Florian K.
Professional Teacher
What makes a good teacher?

This is an interesting question because it can have a generic answer but I also think people have different preferences. I've had students who like humor in class and some love someone who is more serious. A good teacher for me is a reliable teacher, someone who would love to see you improve over a period of time. In addition, a good teacher is flexible because a teacher cannot always be humorous or serious, he/she must know how to adapt to different kinds of students. Teaching is a job that requires being sociable and responsible at the same time.


Since Italki is a learning site, I am interested to know your thoughts about this.

What makes a good teacher? What is your definition of a good teacher?

May 28, 2019 11:10 PM
Comments · 13
2
This question reminded me of the movie dead poet society. Loved that movie.
I think a teacher should be empathetic, knowledgable and enthusiastic about the subject. They should love their subject that is how they will make it interesting. 
On italki, I think it is crucial to be open and have expert communicative skills. They should have outstanding listening skills and listen to the non-verbals signs as well. I don't know if it happens to other teacher but sometimes the student doesn't talk because he/she is an introvert. You have to be prepared, nonjudgmental and organized with your questions. And willing to share laughs. Laughs are so important.

May 29, 2019
2
In my humble opinion, the most important two things a teacher needs are honesty and modesty, these are the means to build trust and respect between teachers and their students. Everything next would be accepted and understood, either good or bad, sufficient or lacking
May 29, 2019
1
Never underestimate the power of charisma. 
May 29, 2019
1
@Sara I agree, a teacher must be sensitive to students because there are different types of personalities. Introverts usually has difficulty expressing themselves. 
May 29, 2019
1
That's true students do it too. The one difference is they are only harming their own learning that way and teachers have the recourse of asking for payment on that lesson anyway with italki policies. As a student who gets cancelled on, your only recourse is to cancel a package and then lose the discount per italki policy even when your cancellation is due to an unprofessional teacher.
May 29, 2019
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