Five personality aspects, the right knowledgemake an effective teacher
If you were asked by a friend interested in teaching, “what makes you unique?” I am not sure most teachers could quickly answer this question without some intense thought. The most likely responses would be, “I am not sure” or “I love teaching accounting to students, watching them learn.”
The truth is that most teachers take their skills or knowledge for granted when presenting information to students. Just as with any career field, there will be some who are more talented than others.
If there were a successful formula for teachers to follow, it would include various aspects of personality and knowledge.
Numerous factors are associated with influential teachers who are focusing their educational careers at the college level. It helps to see your work as being somewhat fluid, changeable, and adaptable to new technologies, as well as teaching methodologies.
The classroom can be anywhere now. College settings are not always bound by brick and mortar locations and a row of seats. The key is not to identify yourself by your work. Instead, look at yourself as the manager of a bundle of talents that travel with you in various settings.
Here are five personality aspects that combined with the right knowledge make for an effective teacher.
Use this list as a tool for your career and to remind yourself what you do well.
Listening. Teachers who are great listeners always convey a sense of care. They care about the types of problems, questions, or concerns students raise during a classroom. Trust develops when students are listened to with attempts to understand.
Flexibility. The best-laid plans can be changed when glitches show up during online classrooms or unexpected changes happen. Having a relaxed personality often forms a calm environment for students who observe how you deal with change positively. Teachers must make numerous adjustments daily, and having a flexible nature, one who adapts easily, is a plus.
Passion. Students can tell immediately when a teacher loses their passion in the classroom. Teachers love to learn. That is one of their intrinsic attributes passed down to students in motivating them to learn. Passionate teachers have an energetic drive that keeps them searching for new teaching models and a curiosity to discover knowledge.
Leadership. Teachers have different styles of leading classrooms. Some teachers are direct in their approach, while others encourage discussions. The ability to change leadership styles with each class indicates teacher selfawareness and a strategic vision of sharing knowledge.
Encouragement. Students want feedback about their work. Teachers who encourage creativity with an open personality and acceptance tend to bring out the best in students and are usually the most memorable. When students are unsure of their majors at a college level, they often look towards their teachers for encouragement to keep seeking their goals and moving forward.
Regardless of industry, every employer seeks professionals who stand out from the crowd and distinguish themselves as experts in their field.
Teachers who display an attitude of wanting to improve their knowledge, supported with an excellent plan to help students grow, will always have opportunities.