How To Be A Great Teacher

Harry Palmer · August 17, 2004

I run a website where many of the students hang out and talk about school and all sorts of things. Something that is a recurring theme is how some teachers are about as creative as a stuck record when it comes to lesson planning. Many others have complained about their teachers. Since this seems to be quite a problem for these young people, I decided to ask them what they think makes a good teacher, and compile the results together in this guide, which will hopefully prevent teachers who read it from becoming another heated discussion on my site.

This guide is basically divided into two sections - how to earn the respect of your students, and how to make your classes interesting.

HOW TO EARN THE RESPECT OF YOUR STUDENTS - The Palmer way

There seems to be a common misconception among teachers that being respected by your students means that they "shut up and do everything you command". You could probably do it this way if you want, but I assure you, your students will despise your class.

The basic first step to earn their respect is to simply be nice to them. Now, this doesn't mean you should let them walk all over you, but it does mean you shouldn't walk all over them either. You will need to attain some sort of balance. First of all, if you are having a bad day (as we all do from time to time), the best would be to tell your class, so that they can be careful to not aggravate you. That of course doesn't mean someone won't annoy you, but if this happens then at least an angry outburst from you won't be completely unexpected, and since you announced it to begin with, the others should be more likely to accept your apology if you took it out on someone undeserving. Also accept that some of your students may be having a bad day as well, and treat them the way you would want to be treated in such a situation.

Encourage your students to call you by your first name instead of a more formal address. This creates a more friendly atmosphere and helps to do away with the idea that you're an authority figure over them, and will encourage them to be more open and friendly with you.

Try to get to know your students individually. Get to know what they like/dislike, their ideas and needs. This can be a lot of work, especially if you teach at a large school, but if you can grade all that homework and keep track of who the good/bad students are, you should be able to remember a few personal traits as well.

Be honest with your students. Especially when they ask things like "When will I ever use this in real life?". One thing a lot of students hate is when teachers tell them that it's important to know things.

Grade things on time. Just as you would expect your students to hand projects in on time, you should set the example by being timely yourself. If you don't grade things on time, then be sure to give your students the same leeway as well.

Don't censor yourself too much. Most students actually like a teacher that curses a little every now and then. On the other hand, don't attempt slang unless you're totally comfortable with it.

Stand up for your students. If you see them being pushed around or bullied by other students or teachers, try to end the conflict, or at least tell the attacker to calm down.

Once you've earned the respect of your students, be sure to keep it! Make jokes, fool around a bit when the time is right - try to keep it casual.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CLASSES INTERESTING - The Palmer way

Whenever possible, give your students choices as to what they would like to do and how they want to do it. For example, after covering a section of work, ask them if they'd rather write a test, have a discussion or do a worksheet on it. You could even divide the class according to what they'd rather do, and let them do that. This also counts for projects and papers. Try to avoid giving the whole class the same topic, unless you have to. Even then try to give them as much leeway as possible.

Try to come up with other ways of presenting things instead of sticking to lesson plans or text books. If you just stand in the front and lecture the whole time, the chances of anyone paying attention are slim.

Also, don't be too eager to offer help to a student, but do make it clear that if they want help they should ask. Some people like to figure things out for themselves, while others prefer to be told how to do it.

Don't place too much emphasis on keeping your class quiet. Some students will want to help each other or work together, this is a good thing. In fact, don't be the only one talking. Encourage discussion. Let your students interrupt you from time to time to discuss a point. Don't worry if you end up straying off the point a little, just to keep track of where you were and don't let it go too far. Allow students to move around and sit next to a friend, as long as they do all their work and don't cause major disruptions.

Don't worry about drinks or food in class as long as the class stays clean. If someone makes a mess, they should clean it up themselves right then and there.

Some people work faster and better if there is music. Since not everyone has the same taste in music, allow your students to listen to whatever they like with headphones on, as long as it's not too loud.

Let students start their homework in your class. This way it becomes more like classwork, and whatever isn't finished by the end of class becomes homework. This way whoever works quickly in class doesn't get homework. The other benefit of this is that you are still there to help them, should they need something explained. I have heard so many complaints by kids who sat up all night trying to finish some math homework that they didn't understand how to do in the first place. Also, be lenient - ask your students if they've already received homework for other classes, and how much of it. If they already have a lot, don't give more. The best option would be to just never give any homework, unless the subject in question is something like math where practice is needed.

A personal opinion... not perfect by any means but a useful starting point for discussion...

Neeranam · August 18, 2004

A personal opinion... not perfect by any means but a useful starting point for discussion...

Harry, a very useful starting point!

I think that you can't generalize like this.

I do agree with a lot you say.

I only agree with the food/drink in class if the students are adult, or in very very small classes, 2 or 3.

