The Ideal Teacher
(incomplete)
The most important qualities of an ideal teacher, in order:
-. explains
subject matter coherently
-. is able to keep students' attention (at least
minimally)
-. maintains control of the class^
-. is knowledgeable about
the subject taught
-. offers more than can be learned by the book (e.g.
further explanation, related information, or illustrations)
-. maintains
focus on subject when teaching/lecturing (does not ramble or discuss irrelevant
matters)
-. is flexible and patient enough to deal with legitimate concerns
of students
-. does not cover material too briefly and quickly to appreciate*
-. covers material at a pace fast enough to avoid tedium*
-.
tests/assessments accurately reflect emphases of teacher and cover the material
learned
-. homework/classwork is useful and of reasonable difficulty
-.
does not make classroom excessively uncomfortable/uptight/strict^
-.
recognizes and admits errors/oversights when relevant
-. does not
start/assign assignments without completing/following through
-. grading
scheme encourages students to give reasonable and appropriate effort in each
category
-. does not alienate or offend students
* - related (pacing)
^ - related (control)
A good class experience consists of a good teacher and
interesting subject matter that I have not previously learned but am capable of
learning.