After watching Robin Williams challenge his class to think for themselves in the Dead Poets Society, I was left thinking about what defines good teaching. A few days later, I watched the State of the Union and listened while President Obama noted that a good teacher can increase the lifetime earnings of a class by $250,000. So, what is good teaching?
A post last year on one of our sister blogs, Sociology Lens, addresses part of this question by asserting that good teaching is about knowing students as people. In the post, Margaret Austin Smith draws upon sociological research to explain what she thinks good teaching is all about. Check it out here. But, we’d also love to hear from you—what makes a good teacher?
Comments 6
Joffer — January 30, 2012
It's really difficult to state what makes a good teacher, because there are so many different criteria upon which you can judge a teacher. In terms of instilling the knowledge and everything, factors like consistency and creativity are really integral but yes, I side with Margaret Austin Smith in thinking that what makes a teacher 'all-round' excellent is more about the particulars of their interactions.
It's about knowing enough about the child that you can contextualise your teaching, however seemingly abstract it might be, within the prior experiences of the pupils in the class. I remember reading a journal article about the teacher as 'prophetic trickster' - being able to open up opportunities for learning where they appear to be restricted, and being able to subvert and encourage critical thinking about things which might initially be taken for granted by the children.
And, hope it doesn't seem like a limp last point, but to be a good teacher you need to be affable. For lots of kids, you might be the only person outside the family, or the only person full stop, who they can come to depend on for support, learning and guidance. It's a huge responsibility and by being open and friendly, I feel teachers can offer opportunities for supportive learning.
Chalk and talk should be a thing of the past right, certainly if you are teaching arts and social sciences.
Anselmo Heidrich — January 31, 2012
I do not think the character of Robin Williams an example of a good teacher. Call students' attention to scenarios does not mean "teaching thinking", but to manipulate students. What does the teacher of the film in question? Send your students gets off the pages of a book. Now, books are not to be torn, even Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf must be read, understood and questioned. For the same mistakes are not repeated, the lessons have to be remembered and not torn.
Tim Nyseth, retired school psychologist — February 9, 2012
A good teacher teaches others but never ceases being a learner herself. A good teacher is knowledgeable but not all knowing, and erudite but humble. A good teacher presents all of the facts but lets students draw their own conclusions. A good teacher is amazed at both the grandeur of the physical universe and the worth of one human being, and conveys that understanding in everything she says and does. A good teacher sees potential and opportunity in everything.
Hollie Nyseth Brehm — February 9, 2012
Interesting point about memory, Anselmo. We certainly learn from our past, and disregarding it can be harmful. Due to the sheer volume of what exists in "the past," I wonder how we decide what things we should learn from/remember and what things become forgotten (and how much agency we have in that).
And thanks for your comments, Tim! :) :) We particularly like your point about a good teacher never ceasing to learn.
Kristin Haltinner — April 11, 2012
And good teachers are passionate about what they teach, the people they teach, and the world around them. Its about love, empathy, and passion!