Great teachers are not born, but made. The process is long and arduous, yet the outcome is rewarding. What goes into the making of an exceptional teacher? What are the hallmarks of a great teacher?
Self-reflection: Great teachers consistently reflect on their profession and academic pursuits. They frequently ask themselves: Did my students learn anything today? Is there anything I could have done better? Was my pedagogic strategy appropriate and fruitful? Did I complete the tasks that I had planned? Did I collect my students’ feedback and analyze it? This introspection enables them to look back and forward, becoming better teachers. A teacher who does not introspect on their everyday academic pursuits lacks the propulsion to move forward.
Multidisciplinary: Exceptional teachers are multidisciplinarians and impart holistic education. While grounded in their respective disciplines, they are aware that knowledge is interconnected and undertake inter- and multidisciplinary projects. Apart from cognitive development, their goal is to transform students into well-rounded individuals connected to transcendent ideas, fellow human beings, and the ecosystem.
Research-oriented: They address real academic problems, converting them into research problems and striving to solve them efficiently. They collect both quantitative and qualitative data to test their research hypotheses. The practice of teachers finding answers to classroom issues through action research projects is commendable.
Experimental: Great teachers take risks in their academic ventures. They experiment with different methodologies to teach concepts, theories, or texts, even if these experiments do not always yield fruit. While some teachers shy away from innovation due to fear of failure, outstanding teachers are willing to ‘take the road less traveled by,’ despite potential challenges.
Use of technology: Great teachers are conversant with technology and ensure it complements their teaching. While the use of technology for academic purposes has become common, good teachers ensure it enhances learning. They encourage students to sign up for MOOCs and utilize online resources for academic enrichment, consistently updating themselves with the latest technology.
Interactive: They are community-oriented, sharing their success and failure stories with colleagues. They draw inspiration from peers regarding pedagogy and classroom management, contributing to a vibrant staff room environment.
Encouragement of student talk: Exceptional teachers believe in the efficacy of student interaction. They prioritize student interaction and encourage questions and discussions, realizing its importance in the learning process.
Social commitment: Great teachers have a strong social commitment, being conscious of their responsibility to protect the ecosystem and reach out to marginalized sections through education. They encourage transformative extension and outreach activities, aiming to create an equitable world.
Constant learning: They are lifelong learners, updating themselves through faculty development programs and ensuring curriculum relevance. They prepare students to face the future confidently by fostering a culture of learning.
Improvisation: Great teachers think on their feet, adjusting their teaching strategies and classroom management as needed. This skill is vital in today’s fast-changing world, enabling them to face unexpected challenges.
Great teachers constantly reinvent themselves, remaining vibrant and relevant to address fresh challenges.
