To be a great teacher

Most of us might have played the role of a student in our lives. But very few are lucky enough to be a teacher. Lives might have changed and world might have got sophisticated, but the position of a teacher is still revered. Here are a few qualities that would often make difference between a teacher and THE BEST teacher...

Be an example
A teacher should be the role model to his students. The way he dresses, they way he behaves would always form an impression on his students. He has to be careful even while choosing his words. And his character too would of course influence his students. He has to be soft with them, yet firm. He has to be jovial, yet professional. In one word, he has to be the one they love to be when they grow up- A matured human being!

Gives some space
Some teachers get so close to their students, and yet they know their limits. They are like a father who knows when to pamper his children and when to control them. This would give scope to their students to seek the knowledge without fear. This would give them an opportunity to raise any question and clarify any doubt... even at the personal level.

Clear in objectives
A teacher should be sure of the goals he wishes to achieve. He is fully aware that his job is not just to deliver a lecture. He knew that the role of a teacher is much more than that in the lives of his students. They have to learn things; they have to share their thoughts; they should get creative; they have to gain good results in academics; they have to polish their character. And the teacher should have a clear idea of what to do and what to achieve with his students.

Interested in each student
Every person is unique in his character and the truth suits to the students as well. Every student has his own way of learning things, facing problems and solving them. Some might be tough in behaviour and some might be tough to teach. Thus a good teacher should be expert in multi tasking. He should consider the students as a group AND as different entities at the same time.

Knowledge should be useful
The primary task of a teacher is to impart knowledge to his students. But he would be successful only if it looks as fun while teaching and important while learning. A lecture full of real life examples and anecdotes would serve that goal. A teacher can associate the subject to the lives of the students ONLY if he loves the subject and has command over it.

- Nirjara.