Characteristic of good teachers: grade eight students’ perspective

Abstract

This research paper investigates the characteristics of good teachers according to the perception of grade eight students in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts. 100 grade eight students from various villages of this district were selected using random sampling method for this study. This study was carried out using qualitative and quantitative research methods at the centers of Special Intensive English Language Teaching (SIELT) prorgamme for three months. Through questionnaire, interviews, and discussions, the qualitative validity of this study was proved while the marks obtained by the students in term examinations in the particular teachers’ subject were analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that ability to explain lessons clearly, teaching subjects humorously, expressing love, gentleness and kindness, pleasant personality, encouraging students, and being flexible are the chief characteristics of good teachers and the students hate the teachers those who scold them frequently while implementing strict rules and regulation in the class. According to the survey, ability to explain lessons clearly is the most important characteristic of a good teacher. Also majority of the students feel that teachers should be humorous and they should express their love and gentleness in and outside the class instead of expressing harshness when interacting with them. It is noted that, even though some teachers are strict in the class, the students love them as they can explain lessons clearly. Thus, this study recommends certain qualities that should be developed by the teachers in order to provide child centered education as Educational philosopher John Dewey pointed out in his Utilitarianism theory.