What Makes a Teacher Great - The Challenge of Teaching How to Teach

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Knowing that I own a start-up company specialized in Educational Services, we were approached by an Elementary School Owner requesting some services. We were asked to come up with a training program destined to their educators as they were now working on changing their methodology and approach in teaching. What was exciting about the nature of this work is the fact that we had the freedom to design everything from scratch on our own terms. They heard great things about our previous work and believe in our vision on education.

I jumped on the occasion, accepted the challenge and decided to start working on a program that would be unique. I have a month to be ready and these are the questions that I decided to answer before having a workable and efficient training program.

• What is the nature of children?
• Why do children attend school?
• What are the true children needs?
• How can a child integrate society?
• When and how can a child become self-reliant?
• What are the important skills necessary for that to happen?
• How can a teacher provide those skills?
• How should the teacher approach children?
• What is the profile of such a teacher?

I decided today to attempt answering the last question, as counter-intuitive as it may seem. The reason behind this choice is that I wanted to work my way backwards first from the perspective of the teacher before looking at it from the perspective of a child. I will then compare both results and see where it matches and where it does not. It will give me a better overlook and help me view challenges from both perspectives before reconciling the two in a program that takes into consideration various aspects.

I ended up settling on five important characteristics for the time being.

So without further due here is the list:

1. Humility.

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“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
― Ernest Hemingway

• Be aware that your learning never ends. Understand that you are also there to learn.
• Speak simply. Your goal is not to impress but to share knowledge and experiences.
• Respect your student’s interpretations and additions. They will surprise you at times.
• Be aware that the passion you exhibit for the subject you are teaching is not necessarily shared by some of the students.
• Embrace students who challenge your ideas and knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and divergent thinking.
• You are not expected to know all the answers. But what you can do is find out answers along with your students.
• You should want students to learn and even surpass you in knowledge. That is your purpose.
• Humility does not mean absence of critical assessment of students.

2. Patience

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“All men are made one for another: either then teach them better or bear with them.”
― Marcus Aurelius

• You should keep your main goals in mind at all times. Never allow disturbances derail you from your objective and purpose
• Being patient allows you to take control of the classroom without seeming authoritarian. You would stay approachable, respected and looked up to.
• Follow the children’s tempo, surf their wave and direct it gently towards the goals set. Observe, act smoothly without rush.
• Take the time explaining misunderstood concepts and ideas. Avoid getting irritated with student’s mistakes. You are there to serenely guide them through their struggles.
• Patience is a virtue and they will learn its importance from you.

3. Wisdom

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“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting It.”
― Aristotle

• Educate yourself on constant basis.
• Admit your mistakes in front of students.
• Do not lose track of your priorities in class. You are on a mission and you play a role in shaping and preparing these kids for the future.
• Be a good listener. Care to understand what the students say.
• Stay open-minded at all times. Expand the spectrum of light coming in to class.
• Help them see the bigger picture. Connect the dots when needed.
• Reflect on your past classes. Learning from experiences is extremely important.
• Use humor when the time is right.

4. Enthusiasm

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“Enthusiasm is highly contagious, so what are you waiting for? Contaminate your students”
― J.D. Crighton

• Be a guiding force that they can count on to go through roadblocks
• Lift students up when they are feeling down
• Function at high energy levels.
• Make quick and sharp decisions
• Encourage creativity. Do not dismiss out of the ordinary ideas or approaches
• Have faith in students. Believe in them and push them to explore themselves and different ideas.
• Be original. Make your class unique.
• Design classes that are flexible and adaptable without losing touch with your ultimate goals.

5. Compassion

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“Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them.”
― Bill Ayers

• Create trusting bonds between you and the students.
• Engage students. Help them lose their fears.
• Look after their emotional needs
• Include them in the group. Show them that you care about their lives and success.
• Be open and transparent.
• Mistakes are inevitable; make sure they do not fear being wrong. Absorb their mistakes and help them get past them.
• Be genuine and authentic. Students will relate to you and understand that you are there for their own good.
• Commit to their development and keep your promises.

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Please feel free to make additions in the comment section, your opinions matter and are of huge help.

Thanks for reading.
@mehdibca