ABSTRACT

This chapter provides three characteristics for successful teachers. First, these teachers put a high priority on creating a positive attitude toward their subject matter, as opposed to the usual goal of simply “imparting a certain body of knowledge”. The second ability is to tie other areas of knowledge into their own discipline, then relate this material to the student’s own experiences and current level of knowledge. This quality implies that the teacher is interested in diverse subjects and thus is a good model for self-learning. The third quality that good teachers have is a high regard for the student. When a student says something impressive, the teacher is truly impressed and, indeed, might learn something new themselves. Teachers with enthusiasm and the best of intentions frequently end up as mechanical dispensers of information and facts. The only real “superiority” the teachers have is extra knowledge in some interesting or useful discipline.