What Makes a Good Teacher? Perceptions from Third and Fifth Grade Students

Abstract

Teachers are evaluated daily by their students. By examining students' criteria for teacher evaluation, teachers are able to broaden their existing base of understanding and develop a greater perception of the complex dynamics of the classroom. Because students at the elementary level have rarely in the past been asked their opinions, four groups of elementary students participated in this study. This study was conducted to determine whether third and fifth grade students had perceptions of "good" teacher and "bad" teachers and to see if they used similar criteria when evaluating teachers. Three themes emerged from the student responses: (1) personality of the teacher; (2) classroom management; and (3) instruction. The responses of the students indicated to that they find a caring teacher, who is supportive and encouraging to be the most positive. Students also responded that teachers who manage their classrooms without yelling or raising his or her voice were also extremely important characteristics. Overall, personal characteristics, such as patience with children, being willing to laugh with the students, and sensitivity were far more important to the students than any teaching strategy or other professional skill.