5 Traits You Should Adopt To Become A Good Teacher

Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher - aptly quoted in a Japanese proverb.

Teaching is one of the noblest professions for ages. Do you know why?

Because a teacher lays the foundation for students and shapes them into successful and responsible citizens of tomorrow. However, only good and dedicated teachers make this happen. And it is not a cakewalk to become a good teacher. It takes loads of commitment, patience, and empathy to be the one. If you aspire to become a teacher and are searching to know how to become a good teacher, this post is meant for you.

Footprints of a good teacher in our lives

Teachers are a whole institution of knowledge in themselves. From teaching what to count to what counts the most, they prepare us for academics and life akin. Good teachers develop bright personalities with the capabilities to lead the world in the future. They instill rational thinking, theoretical and practical knowledge, self-confidence, and life skills among students, making them powerful future leaders.

As recited beautifully in Sant Kabir’s couplet, “ Guru Kumhaar Shish Kumbh Hai, Gadhi Gadhi Kaadhai Khot. Antar Haath Sahaar Dai, Baahar Baahai Chot.” Good teachers do not give up on students until they polish them completely without being biased. This process demands immense patience and effort from teachers and students alike. Hence, it is not easy to be a good teacher.

(Image source: 4to40)

If you have decided to pursue your career in teaching, you must attain the major traits of a good teacher. You need to pour your heart and soul into this profession to justify your role. Teaching is a phenomenon with two imperatives - psychology and logical reasoning. In the next section, you will learn the must-have qualities of a teacher that help them bring positive outcomes for every student.

5 ways to learn how to become a good teacher

Let us jump in to find the most effective ways to become true role models for students by setting an example.

1) Setting objectives make influential teachers

Embrace interactive pedagogy techniques to create a healthy learning environment for students. A two-way communicating space encourages students to ask questions and clear their doubts to learn concepts in-depth. Teachers with effective communication skills and realistic goals for students develop influential and trustworthy relationships with them.

2) Assertiveness is the key

A good teacher does not confine her/his responsibilities to teaching but goes the extra mile to support their students. In this fast-paced world and complex lifestyles, students might have been going through rough times, anxiety, or depression. Be an attentive mentor and analyze what is distracting your students and fix it for them.

Remember that you are not just a teacher but a guardian as well. Sometimes students feel more comfortable sharing their pain points with an approachable teacher than with their parents. So be assertive and empathetic towards them and help them get out of it. Criticism or accusations may turn out to be detrimental, so better be careful.

3) Emphasize time management

Be objective with your lessons and teachings and invest your time in the right direction. Don’t be a narcissist or a chatterbox sharing out-of-the-context stories that disinterest students. Yes, it is always a good idea to share real-life examples to explain concepts. However, narrating your personal life stories is a big no. Respect your and your students’ time and utilize it to channel their minds into productive learning. Manage time to deliver maximum information in less time but effectively.

4) Include role play and multimedia pedagogy techniques in your class

Be a dynamic teacher who includes a wide array of resources to break the monotony in the class. Young students are a smartphone generation who do not show interest in boring teaching methods. Therefore, upgrade your teaching and use audiobooks, short films, role play, presentations, and VR technology to make lessons interesting and interactive for the learners.

5) Find a direction and follow

Cut the chaos and schedule your day and teaching sessions productively. Structure your lectures effectively by planning a day before the lesson. Make your to-do list or subject outline to include every important point with examples that students can retain easily. Break-down complex topics into several parts and plan how you can make them interesting and easy for the apprentices to grasp the basics. As a good teacher, you need to find a direction to make learning a joyful experience for students.

Concluding thoughts: A good student makes a good teacher

If you really want to be a good teacher, be a good and constant learner first. Teachers create doctors, artists, engineers, film directors, actors, or any other professionals so learning is the key. You ought to be updated about new foldings and methodologies in teaching and beyond. A teacher has to grab 360-degree information about every sector of industry to stay abreast of things.

Education