Teachers play an important role in a person's life. Throughout my life, I have
come across many types of teachers. Many of them have inspired me and influenced
my life. Some are good at their job but some have made my life downright
miserable. What makes an effective teacher? First and foremost, he (or she)
must be knowledgeable in his (or her) own field. Pupils quickly lose respect for
teachers who are unable to answer a simple question or solve a simple problem
related to their field. They should also be honest with pupils if they do not
know the answer and make efforts to improve themselves.
Apart from that, an effective teacher should also be able to
impart his knowledge to his pupils. I once
had an Additional Mathematics teacher who was a genius but he could not tell us
clearly how he solved mathematical problems. Such a teacher is of no use to
pupils. An effective teacher is able to simplify a difficult concept and help
pupils to understand them. He is able to teach even weak pupils.
Furthermore, he should also continue to keep abreast
with the latest developments in his field and the world in general.
It is rather embarrassing when pupils seem to know more about what is going on
in the world than the teachers who seem contented using the same notes year in
and year out.
Moreover, an effective teacher is also a fair teacher. He does not show
favoritism among his pupils. He treats everyone equally regardless of creed,
race or intelligence. There is nothing worse than teachers who pay extra
attention to pupils who are more intelligent.
Finally, an effective teacher is also one who does not allow his personal
life to interfere with his work at school. He is able to put aside his worries
and concentrate on the task at hand in school. If a teacher is constantly
worried about his personal problems, he cannot be totally committed to his
pupils and such teachers are more ineffective.
Teachers play such an important role in a pupil's life. An effective teacher
is someone who is a role model - who not only educates his pupils but also
ignites and inspires them towards becoming wholesome individuals. |