dignified manner, but the most essential character that the students look into is the one which is pleasing and positively influential, especially when they tend to idolize someone who is passionate and caring and who can guide them to the right direction.

Another area to consider  is the skill of a teacher in terms of imparting the lesson. Do you use the traditional method in teaching? Well, the new generation of students today are critical. They know exactly if their teacher uses the old style of teaching, if their teacher is updated and if their teacher knows what he or she teaches. Smart students would even test their teacher, that is, when they ask question, they specifically want to discover how the teacher will handle it. The students always appreciate their teacher who can make a math or physics class spirited.  A dynamic class is a “talk of the campus” in addition to what the students say vocally -“my teacher is great and he is my favourite!” A difficult subject, in other words, seems easy for them.

Being understanding and patient makes a difference. A teacher who understands the predicament of a student gains respect in return. Consequently, an understanding teacher also shows his or her patience. During my first two years of teaching, I was idealistic when it comes to discipline. I set my classroom rules for my benefit. I realized that drastic discipline had never resulted into an effective classroom management. Honestly, I earned respect but out of fear towards me. There is a difference between a “voluntary respect” and a “forced respect”. What I am trying to state is that, patience and understanding are basically imperative in teaching. For many years spent in teaching, the qualities of a teacher are harnessed and like gems, they become better and best; and they become conspicuous. To be patient and understanding, a teacher has to be in a specific situation where he or she can be flexible and sensitive to the needs of the learners.

Friendliness is one character which draws the students to be closer to their teacher. On the other hand, a teacher must be aware of familiarity. It is good to share a little of your passion or interest but in a way that you consider reservation. A defined and conscientious friendliness towards the learners must be fully understood; otherwise, you will turn the class into a fan club. Let me emphasize that a favourite teacher is not “trying hard” to get the favour of his or her students. The fondness of students shown is a natural process. It is based on their teacher’s personality like the confidence, skills, attitude, etc.