Be honest with your students. Especially when they ask things like "When will I ever use this in real life?". One thing a lot of students hate is when teachers tell them that it's important to know things.

In my experience, when you teach a student something and then say that you don't need it will not get any respect.

The only way to get respect is to give it.

Keep the classes FUN.

Don't let kids get what they want all the time.

Background music is great, but not 'look toong', but not in all classes.

Don't say that you know about Thai culture/language, even if you do.

It is very hard to get respect, if you work for one of the language schools when the secretaries don't wai the teacher, or even ignore them. What do you think the kids/adults think of this?

Justa few thoughts while my lunch is cooking.

If you go out with the aim of earning respect, you won't get it.

I presume you are talking about teaching in Thailand only.

How about discussing the differences between Thai students and others.

kenkannif · August 18, 2004

Harry mate, while I think you're a lovely bloke. You got to stop doing this without mentioning your sources (even when I do rip off Visa info from here I generally say so).

Naught boy: http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showpos...223&postcount=1

RamdomChances · August 18, 2004

Ken dont pick on him, Harry want the moderators job so he has to make a good impression

Ps you were a mod on the ajarn board were'nt you, they are after a Mod for this forum. Pm george if your interested

kenkannif · August 18, 2004

^ Only in the Plat room (I think I used my power once!).

I've sent begging letters to George and Huski

Sumitr Man · August 18, 2004

Harry and Ken mods! Now that really would be worth seeing...

Ijustwannateach · August 18, 2004

Ken for teacher mod? Sure! Harry? No, sorry. Suggest some of the old active teacher mods if they're lurking - geo and geecee come to mind.

"Steven"

kenkannif · August 18, 2004

And in a mutual sign of appreciation I think you'd be good as well. Bluebear also!

Martin · August 18, 2004

I was once quite often on the other end of this. I was Chairman of the Governing Body of some schools in Blighty and had to take part in appointments. The officers from the Education Department were full of very PC ways of making sure that every candidate was treated exactly equally and so on. But some pretty awful characters (who, I suspect, had studied the system and were getting good at 'working' it) often came out with the highest score. I simply refused to appoint anyone who didn't pass my personal test. That was to ask myself "Will this teacher care, and be kind?". That was what I wanted in any teacher of my own kids, so that was what I felt should be my criteria when appointing teachers for other people's kids. It surprised me how many failed my test. Do they let some into the profession who have very bad motives?

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

Harry mate, while I think you're a lovely bloke. You got to stop doing this without mentioning your sources (even when I do rip off Visa info from here I generally say so).
Naught boy: http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showpos...223&postcount=1

kk .... i had to come up with something that i felt would enhance my application...

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

Ken for teacher mod? Sure! Harry? No, sorry. Suggest some of the old active teacher mods if they're lurking - geo and geecee come to mind.
"Steven"

ijwt - well thanks for the endorsement... what have i ever done to you?

i feel that i have been really rather restrained on this board so why shouldn't i be considered for such an onerous position, i think it's rather unfair to shoot a chap down afore he's even been given a chance

MadFrankie · August 18, 2004

the LAST thing any teacher should be doing is encouraging plagiarism, you get thrown out of school for this?

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

the LAST thing any teacher should be doing is encouraging plagiarism, you get thrown out of school for this?

can you provide any evidence or hard facts for that statement or is it an 'opinion'?

MadFrankie · August 18, 2004

I think you will find that plagiarism is not accepted at almost all educational establishments Harry.

If you are a good a teacher as you say you are surely you would know this already. Anyway the only person a cheater, cheats.. Is themself

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

I think you will find that plagiarism is not accepted at almost all educational establishments Harry.
If you are a good a teacher as you say you are surely you would know this already. Anyway the only person a cheater, cheats.. Is themself

my motivation was pure in its intent, i know that my god will forgive me, the question is will your god forgive you

naja · August 18, 2004

Scholarship may be defined as plagarism redeemed with footnotes.

Harry may very well be on the way to becoming a scholar.

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

Scholarship may be defined as plagarism redeemed with footnotes.
Harry may very well be on the way to becoming a scholar.

i was searching for a similar riposte but you have saved me the effort, a gold star to you… ... i will be awarding them as part of my reward scheme here in this forum…

naja · August 18, 2004

Harry, shame on me.I've broken my cardinal rule:"always quote your sources"

An economist ,whose name I've forgotten,provided the definition in a book whose title I've forgotten.

I'll have to re-order my ginko biloba.

Harry Palmer · August 18, 2004

Harry, shame on me.I've broken my cardinal rule:"always quote your sources"
An economist ,whose name I've forgotten,provided the definition in a book whose title I've forgotten.

I'll have to re-order my ginko biloba.

personally i can live with your small oversight however there are zealots in this forum that may very well not, but then you are new enough not to have made any enemies... yet!